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Pro Display XDR 2 may borrow a fan-favorite iPad feature

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A table of desktop Macs. Going clockwise around the table, starting at the front: the Mac Studio with Studio Display (height-adjustable stand and nano texture glass), the iMac, Mac Pro with Pro Display XDR (with Pro Stand) and Mac mini with Studio Display (tilt stand).
Pro Display XDR 2 with a Center Stage camera? Yes, please!
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Apple’s next Pro Display XDR monitor could take a cue from MacBooks and iPhones and feature a Center Stage camera. Code strings referencing the monitor with the camera were discovered in the latest macOS 26.1 beta.

The Pro Display XDR is long overdue for a refresh, with the current model debuting in late 2019 for $4,999.

Pro Display XDR 2 could get this missing feature

Over the last few years, Apple has expanded its Center Stage front camera to more of its devices. The company essentially uses a wide-angle field-of-view lens for the webcam or front camera to power features like Center Stage and Desk View.

Center Stage ensures you are always in the frame while on video calls. On the other hand, Desk View can show your desk and face at the same time.

Center Stage first appeared on the 2021 iPad Pro, bringing automatic framing to video calls. Since then, Apple has expanded the feature to more iPads, MacBook Pro and, more recently, to the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air.

If the code strings discovered in the macOS 26.1 beta prove accurate, Apple could equip the Pro Display XDR 2 with a Center Stage camera as well (via MacRumors).

This will enable you to make video calls directly without opening the connected MacBook’s lid.

The current Pro Display XDR lacks a built-in front camera and speakers.

Apple’s Pro monitor desperately needs an update

For its time, the Pro Display XDR was ahead of its time with a 32-inch 6K resolution mini-LED screen. The monitor sports a 60Hz refresh rate and can hit a peak HDR brightness of 1,600 nits.

Six years later, Apple’s flagship monitor feels outdated. The missing built-in speakers, webcam and high refresh rate now stick out like a sore thumb.

Multiple reports suggest Apple will launch a new monitor within the next few months. However, it’s unclear whether it will be the Pro Display XDR 2 or the successor to the Studio Display.

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