You can make video calls using the webcam, microphone, and speakers that are built right into the device. The monitor comes in a few different configurations, including a tilt-only stand and a tilt and height-adjustable stand. However, since neither stand can be removed to wall-mount the display, there is also a variant with a VESA mount adaptor. Additionally, you have the option of replacing the usual glossy reflective glass with nano-texture reflective glass with a matte finish.
Apple Studio Display review: Design
The A13 Bionic chip, a six-speaker sound system, a triple-mic array, and a built-in 12MP ultrawide camera aren’t features even the top monitors on the market have. All of that is contained in the Apple Studio Display, a sleek, polished slab of metal and screen that features a 27-inch, 5K panel that is encircled by a bezel that is just over half an inch thick. The Display is 24.5 x 18.8 x 6.6 inches and weighs 13.9 pounds; however, if you choose a model with an adjustable stand, the weight increases to 16.9 pounds and the height ranges from 18.8 to 23 inches. We must confess that the mechanism for moving the Display’s height up and down feels smooth and easy to operate, yet durable enough to survive for years, as much as I detest that you have to pay $400 for this seemingly fundamental feature. The Studio’s camera, which is incorporated into the top bezel’s centre, regrettably lacks a physical privacy shutter. Three microphones and six spatial audio-delivery speakers—four force-cancelling woofers and two tweeters—are also integrated into the display. These studio-quality microphones, according to Apple, are so good that you won’t regret recording your upcoming demo track in front of a monitor. You can buy this monitor from its official website
Apple Studio Display review: Refresh Rate
The two features HDR and ProMotion, which the Apple Studio Display should offer, are brought up as a result. The former is particularly puzzling because HDR is available on iPhones, iPads, and Mac laptops. It’s unfortunate that the display doesn’t support local dimming without HDR. The latter is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, which is subpar compared to other Apple products like the iPhone 13 Pro series and the 14- or 16-inch MacBook Pro. These have 120Hz adaptive refresh rates and ProMotion technology. Spatial Audio isn’t always a great experience here, despite the fact that the display speakers are far better than those on other systems. However, it’s the reason that Apple and many other companies make headphones.
Apple Studio Display review: Connectivity
It may be clear that Apple Pro Display XDR, which was previously mentioned, is the Apple Studio Display’s main rival. But that wouldn’t be accurate. These are two quite different displays, with the latter being larger and offering more features than the more recent model at an incomparably higher price. Instead, I’d recommend the LG 27 Inch UltraFine 5K IPS Monitor, a genuine rival to the Apple Studio Display. The LG display is perfect for editing pictures and videos. Even better, it has Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, indicating that LG developed it with the best MacBook in mind. And it costs $300 less than the base Apple Studio Display, which is even better. Its lack of a huge Apple branding on the back, though, might be enough to convince customers to pick Apple’s display over this one.
Apple Studio Display review: Features
The Apple Studio Display is one of the more fully equipped monitors we’ve evaluated because it has a lot going on within. There is a built-in webcam, top-notch speakers, and what amounts to the basic iPad’s internals, including an A13 Bionic chipset and 64GB of storage. Though you wouldn’t really know there is internal storage and a fairly capable chip inside, don’t get overly thrilled about those specs. For example, you cannot store files on the Apple Studio Display or use AirPlay to stream straight to it (both of which are excellent ideas that I would love to see implemented). Instead, it appears that these guts are there to support software updates as well as additional features like Center Stage for the webcam and Spatial Audio for the speakers.
Apple Studio Display review: Controls
Even if you accept its standard form-over-function Apple-ness — no physical buttons, no readily accessible ports, having to pay extra for a height-adjustable stand, etc. — it will still be pricey for whichever group of people it is intended for. It might have been either an affordable mainstream display with a webcam and speakers for a Mac Mini or MacBook Air, or a more expensive color-accurate monitor for the Mac Studio and MacBook Pro that would have cost closer to $1,200. It costs more to try to be both at once.
Apple Studio Display review: Performance
Positively, the speakers are excellent. The audio has a good balance of bass and spatial audio, and it is clean and sharp. Four force-cancelling woofers and two high-performance tweeters make up the total of six speakers. Although there isn’t quite enough bass to make it a wonderful monitor for audio listening, it is great for watching movies and TVs programming. I watched the Apple TV Plus programme Foundation, and the monitor accurately portrayed the show’s thunderous audio. Although speakers are often included in monitors only to check a box, they feel like a crucial component in this case. Although Windows is supported, Windows laptops have had trouble connecting (you won’t receive Spatial Audio or Center Stage). A Razer Blade 17 Pro, for example, charged but wouldn’t generate an image, and there is no way to fix the problem because there are no onscreen menus or options accessible on the Apple Studio Display.
Apple Studio Display review: Price
On March 18, the Apple Studio Display will be available for purchase, but you can already place a pre-order on Apple’s website. The price starts at $1,599 but rises to $1,899 if you want a Display with glare-reducing nano-texture glass. The Display is available with a stand or a VESA mount for mounting on walls and monitor arms. However, the default stand only allows for a 30 degree backward and forward tilt of the monitor, making it challenging to create an ergonomic workspace. For an additional $400, you may purchase a Studio Display with a tilt- and height-adjustable stand. I’m well over six feet tall, so I’m really appreciative that Apple sent us a Studio Display evaluation unit with basic glass and the improved height-adjustable stand. The same display is available for $1,999, but it’s frankly incomprehensible that Apple, a company that prides itself on emphasising high-quality, well-designed products aimed at simplifying customers’ lives, is unable to sell a display without adding a $400 premium for the ability to adjust the height.
Apple Studio Display review: Final Words
There are nine reference modes on the Display, some of which are remarkably bright. However, there are no HDR (high dynamic range) options due to the underlying lighting technology. We experienced no problems using the ordinary finish glass in our review unit in a typical studio atmosphere, therefore we don’t think the nano finish is cost-effective unless your area is exceptionally bright. Similar to how the basic stand on our test model complemented the size of the paired Mac Studio, The Studio Display has six speakers total, four force-cancelling woofers and two tweeters, as was already established. The most recent iMacs and MacBook Pros have similar setups. The Studio Monitor’s audio quality is far superior to that of earlier iMac generations, and it doesn’t let you down.
