The Apple Studio Display XDR (starting at $3,299 / AU$5,499) is a massive upgrade over the original and is easily the best monitor the company has made yet. By merging its Pro line with its consumer-oriented Studio Display, Apple has managed to give creative professionals the best of both worlds in a familiar form factor.Unlike the larger Pro Display XDR at 32 inches, the new Studio Display XDR is a 27-inch, 5K monitor that looks almost identical to the standard Studio Display. However, the monitor’s new Mini-LED panel is the star of the show, delivering an impressive 2,000 nits of brightness and much deeper blacks.The other big upgrade with the refreshed Studio Display and this new XDR model is Thunderbolt 5 support. In addition to an upstream Thunderbolt 5 port, you also get a downstream port for daisy-chaining multiple Studio Display XDR monitors or connecting premium accessories like high-speed, external SSDs.The Studio Display XDR delivers on the visual front, but its six internal speakers and 12MP webcam have also received a significant upgrade. Powered by the A19 Pro chip found in the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, the camera now supports native Desk View, while the redesigned speakers offer 30% deeper bass.However, some old frustrations remain: you can still only connect one Mac at a time, and you’re paying a $1,700 premium over the standard model for that 120Hz ProMotion panel with Mini-LED backlighting. To soften the blow, Apple finally includes the tilt and height-adjustable stand — or a VESA adapter — free of charge.My Studio Display XDR review will help you decide if this premium monitor is the right display for your needs or if you’re better off leaving Apple’s ecosystem for a cheaper option with similar specs.
