A growing number of people rely on iPad tablets — particularly iPad Pro — as their main daily driver. And with iPadOS 26 software currently in beta testing and available to all in September, this will become even easier to do. Today’s featured iPad-Studio Display setup doesn’t abandon Mac — in fact, it includes a hidden M4 MacBook Pro — but it makes the most of iPad Pro and looks damn good doing it.
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Picture-perfect MacBook Pro and Studio Display setup puts iPad Pro front and center
The 27-inch Apple Studio Display packs an impressive panel coupled with a six-speaker system and studio-quality microphones.
It’s not as beautiful as Apple's Pro Display XDR, but the Studio Display costs thousands less.
- Crystal clear 5K resolution
- Excellent color accuracy
- 12MP Center Stage camera
- Expensive
- Lacks HDR
- Height-adjustable stand costs extra
Redditor nickdmiller showcased the nicely put together setup in a post entitled, “Corporate Studio Display Desk.” It’s actually just a home office used for user-experience (UX) work. That came out when commenters asked about it. Nick admitted “workplace” (or workspace) would be a better word to use in his title than “corporate.” And by the way, the last time Cult of Mac featured Nick’s setup, in March 2024, it was vastly different. But one similarity is both setups feature and iPad Pro front and center. As it becomes more Mac-like, this may become more common in setups.
“Inspired by the company’s recent rebranding, [I] used the new colors and brand elements to build out a fun but cozy desk,” Nick said.
One element that sets the workstation apart from many others is the iPad Pro. Not only is it included, it’s front and center. It appears to be actually used in the setup. In fact, you can’t even see the M4 MacBook Pro because it’s hidden in the back.
“How does the iPad fit into your workflow?” asked a commenter.
“I normally keep my calendar and email up at all times just to keep my monitor clean and focused on design work,” Nick replied. “I’ll also sketch from time to time in procreate. It’s a 3rd gen iPad Pro and still runs pretty good for what I use it for.”
AirPods Max ‘staged’ for the photo
Photo: [email protected]
And you really can’t slip anything past Redditors. One forced Nick to admit he placed certain items just for the photo at the top of this page.
“Lovely! Nice color palette! I will say, as nice as the headphone stand is, I’m not sure it’s practically suited there on your desk,” said one. “Feels like it takes up usable working space. If I were you, I’d go with an under-desk mount for the headphones.”
Apple's AirPods Max are among the best-sounding consumer headphones you can buy. They offer pro-level active noise cancellation and advanced features like Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio. Treat your ears!
- Superb sound
- Pro-level Active Noise Cancellation
- Long battery life (and now USB-C)
- Much-hated Smart Case
- On the heavy side
“Agreed it could be in a much more practical place. Had it staged there for the photos / lighting,” Nick replied. Nick places his AirPods Max headphones on a Benks stand on a tray.
And if you like the wallpaper showing on the display, you can find it here, or in Nick’s customized colors here. And speaking of decorative notes, don’t miss the cool Bauhaus prints on the wall, available from Amazon, below.
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Built for Apple Intelligence, Apple's top tablet features an Ultra Retina XDR Display, 1TB SSD, 12MP front/back camera, LiDAR Scanner, Wi-Fi 6E + 5G Cellular, Face ID, all-day battery life and more.
- Thin and light
- Beautiful display
- All-day battery life
- Expensive
Computers and stand:
Display and desk shelf:
Input devices:
Audio:
Decor:
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected] (iPhone pics usually work fine). Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.
