Reports have seen the sign of the release of Apple Studio Display 2 as well as its major upcoming upgrades in 2026. It is also said that the next device will highlight 3 major features.
As the current ASD now only features an A13 Bionic chip, a 60Hz refresh rate, and SDR only, knowing the next device upgrades can help users on device upgrade decisions.
This article will cover everything you need to know about the upcoming ASD 2, including its new features. Let’s check them out!
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ProMotion 120Hz Refresh Rate
In recent years, the display technology advancements have been focusing on technologies like OLED, QLED, MicroLED, and foldable displays, which are changing the way we enjoy visual content on our electronic devices.
Based on the report, the official Apple code for an internal pre-release version of iOS 26 shows a new external display identified as “J527.” The same codename was previously associated with the second generation of its Studio Display.
With the current ASD limited to 60Hz, the references in the code clearly indicate that Studio Display 2 has a variable refresh rate that can reach 120Hz, similar to the ProMotion displays on the latest MacBook Pros.
Through 120Hz Refresh Rate, animations and scrolling feel much smoother, making everything from gaming to everyday navigation more responsive. It also reduces motion blur, which helps during fast-moving content or rapid screen interactions, which will definitely improve the user experience.
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HDR Support
Moreover, the code references a “J527” monitor that also supports both SDR and HDR modes, signaling that there will be an upgrade from the current SDR-only model.
The report says that HDR in general is “a strong indication that Apple will replace the LCD panel with better technology, such as Mini-LED, that can achieve higher brightness levels.”
With HDR now, users can get a better experience as this feature enhances brightness, contrast, and color accuracy, making images and videos look more realistic and vibrant. Highlights appear brighter, shadows look deeper, and overall detail is significantly improved, especially in movies, games, and photography.
While the Mini-LED display in the latest MacBook Pro reaches up to 1,000 nits of sustained brightness and up to 1,600 nits for HDR content, the current LCD panel in the first ASD can reach up to 600 nits.
Thus, if the rumors about this upgrade come true, then Apple has made quite a big surge in innovation in its devices.
Apple’s A19 Chip
With the current ASD only having the A13 chip built in, the upcoming ASD is reported to be powered by the A19 chip. This chip upgrade seems interesting since the chip is mostly used to handle webcam image processing and Spatial Audio all this time, because the device itself lacks built-in apps.
According to Macworld, the company itself is planning to launch the new ASD 2 sometime in 2026. It’s likely either, alongside the M5 MacBook Pro models in early next year, or slightly later with the M5 Mac Studio and Mac mini.
Another report also pointed out that the company will likely launch other devices next year, including a second Mac display, an A19 and N1 chip iPad, as well as the M4 iPad Air.
The new Apple Studio Display 2 price range will probably start from $1,599 to over $2,000 USD, and will still depend on features and configurations of the final product. This price is based on the current price of the ASD, which starts at $1,599 for the base model with nano-texture glass and upgraded stand available as add-ons.
That’s all the updates regarding the Apple Studio Display 2 leak, which is rumored to bring 3 major upgrades over the previous version. Together, these new features make devices feel faster, visually richer, and more immersive in daily use.
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So, will you upgrade your device to the new Apple Display 2?
How do you feel?
