Everyone is wrong about Apple’s Studio Display! 

Any comment claiming to be a giveaway from me is a scam. Please do not give out any personal information to these people. Always looks for the checkmark next to my channel name to know if it's actually me.

One advanced feature for multi-studio display setups that I would like to see are the speakers and microphones be turned into a single array and tied into a home pod pair to provide 5.1 audio. The other feature I think should be possible is to expand the cinema stage effect using both monitors in a facetime call.

Spot on. I have watched SO MANY reviews and you reminded me what Apple sold me. Not a monitor but an experience. EVERY Apple product is about user experience - from function to form to performance. If I wanted a decent monitor, I'd buy an Ultrafine 24 or 27. But when I crank up spacial music. Or use the speaker phone connection while on a conference and it's blocking out background noise. Or, using webcam that follows me around. That's experience. Is there anything that disappoints me? Yes. Why can't we have two Thunderbolt ports?

Thanks for all that great information. I have a question and here’s the background info. I currently have the M1 iMac but will be going with the Mac Studio with the Studio Display shortly. Currently, I have the old 27” Thunderbolt as a second monitor … used mainly for Text and Web. A typical work flow has FCPX on the iMac and scripts, notes, various files, etc on the Thunderbolt. That old display still makes a decent picture …but … I’m having an issue with the Thunderbolt 2 adapter going into the iMac. It just doesn’t give a solid, dependable connection. I can go days/weeks without a problem but then the Thunderbolt Display will start flashing and any app that is open on it flies over to the iMac. Plus it can also make my RAID external drop offline (I don’t know how or why) and that causes bigger issues. I have to jiggle and reset the adapter a number of times for it to settle down. I’ve tried 4 different adapters and it happens on all of them. Thanks for sticking with this long story … here’s my question: Once I get the MacStudio and Studio Display, can you suggest a second monitor in the 27-32” range to serve as the second display? I hate giving up the Thunderbolt Display but that adapter is just not reliable. Any suggestion/advice will be greatly appreciated.

Hi, can you connect studio mac and macbook pro to Studio Display at the same time and in display itself choose which mac to use? Your test and answer will be highly appreciated.

@GregsGadgets do you have to have the Mac Studio box thing for the new Studio Display to work? Or is it just like an iMac and don't need the Mac Studio to function?

Very nice. I have a question that no one answered properly. When you connect a macbookpro to a display via thunderbolt cable, does this setup harm the battery of the macbook when using it daily as a desktop unit.? Some say, the machine will recognize that it is powered up constantly and the current by pass the battery so it does not stress it. What is your advise? What is the proper and safe way to use a laptop with a desktop monitor?

This monitor should have been priced at $1000 and been the "affordable" option, and Apple should have come out with something in the $2000-2500 mid range. You could have had an entire 27" iMac computer for the price of this thing alone. The fact that it uses a basically identical panel to a 7 year old iMac design with slightly cranked up backlight is no engineering feat. It's overpriced for what it is.

Will the 27” display be clear enough for book reading? I often switch from book on my iPhone later in the day and pick up reading the same book on an HDTV which looks rather good.

I totally agree with you. I finally decided to purchase the display for the same reason of having a nice all in one display I can use for work that won't clutter up my desk. I will have to say it is well worth the money. Expensive price point I will admit. They could have made it cheaper, but still worth it. The sounds feels like I have a HomePod sitting in front of me when its not even half volume. I listen to music on it just for the beautiful sound. I would refer this review to those who are considering buying the studio display.

Hey Greg, where did you get the background picture for your demo of the Studio Display? I just received my Studio Display and would like to change the background and liked the one you used.

*Would you recommend this Display or LG C2 42 OLED both are the same price but ones much bigger??*

So we used to get a well designed well built 27” 5k monitor with an entire computer and a keyboard and a mouse with speakers and a webcam for $1800 and now we get the same display with no computer or mouse or keyboard for $1600 and it’s worth it why?

The 2015 Thunderbolt display and 2018 Mac mini I'm using seems to work just fine. But then I live under a rock and haven't seen 5k presentations as of yet. So how impressed will I be if I add the Studio display and Apple Studio Max to my arsenal? No Apple stores in my area to view in person. Looks/sounds good so far though. Speakers on the new display vs the older Thunderbolt? Huge difference or just a good bit better? Good fire off the Homepod sitting next to the Thunderbolt if I need to. Thanks for your review! VESA would be great, trying to find more content on that topic.

So you cant use it as a second display for an iMac? I bought the Mac Studio but it says it won't be delivered until June and this display will be delivered in April so in the meantime while waiting for the Mac Studio I planned to use this display as a 2nd monitor for my current iMac. But it doesn't look like it has a connection that would work for that?

I have a question. My Staples store as a sale selling the old IMac 27 at the same price, should I not be better buying it and using it as a monitor and in case my MacBook Air break it could always serve as a backup ?

How do the speakers and camera work when you connect it to a MacBook Pro? Which ones take precedence?

hello. for which people do you recommend a hight adjustable stand? what are the benefits? I think it's not necessary for small people

Hi Greg, How would you compare the studio display with the comparably priced Size CS2740. I am a photographer and I am looking at these two options and I would be much interested in any video comparing EIZO with apple.

Is there a way to adjust the brightness of this screen through windows 10?

Good review. I went to look at one of these in the Berkeley 4th Street Apple Store. They had one right up front by the full wall of glass that is the front of the store, and it was a bright, sunny day. The brightness and contrast of this display (I was looking at the standard glass version, not the nano-textured glass version) performed exceptionally in that extremely brightly illuminated space. The build quality is exceptional, and it looks great. I tend to agree with you that I'm likely to keep a display like this for several years, many five or more years, and not having a plastic piece of crap all that time does mean something to me.

Well, I had my doubts. I was hesitant. In the end, though, I bought one, mostly because of your review. I’ve had it a month now, and I’m glad I bought it, it was worth every penny, and then some. Thanks for your great review!

For a dual monitor setup Can a Asus 4k monitor be directly connected to the Apple Studio display via USBC, instead of connecting it to my Macbook Pro 16" M1 Max?

Picked mine up yesterday and have been usinh it. Love it! Worth every penny.

Is the image processing for the webcam being done by the display or the device attached?

How did you update the firmware on your SD? I tried restart my Mac but I could not update the firmware which is weird... Its now 15.3

Looking at this pricing, I wonder what the "new" iMac 24 or 27 will be priced at? Essentially, while it is better, you are getting what you would get in a 24 inch iMac with 27 inches and no computer (better speakers I know). I feel this is a good monitor but the pricing seems off compared to a M1 iMac. My reality is I have had and loved a 2015 iMac and finally am looking to upgrade. I will hold on as long as I can as I feel Mac Studio is perfect for me, but connecting it to this monitor at this price point puts the whole package out of reach (almost like Mac Studio is charging too little and this is too much) for me.

Thanks for sharing. I enjoyed your video. Nice monitor! Blessings on your day.

I want to replace my 2015 iMac and I am leaning toward the Studio Display and a Mac mini. I would like to use my Magic Mouse and keyboard from the old iMac. Is there any problem in doing that? Thanks.

which model is it? standard or nano-tectured? Which one will be better? I have read mixed opinions...

Nice review, thank you. I got one, and I love it. It replaced my 4K 32' Dell U3219Q, and my desk looks so much better, now that I retired a separate camera, phone, and speakers (I spend a lot of time in calls). Oh, and I love the actual screen. I still have a U3219Q as a secondary monitor and it is almost unpleasant to look at by comparison (looking at the Dell IS a bit like being at a dentist office;). Couldn't be happier with my purchase.

I wonder if the studio display microphones will sound better if a room that has more noise isolation equipment? Like foam sound panels or something! Even at a distance it sounded really good (though a little quiet) but it seems very sensitive to the natural echo in the room. (I assume it has a really wide pickup range to accommodate lots of setups)

Loved your review. I just purchased this monitor with a Mac studio for all the reasons you gave. I wanted one monitor that had everything in it. I agree that this monitor is a little pricey and wish for this price they would have put a better webcam in it. Because if it’s true that the 27” panel is just bringing out the flaws in the cheap webcam, that’s a problem I don’t think software can fix. Hopefully they can because I expect better from Apple. I think the difference in build quality alone is worth the extra $200 over the LG monitor, but that’s just me. I haven’t gotten mine yet, but I am eager to use it.

I have the option to buy a 27inch imac for 1800 or 1599 for the studio display. which one do I buy

Great video, exactly what I was looking for! All the traditional media channels seemed to have glossed over the display.

What about the power wire?

Are the fans inside the monitors active? I would hate having a monitor with active cooling connected to my M2 Air.

What part of Centre Stage needed the processing on the panel? This can all be done in software and doesn’t need the neural engine at all. Do you think it’s meant to be an advertisement for the A13 which has other benefits?

Excellent review . I wouldn’t expect anything less from Greg. Keep up your excellent work !

Is it possible to hook up a temporary second Mac? Meaning, if I have this connected to my main Mac, and bring my MacBook to the desk, can I plug that into a second port on the display and switch to view the MacBook instead without having to disconnect my main Mac?

Great monitor, I agree with you on the webcam, does not compare to my Logitech Brio webcam by no means, maybe a software update will make it better. But, I don't know if you found out, you can turn off the center stage feature when you have the webcam open per the program (FaceTime or Zoom) that you are using then you can go to the control panel and go to video effects and turn off center stage or you can elect to blur your background. Other than that and that the Display is light compared to the ole Thunderbolt Display's they replace. It looks like they could have made the stands weigh about 5 LBS heavier so they can more surefooted on the desk. Display and speakers rock for sure and sound great.

Nice take! Thanks for this refreshing look at the Studio Display.

Can you boot into Recovery Mode using this monitor? (I read somewhere that on an M1 Mini you have to have an HDMI monitor to do this.)

My toughts and why I'm not getting one: 1) 27 inch it's too small for a "studio" audience, they should have gone for at least 32 as in the XDR. 2) The webcam still sucks, I'm not sure what the A13 bionic is doing. 3) This is not an innovator product. Sure, it was something longer wished by apple users, but I will wait for a mini LD 120herts/promotion version, even if it wold cost more, same is valid for the XDR. Actually, speaking of displays, I'm wondering what is next for the pro display XDR, it needs a refresh urgently.

Hi Greg you have some valid points but i still think its a bit too expensive, but anyways, i want to buy it. BUT do you know if i can connect it to a windows PC? Dont need the cam or speakers on that machine.... Only picture :) For the rest its gonna be connected to my 16 inch macbook pro thx

Is there any way to just hook up a small subwoofer to a mac and still use the built-in stereo speakers? To make it a 2.1

The XDR display supposedly will limit brightness if the panel gets too hot. Even with its design, that says a lot. I don’t think a 1000 nit panel will fit in Studio Display unless there is active cooling.

What's the refresh rate on this panel? Would it do for gaming?

Thank you so much for explaining how monitors work.

Is this monitor upgradable under MacOS Catalina？

Nice video, I still use the older 27 Thunderbolt Display & 24 Display the look fantastic their amazingly and made well great design is phenomenal, and I still have $ left in my bank!

Is it possible to hook up a PC to this, just through the TB4 connector??

where can I get the Studio wallpaper?

Yes, I can almost hear Tim Cook saying we've taken the computer out and are selling you the remainder at the same price, in the way 'only Apple can'

Can you connect the display to a console?

I would have LOVED a 24” version for $999.. I would have picked 2 of them up for an awesome dual setup. And with Apples integration, they could have made them function as a stereo pair where each monitor controls L-R channels!

Can you hook up the 2011 Thunderbolt Display to the Istudio?

I think the main point of contention is that this is the same price of an iMac but lacks the entire computer with it! This is not better than the Eve spectrum display that costs half as much (4K 144hz, brighter, and color calibrated).

Greg. I love you man. But you gotta try to call out Apple sometimes and not always talk yourself into loving everything they produce. You had it right the first time. This monitor is a poor value and a middle finger to the Apple consumer. The 5K 27” iMac was one of the best values in computing. Not only did it legitimately have one of the best high-resolution large monitors you could buy, it included an excellent computer to boot! Although the studio display has some upgrades, none are significant in terms of the display technology. Better speakers and a (one day) better webcam experience? One would expect that in a new iMac update for the same price. But this isn’t an iMac. It’s a large monitor that looks the same as an iMac but doesn’t have mini led, doesn’t have 120hz, doesn’t have HDR… oh and doesn’t have a computer. It is a cynical product designed to force those of us who want a 27” Mac experience to spend more money purchasing two products (this monitor and a Mini or Studio) rather than a single iMac. And as a monitor with a premium price, it doesn’t even include the latest display technology found in the company’s own laptops. Priced as it is, this is a money grab and it is not a good value. Apple usually makes great stuff, but sometimes they stick it to the consumer and this is one of those times.

8 months ago I would have strongly considered it but now that I’m used to the miniLED in the MacBook Pro I just can’t. For a large screen to plug into I have my LG C1 and I’m super happy with the combo for now

I had struggled to buy it, but after doing it I am obsessed with the Studio Display. The best thing about it is just : it works !

Dude I just picked mine up and I'm LOVING it. Was previously using an LG 5K2K and started hating it (too wide, weird scaling + colors and low brightness). I sold my 5K iMac last year and grieved haha... glad to have it back, at least in a sexy looking, super bright and relatively affordable package! Ofc, I'd love a Pro Display XDR, but this will have to do until the second gen comes out. I don't wanna spend $5K on a display that could be updated within a year or two haha.

very nice point on that webcam, i was thinking that too, its a 5K display, every webcam will look on that display like that, and even tho its the same one like in newest ipads, the ipad has a lot smaller screen to show it.. makes very much sense if you think about it. and i completely agree with the whole video, getting at least one display for me too

Excellent review! I love Macs and Apple products. Everything about Apple products from the OS to their design is nice and clean and simple. I am currently using an Apple 20 inch display from 2003(not the aluminum one) and it still looks great. It sold for $1299(although I bought it when the aluminum one came out on sale for $800) and is 20 inches with a resolution of 1680 x 1050. Considering the 20 inch Cinema Display was $1299 in 2003 the 27 inch 5K Studio Display for $1599 in 2023 is not a bad price. I'll be picking one up soon.

My Apple Studio Display arrived on Wednesday! Here in the U.K. we Brits have to wait 3 months for these gems! My old 2018 intel Mac mini did not pair well with it. An odd start up problem. Took it to the Genius Bar and I came away with a new M1 Mac Mini this morning. The set up is all round sensational!!

You made a really great point with the camera on a 27 inch screen. Well done

I was planning on getting a MacBook Pro 16” Now I am getting a MacBook Air and a Studio Display

I don't agree. I've been waiting to replace my Thunderbolt display for years. But the studio display is a bad value, IMO (especially relative to the 27" iMac they used to sell). Most normal people need some height adjustment, so this is a $2200 monitor with tax. You can buy a Macbook Pro with pro-motion and mini LED for that price. It's expensive and lacks features that are in nearly every other high end mac screen. iPad pro, Macbook pro, iPhone Pro. It's a larger screen, but it doesn't give me confidence to purchase when I have devices with better screens and I'm paying more money for this one. If youre happy that apple actually gave us a monitor that's affordable to the average person, that's too low of a standard. It's not a good value at all, IMO. And I love apple and need a monitor.

I was told by Apple support that you "can connect a MacBook Pro to the Mac Studio with a Studio Display attached and be able to use the Studio Display with the MacBook Pro". This essentially turns the Mac Studio to hub without having to constantly plug/unplug the TB4 cable. Any way to confirm this?

It’s nice and you almost convinced me but I think I’ll wait for the new 27” iMac with ultra

Thanks man I’ve been chopping back and forth deciding whether to get a high quality 3rd party monitor for my max studio or the Apple display. Nothing comes close enough and I really think you justify the price point extremely well so cheers 🍻 Really and truly nothing comes close to the solid quality and style IMO, so it’s worth spending the extra money. All in all the max studio and this monitor will last me a good 4 years, I produce music and make music videos so it’s my work horse which i stare at all day long, like you say you have to like what your looking at 🤩

Thanks Greg, been waiting for your review

I wish the XDR stand could be used with Studio Display. The XDR stand is massive and solid.

7 year old iMac display without the iMac for $1599 😂 we can try and justify this all we like to make ourselves feel better but deep down we know this is madness lol

Nice review, Greg! A fair one I would add at that. Guess the question I’m left with (with respect to the high brightness of the monitor and so-called “HDR” monitors lying about high brightness) is - does getting this monitor negate that fact that I can edit HDR content on it? I do a mixed bag of media having some HDR photos/videos and some non HDR photos. The main quality I’m looking for is having some compatibility, in terms of brightness, with my MacBook Pro 16” Saw MKBHD’s review of this monitor and he compared it with his MacBook Pro 16” screen and he said there was no comparison. However.. I’m using a 32” LG HDR monitor that has a brightness of a little over 300. So I’m thinking buying this will at least get me in the ball park!

I wish Apple would make a version of the audio display without speakers, a webcam, or that A13 chip, that came in at $300 less. For someone like me who loves multi monitor setups it feels like I’d be paying extra for features I’ll never use. Either that or Apple needs to push out software to let all the monitors act as one massive speaker

I am watching your video on a 2011 Apple 27 Cinema Display. It has a 2.1 sound system which still works fine same as the monitor itself. The camera is working fine and I surely recognize my Face-time pals -:). In the last 11 years all electronic products improved tremendously while getting cheaper. Just consider the Mac Mini M1 in price and performance. Based on this development the Studio Display is a great product but most likely over-priced. Time and sales will tell....

Glad you covered the speakers, because I think they’re a huge bonus with this display. It’s my belief that the thickness of the display has nothing to do with the screen or chip. I believe Apple is using the chassis to propagate more sound waves, and add depth to the bass.

Love your channel, Greg. You are so relaxed and funny. 👍🏻

I personally don't really care about the backside of the monitor since it's against the wall anyway. If I was looking for a modern looking display I may go for the Huawei 28" Mateview instead. It's 3:2 not 16:9 though.

My 2020 27” iMac webcam is pretty excellent. I get positive comments on the image quality all the time. I’m curious why they couldn’t keep that version in the studio display. The softness or skin smoothening on the studio display webcam looks terrible.

Thanks Greg for the thorough review. I’ve been waiting to see what you had to say before I purchased one. I’m planning on using it with my M1Max PowerBook 16. It should be much better than the old 27”” Dell monitor I’m using now.

My big beef with my 27 in imac is that the monitor height is not adjustable. I have ordered the height adjustable Studio Display. Hopefully the extra money spent will be worth it.

Other reviewers: this is old technology that was included in an old product for way more money that doesn’t include bonus features like HDR. Your justification: know that if apple actually did any of that they would have charged way more money than it currently is. Dude what? It’s literally more expensive for a display that is 100nits brighter but doesn’t have an entire fully functioning PC built into it.

I went and looked at this monitor at the Apple store yesterday. It visually looks good. It’s extremely small. They should have made it at least 30” for that kind of money. I don’t know, I’m keeping my Ultra Wide with a higher refresh rate that cost me less.

Where I do think this monitor makes sense is when combined with the Mac studio and then compared to a similarly performing 5K 24 inch iMac. For example I have a really well specced 27 inch iMac (intel) and it costs more than the new Studio pair but would be absolutely smoked by the new M1 Ultra. Looking at that combined price / performance proposition the Studio display makes sense in a way it fails to as a standalone machine. Plus, if I want to keep the monitor for ten years and swap the computer in five I’ll be saving money long term.

“I was struck by the design of the device” - really mate? $1600 and this design impresses you? The stand is not height adjustable. It has a small degree tilt up and down and won’t let you tilt at all side to side. Oh yea the monitor isn’t VESA compatible either, not that it matters because the mount is not removable anyways. You also conveniently left out the BIGGEST DESIGN FLAW WITH THE MONITOR. You can’t unplug the fking power cable. God forbid you have a pet that chews your cable. Or a sibling/coworker that is careless and causes damage to it. Guess the whole monitor is fucked unless you have AppleCare (lol of course) and have to spend I don’t even want to know how much getting it repaired. This also means I have to take the entire monitor into an apple store and wait days for them to fix it. Yea 10/10 design. Why make a power cable removable and easily replaceable like 99% of other monitors out there.

I originally ignored the studio and went with a cheaper alternative. Last month I caved in and bought the studio display with height adjust AND nano texture. If you have Mac workflow, it's the best display for most things. As well as creative hobbies on my personal Mac mini (design and video editing) I use a MacBook pro 9-5 for my job, conf calls, excel, slides etc and the built in webcam and insane speaker quality actually makes webinars and video calls so much better. My only frustration with the height adjustable option, is that the lowest isn't low enough. Could have increased the height range in my opinion. But yes, the speakers are that good. Holy shit they are that good.

A wild theory here: perhaps the Studio display was initially designed to be the new 27" iMac? But an inability to meet specific price points made Apple turn it into a standalone monitor instead. Looking at its odd build and engineering choices, this actually begins to make sense.

Did he talk about the non removable power cord? Thanks for the review Greg. You have really good content 🥰

Where I live the Studio display is $2400 , I would love a new Mac studio, and this monitor would be great, with the speakers, the FaceTime camera and microphones. Cause several times I have had to use zoom for various things and with a pc desktop having to set up a separate camera, then use a headset… the Studio Monitor would save on cable clutter

Spot on! Thanks for the video!

I have the LG lasted me 5yrs, loved it at first, then noticed the ghosting (bad). Well it finally went down and bought this studio display, with the adjustable stand. 2K! But I love it! So far… hope it’ll last 10yrs.

i bought it.....another few weeks until it arrives........my current mac is a mid 2014 MacBook Pro 15"...2.5 ghz intel core i7 with retina display....this week I bought a new Macbook Pro M1 Pro base model with 1 Terabyte hard drive and 32 mb of RAM.....along with the studio display, keyboard, track pad....nothing has arrived yet...still typing on my 2014 machine...and it's fine...so anything will be an improvement...I never use a webcam and frankly if it came without one I'd be perfectly ok with it....

I just wish it was 32". Love the aluminium chassis. Maybe a 32" will come?

I have studied tons of reviews and I decided to go with Studio display. It has everything in it. Looking at 4 k options I see plastic, no speakers, no web cam and no mic, at least in the ones I was looking at. So I would have to add all that stuff and have e xtra wires etc which I don’t like. And then 5k versus 4K which is best for Mac OS. I have loved my cinema screen for 11 years and I just want the best for the next 10 years. A few hundred bucks extra for no compromises spread over 10 years is fine. My cinema screen is only 1440 but in truth it still looks great for my kind of work. I will soon be 80 and my eyes will need all the help the monitor can give. I agree with all your points.

I want one but its $2499 AUD. I could get a m1 MacBook Pro and and iPad mini for that money. Any chance you and do an alternate 5k monitor video?

Totally agree.

No HDR instead of iMac 5K 2020 - right?

Hey guys, this monitor works with a PC too through a USB-C connection not Thunderbolt though, unless you try with a new Dell XPS with Thunderbolt 4. Through a PC with USB-C the camera works and everything works. The camera will work without center stage which I don’t use on my Mac anyways as I turned that feature off.