Apple introduces updated Studio Display with Thunderbolt 5 connectivity

Apple on Tuesday announced new MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models, both powered by its latest chips, along with a new lineup of displays. That new display family includes a $1,599 Studio Display and a $3,299 Studio Display XDR.

The new 27-inch displays feature upgraded cameras and improved connectivity.

Both models include a 12MP Centre Stage camera, which Apple says delivers improved image quality. They also support Desk View, which shows both your face and an overhead view of your desk simultaneously.

The Studio Display features a 5K Retina panel with more than 14 million pixels, 600 nits of brightness, and support for the P3 wide colour gamut, which covers a broader portion of the visible colour spectrum than standards such as sRGB.

The displays include Thunderbolt 5 ports, allowing them to connect to accessories and support daisy-chaining of up to four displays. Apple says a Thunderbolt 5 Pro cable is included in the box. There is also a three-microphone array and a six-speaker audio system with Spatial Audio. According to Apple, the updated speaker system delivers bass that is 30% deeper than the previous generation.

The higher-end Studio Display XD features a 5K Retina XDR display with a resolution of 5120 x 2880 and a mini-LED backlight, ht and more than 2,000 local dimming zones. It can reach up to 1000 nits in SDR and up to 2000 nits in HDR, and offers a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio. It also supports the Adobe RGB colour standard.

That model also supports a 120Hz refresh rate and Adaptive Sync. In addition, it includes DICOM medical imaging presets and a Medical Imaging Calibrator, features Apple says make it suitable for medical environments. Apple noted that the Medical Imaging Calibrator on macOS is still awaiting FDA clearance and is expected to become available in the United States soon.

While the standard Studio Display includes a tilt-adjustable stand, the Studio Display XDR also supports height adjustment.

Apple says both displays will be available in standard glass and nano-texture glass configurations.

Preorders begin on March 4, and availability starts on March 11.