Launched in 2019 at a price of $4,999, the Pro Display XDR by Apple came without a stand, which could be purchased separately for an additional $999. Despite significant advancements in display technology over the years, the original Pro Display XDR has remained unchanged. While there is limited information available, a few small hints provide insight into Apple’s potential future developments.
Apple Silicon Chip
The Studio Display, released in 2022, offered a unique feature not found in most displays: it was equipped with an A13 Bionic chip, enabling advanced features such as Center Stage and spatial audio.
Conversely, the Pro Display XDR, which debuted three years earlier, lacks an Apple Silicon chipset. However, a report from Bloomberg in 2022 suggests that Apple has plans for this in the next generation of the display:
Apple is developing several new external monitors, including an updated version of the Pro Display XDR that was introduced alongside the Intel Mac Pro in 2019. However, it’s likely that the next high-end display will be released after the Mac Pro, as its development is further along than that of the monitor.
These upcoming displays — similar to the Studio Display that launched alongside the Mac Studio — will feature Apple silicon. This would allow the monitors to utilize fewer resources from the connected computer.
If this two-year-old speculation proves accurate — especially with Gurman indicating that the display is still in development — we may anticipate the inclusion of an Apple Silicon chipset in the Pro Display XDR 2.
This advancement could enable the Pro Display XDR to incorporate built-in cameras and speakers, elements that are currently absent.
Quantum-Dot Display
Display analyst Ross Young has stated that Apple is expected to incorporate quantum-dot films in the next-generation Pro Display XDR, akin to the latest M4 MacBook Pro:
With Apple integrating [quantum dot] films into the MacBook Pro, it will be intriguing to see if they replace KSF films and KSF phosphors in additional Apple products. KSF films are currently used in earlier MiniLED MacBook Pro models and the Mac Pro Display XDR. We anticipate that the forthcoming version of the Mac Pro Display will feature this technology.
It remains uncertain whether Apple will adopt mini-LED for the next Pro Display XDR, which currently utilizes a premium IPS panel with local-dimming zones. Additionally, there are no solid details regarding the refresh rate, though a 120Hz panel would be ideal, especially since MacBook models have included this feature for over three years and the Pro Display XDR is priced above $5,000.
Other Rumors
Last year, supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that Apple plans to unveil a 27-inch miniLED display in 2025. Although this likely does not pertain to the Pro Display XDR, which features a 32-inch size, Kuo refers to it as a “high-end monitor,” making it a point of interest. He claims this model will be slimmer and have narrower bezels.
Furthermore, reports from DMN indicate that Apple is developing a display with a 7K resolution, which could potentially be featured in future iterations of the Pro Display XDR.
Expected Release Date
Display analyst Ross Young has shared insights with DMN, predicting that the Pro Display XDR 2 may launch in late 2025 or early 2026, although no definitive information is available yet.
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