You’ll not only need an Apple Silicon-powered Mac to use the new Apple Studio Display XDR, you’ll need a newer model to use the display at the full 120Hz, reports MacRumors.
According to Apple, Macs that have an M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, M1 Ultra, M2, or M3 will only drive the Studio Display XDR at 60Hz. All other features will still be available.
For the full 120Hz refresh rate, your Mac will need to be powered by one of the following chips:
- M2 Pro, M2 Max, M2 Ultra
- M3 Pro, M3 Max, M3 Ultra
- M4 Pro, M4 Max
- M5, M5 Pro, M5 Max
Macs with an Apple silicon chip will require the upcoming macOS Tahoe 26.3.1 update to use them with the Studio Display XDR.
The iPad users can also make use of the new display, but only the iPad Pro supports the Studio Display at 120Hz, with all other compatible iPad models being limited to 60Hz.
Compatible iPads are:
- M4 iPad Pro
- 3rd-6th generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro
- 1st-4th generation 11-inch iPad Pro
- M2, M3, and M4 iPad Air models
- 5th-generation iPad Air.
The all-new Studio Display XDR is a 27-inch 5K Retina XDR display featuring an advanced mini-LED backlight with over 2,000 local dimming zones, up to 1000 nits of SDR brightness, and 2000 nits of peak HDR brightness, as well as a wider color gamut. Boasting a 120Hz refresh rate, the Studio Display XDR’s Adaptive Sync dynamically adjusts frame rates for content like video playback or graphically intense games. Studio Display XDR is equipped with the same advanced camera and audio system as the Studio Display, as well as Thunderbolt 5 connectivity.
The Studio Display XDR with a tilt- and height-adjustable stand starts at $3,299 and is available in standard or nano-texture glass options, and can be pre-ordered starting today, March 4 at 9:15 a.m. Eastern Time, with in-store availability beginning Wednesday, March 11.
