Today, Apple finally announced a refresh of their Studio Display, With pre-orders beginning tomorrow, March 4, 2026.

My reaction?  Damn.  You.  Apple.

I’m certainly not mad that they have refreshed the Studio Display.  I’m still rocking my LG – UltraFine 27  IPS LCD 5K monitor from 2020 because the 27” Studio Display Apple released in 2022 offered almost no New capability over with my LG offered.  What I’m mad about is that the standard version of the refreshed Studio Display still isn’t much of an upgrade.

I would get tighter in integration with iOS than my current LG monitor, better speakers, a better camera, and the Thunderbolt 5 ports.  That’s.  It.  All this for the price of $1599.00 – provided I don’t need height adjustment.  If I do, The new price becomes $1999.00.

BUT…there is now an XDR version of the Sudio Display:

The XDR version offers actual improvements in both hardware and capabilities.  The XDR version is a true pro display — mini-LED contrast, HDR, 120 Hz motion handling, and wider color gamuts make it especially interesting for video editing, HDR workflows, gaming, and high-end creative content…but it’s $3299…for a freakin’ monitor?!?!  On the plus side, if you do order the XDR version, you automatically get the stand which both tilts and height adjusts.  Though I do wish you could save $500.00 and just get the tilting versions.

After I peeled myself off the ceiling, I started comparing the Studio Display XDR to the 2019 Pro Display XDR.  You remember that one right?  32” 6k display for $4999.00…plus the infamous $1000.00 stand.  When you come compare the new Studio Display XDR to the old Pro Display XDR, it looks like quite a bargain.  Yes the new display is 27” vs. the old at 32”.  Butthe new Studio Display XDR beats the Pro Display XDR in every other spec besides size.  Plus you get the great camera and speakers in the new on which the Pro version never even had.  Any way you look at it, it’s nearly a 50% price difference.

<Sigh>…I guess I’ll get the Studio Display XDR.  Damn you, Apple…