In 2019, Apple unveiled the Pro Display XDR, pricing it at $4,999, excluding the stand, which is available for an additional $999. Since then, despite numerous technological advancements, Apple has not made any significant updates to this model. While specifics are scarce, there are a few minor clues that hint at Apple’s potential plans for the display.
Apple Silicon Chip
Launched in 2022, the Studio Display holds a distinct advantage over many monitors thanks to its A13 Bionic chip, enabling features like Center Stage and spatial audio.
In contrast, the Pro Display XDR, which debuted three years earlier, lacks any Apple Silicon integration. However, a Bloomberg report from 2022 suggests that this is an area where Apple is actively making improvements for the next generation:
Apple is in the works of developing multiple external monitors, including a refresh of the Pro Display XDR that was launched with the Intel Mac Pro back in 2019. It’s anticipated that the high-end display may launch post the Mac Pro due to its advanced development stage.
These upcoming monitors, similar to the Studio Display released alongside the Mac Studio, are expected to feature Apple silicon, which will lessen the reliance on the host computer’s resources.
If this two-year-old rumor proves accurate—and given that Gurman indicated the display was lagging in development—it stands to reason we can anticipate some variant of Apple Silicon in the Pro Display XDR 2.
This enhancement could enable the Pro Display XDR to feature built-in cameras and speakers, capabilities that are currently absent.
Quantum Dot Display
Display analyst Ross Young has indicated that Apple is expected to incorporate quantum dot films in the upcoming Pro Display XDR, similar to those used in the new M4 MacBook Pro:
With Apple’s adoption of [quantum dot] films in the MacBook Pro, it will be fascinating to see if this technology replaces KSF films and phosphors in additional Apple products. Previous Mini-LED MacBook Pros and the Mac Pro Display XDR utilize KSF films. We anticipate that the next iteration of the Mac Pro Display will embrace this change.
It remains uncertain whether Apple will transition to mini-LED for the next iteration of the Pro Display XDR, which currently utilizes a superior IPS panel with local dimming zones. Furthermore, there is no solid information regarding refresh rates, though it would be beneficial if it featured a 120Hz panel, especially considering MacBooks have offered this for over three years while the Pro Display XDR is priced at over $5,000.
Other Rumors
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo noted last year that Apple plans to launch a 27-inch mini-LED display in 2025. While this likely does not pertain to the Pro Display XDR, which is 32 inches, it’s worth mentioning as Kuo describes it as a “high-end monitor.” He suggests that this display will be thinner and have slimmer bezels.
Additionally, reports from DMN indicate that Apple is exploring the possibility of a display featuring 7K resolution, which could be a fit for a future Pro Display XDR.
Release Date
Display expert Ross Young conveyed to DMN that he anticipates the Pro Display XDR 2 will arrive in late 2025 or early 2026, although concrete details are still lacking.
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