Apple Still Working on Studio Display 2

Apple is still working on a next-generation version of the Studio Display, and MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris discovered signs of the new display in Apple code.

studio display new purple
The upcoming Studio Display 2 has a codename of J427, and references to J427 were tucked away in software code that Apple didn't mean to publish. Rumors suggest that the next-generation Studio Display will come out in early 2026, so it makes sense that Apple is testing it now.

We don't know a lot about the next-generation Apple display, but it is possible it will use mini-LED backlighting. If the Studio Display does indeed adopt mini-LED technology, we can expect improved brightness, a higher contrast ratio, and better color quality.

References to a display with the codename J527 were also found in the code. It's not clear what J527 is. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said earlier this year that Apple was developing two versions of the Studio Display and would choose one to launch, so J527 could be a second variation of the Studio Display 2. It's also possible that it is a reference to a new version of the Pro Display XDR, but Gurman believes a second-generation Pro Display XDR is not a priority for Apple.

Apple has not launched a display product since it came out with the original Studio Display in 2022. It is not yet clear if the display will actually be named the Studio Display 2 or if Apple will give it another name.

The new model will likely come out alongside Macs with the M5 chip, with the Macs also slated for early 2026.

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Top Rated Comments

chetzar Avatar
22 weeks ago
Here’s what imma need outta the Studio Display 2:
1) Daisy Chain two studio displays together
2) A secondary input to use with a PC.

Thanks for attending my TedTalk.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
germanbeer007 Avatar
22 weeks ago
promotion or bust
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zedsdead Avatar
22 weeks ago
I want >27", at least mini-LED and ProMotion 120hz...anything less than that and I'm not updating mine...no reason at this point they can't do it.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
daabido Avatar
22 weeks ago

promotion or bust
That's what I told my boss. Now I can't afford Promotion.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
citysnaps Avatar
22 weeks ago
Having used my ASD for a couple of years post-processing (and printing) loads of image files using Adobe Lightroom, I'm looking forward to seeing what the gen 2 ASD is about.

OTOH... I'm 100% happy and stoked with my current ASD. After initial setup I haven't needed to make any color/intensity adjustments. What I see on the screen is what comes out of my printer - full stop. No need for tweaks and re-prints. Adding promotion, extra ports, etc. doesn't interest me at all.

What would ring my bells is Apple offering a 32" ASD.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
robfoll Avatar
22 weeks ago
After waiting far too long, I bought a 6-month-old used Apple Studio Display, and I'm totally blown away by it. Editing photographs is just a dream. I calibrated it once, and it seems to hold the calibration very well. And I couldn't see a lot that could be improved.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)