New Studio Displays: No Intel support – and a 120 Hertz problem
Apple has finally revised its Studio Displays. A 32-inch model was removed without replacement. Otherwise, users need to pay attention to the details.
People with two new Studio Displays.
(Image: Apple)
Apple's new Studio Display screens, which the company has updated for the first time after three years, are by no means perfect. This is not only due to the still very high pricing but also to the form factor and the technical details.
Old Macs are left out – despite old panel
A look at the specifications shows that both Studio Display 2 and Studio Display XDR are only compatible with Apple Silicon machines – i.e., Macs from 2020 with M chips. Apple does not (or no longer) lists Intel computers in its compatibility list. Apple does not provide any information as to why this is the case. With Apple Silicon Macs, it starts with the Mac mini with M1 from 2020 – so it doesn't seem to be due to Thunderbolt deficits. Apple has not sold Intel machines for a long time, and macOS 26, alias Tahoe, is also the last operating system that runs on these computers at all.
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In addition, there is criticism of the panel in the Studio Display 2: apparently, Apple is simply continuing to use the old model, which is outdated with 600 candelas and no HDR, as well as a 60 Hertz refresh rate. Two Thunderbolt 5 ports with 96 watts are new, as well as improved bass reproduction (Apple: “30 percent deeper”) and a Desk View mode for the 12-megapixel webcam. Not even the stand has been changed. Height adjustment is still not possible without paying an extra 400 euros. At 1700 euros, the device is still high-end in terms of price.
Studio Display XDR is too small for professionals
With the Studio Display XDR, which replaces the Pro Display XDR, Apple does give users a new panel with 120 Hertz, Mini-LED backlighting, and HDR playback (up to 2000 candelas). However, it also has only 27 inches, like the Studio Display (2). Many professionals would have wished for a larger screen diagonal. At least 3500 euros for a 27-inch display is also not a bargain. However, the Pro Display XDR (32 inches) recently started at 5500 euros (Apple price) – without a stand, which had to be purchased for 1100 euros. This is now included and even height-adjustable. If you need a Vesa mount instead, you have to select it when purchasing, and Apple simply omits the stand (at the same price).
The Studio Display XDR newly supports the DICOM Medical Imaging standard for radiological imaging, meaning it can be provided with color profiles suitable for radiologists – which, considering the prices of specialized monitors, could even be a bargain. The 120 Hertz that the Studio Display XDR delivers do not work on all Macs: According to Apple, it must be at least a Pro, Max, or Ultra M chip – and only from the M2 onwards. All other devices only support 60 Hertz. Apple is pleasing in terms of recycling: The outer packaging of Studio Display 2 and Studio Display XDR can now be folded up after the device is removed so that it fits more easily into the wastepaper bin.
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