Studio Display Pro with gorgeous mini-LED screen could launch this fall

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Despite hopes that Apple's new Studio Display might get mini-LEDs sooner than later, it might not happen.
A Studio Display Pro is on the way, if not as quickly as first thought.
Photo: Apple

An enhanced version of the Apple Studio Display will reach customers this fall, according to a very reliable source of insider into. This version of the monitor will feature a mini-LED screen, making it look better than the current model that has a standard LCD.

Previously, the display was thought to be coming this summer.

Better visuals with Studio Display Pro

The recently launched Apple Studio Display is aimed at the “prosumer” market. With a 27-inch 5K LCD, a webcam and a scattering of other high-end features, it’s more than average users need but is not capable of rivaling the Apple Pro Display XDR.

But the original Studio Display will reportedly be followed by a “pro” version in the same size. Just not as quickly as first thought. Display expert Ross Young said Friday via Twitter, “Apple leak! The 27″ MiniLED monitor has been delayed. It now looks like an October release.”

Young has tweeted about the device before, noting in March that it was supposed come out mid year. And he is only assuming it will be called the Studio Display Pro.

Chinese government efforts to fight COVID-19 will cause the product to miss the original launch window. “It was going to be produced at Quanta in Shanghai which has been locked down,” said Young. “Production is in the process of being moved to a different location and has been delayed.”

mini-LED improves on standard LCDs

The 27-inch mini-LED screen in the upcoming Apple stand-alone display will use thousands of tiny LEDs to provide a backlight that can illuminate very specific areas. The result is higher contrast, blacker blacks, improved brightness and better power efficiency over a standard LED. The 2021 MacBook Pro models and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro already have mini-LED screens.

The upgraded screen is also supposed to support ProMotion, which will give it a max refresh rate of 120Hz.

No other details on the Studio Display Pro have leaked out yet, though. Presumably, it will have many of the same features as the current model, like studio-quality microphones, a six-speaker sound system, and a 12MP front-facing camera with Center Stage support.

The original version is $1,599. The “pro” one will surely cost more.

Ross Young is the founder of DisplaySearch. His predictions about upcoming Apple products have so far been 93% accurate, according to AppleTrack.

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