Apple’s next-gen Studio Display might not ship with a 120Hz ProMotion mini-LED panel as initially rumored. It’s reportedly still in development though, and the monitor could debut in 2024 or early 2025 with all the features of a “high-end monitor.”
Apple’s current 27-inch display features a 5K 60Hz panel. With its next upgrade, it could switch to a mini-LED backplane for thinner bezels.
Apple’s rumored 27-inch display will pack high-end features
Apple was previously rumored to work on a 27-inch ‘Pro Studio Display’ with a 120Hz mini-LED panel. But in a tweet, Display analyst Ross Young claims Apple has killed the monitor. However, he did not specify the reason behind the product getting shelved. And a rival source of insider Apple info disagrees.
A few hours later, Ming-Chi Kuo shared his predictions for Apple’s next 27-inch display based on his supply chain checks. Presumably, the monitor will be the second-gen Studio Display, replacing the one that debuted in 2022.
The analyst claims the monitor should enter mass production in 2024 or early 2025. It will boast all the features of a high-end monitor, including a narrow bezel, thinner panel, and a long product lifespan. Apple will achieve this by using mini-LED and switching the backplane material to glass.
Update on the rumored new 27" Apple display predictions:
1. It's slated for mass production in 2024 or early 2025, boasting all the features one would expect from a high-end monitor.
2. Utilizing mini-LED technology, and the most notable design change is to switch the material…— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) April 11, 2023
A cheaper alternative to the Pro Display XDR?
Apple’s Pro Display XDR packs all the features you want from a high-end monitor, including a 32-inch mini-LED panel, 6K resolution, and a 1,600 nit peak brightness. But with a starting price of $4,999, it is out of reach of most customers.
The 27-inch Studio Display starts at a much more affordable $1,599 but ships with a smaller 27-inch panel. Its brightness also tops at 600 nits and misses out on HDR support. Plus, it features a built-in FaceTime camera with Center Stage support, a six-speaker sound system, and studio-quality microphones.
Given Kuo’s track record, it is likely Apple’s next 27-inch monitor will only debut in 2024 or early 2025. There were rumors of Apple working on a more affordable alternative to the Pro Display XDR. The company’s upcoming 27-inch display could turn out to be just that.
