Was I Wrong About the Apple Studio Display? One Year Later. 

As an IT professional working a lot from home, it’s the perfect monitor. I use the webcam for online meetings and it’s fine for that. It’s also a huge benefit that it has good speakers built in. This means that I can have a more clean desk. The built in microphone is also good enough. The combination of webcam, speaker and mic, means that I can have a clean desk without the need of using a headset all day.

Other than price point, its the perfect monitor for my workflow. It's a luxury item for me to use. Yes it's incredibly expensive, but I treated myself and I love it.

A Bolly-Wood Film Editor here, and I must confess the Studio Display has turned out to be way better than I had anticipated. The image quality is top-notch, the colour accuracy is fantastic and the speakers surprisingly turned out to be great. I primarily edit with headphones, but the speakers are fantastic for previewing my edits. With the rise of online collaboration and zoom meetings, the webcam and the built in mics work great as well. Moreover the studio display also acts as a great hub, and all the wires which I need to connect various peripherals I use the Studio Display for it, thus freeing up precious Thunderbolt 4 ports on my MacStudio Ultra. A few things which have stood out to me after a lot of usage. True Tone along with the ability to change the brightness of the display with your keyboard really helps me in preserving m eyes. When you are staring at a display for 12 hours straight, these things really help. With a normal monitor (I know this sounds a bit nit-picky) but once I set the brightness, I hardly changed it as that requires one to use the OSD of the monitor which is not very intuitive. The table setup too becomes extremely minimalistic due to the Studio Display housing so many functions. All in all the Studio Display is definitely away more than the sum of its parts and one needs to use it and use it a lot in order to reap its benefits.

I said I would never spend that for a monitor. I picked up a Mac Mini recently, and started my quest for a budget 4k display. Through my searching, I found scaling issues, flickering, wobbly stands, backlight bleed, and cheap plastic. Turns out, if you're not buying a Apple display, and want things to scale decently, a 2k monitor at 27 inches is about the best you can hope for. I bought the Studio Display a few day ago, and I'm still questioning why I paid that much for a monitor, but every time I turn it on I'm blown away by how good everything looks on it!

My only real wish is that the come with 32inch variant as well. I work allot with Technical drawings. I would like that Apple allows for Daisy chaining a dual (/Multi) screen setup and an easy way to stereo-pair them (also with other airplay devices).

I’m torn. I’m looking into getting a 16inch MBP with M2 Max. I know there are other options that are probably cheaper and close enough quality…but I know this will be excellent and work out of the box. Less fuss. 16 Inch screen and a studio display, sounds perfect to me.

Cheers Jason you hit the nail on the head with the overlooked benefits of the working environment this display offers in addition to it undoubtably being a true precision tool that’s perfectly suited to its audiences actual requirements. Keep up the the honest reviews. Much appreciated thank you.

Do you have the matte display coating?

would you recommend to get it with applecare+ after one year of usage?

I bought one 6 days ago to replace a cheap 4k ACER display that has a DisplayPort connection which broke inside the monitor, leaving it with a pair of HDMI ports, one of which is also flaky. The speakers are great, the camera OK. I tried it in a Zoom meeting yesterday, the USB Condenser boom mic having a more suitable sound for the target audience. I have stopped using a Thunderbolt 4 dock and a 2.1 stereo soundbar with subwoofer. I only used the Dock to connect backup drives and my iPad Air 5, these duties are well covered by the (up to) 10 Mbps-capable USB-C ports on the display. I love it. Since originally posting this reply I have upgraded to using an Insta360 Link USB 4k webcam. That fixes the Studio Display's camera issue. This camera has built-in selectable tracking.

I use my 2 LG 5K (Same panel as the SD and same I/0) with my windows laptops and my MBP16. I love them with Windows, thought I wish you could control brightness etc, but they work and I normally crank up the brightness anyway, so no real issues. I will say that on Windows I have to plug the laptp in as well as connect eh monitor or the screen goes black after a few minutes, so that ties up an additoional Thunderbolt port on my Windows laptop. So thats a bummer but I have been able to make it work. Tht being said, I, like you, and considering going back to Mac only for other reasons. The Studio Display is hands down the best monitor I have ever used or seen. I don't like using y 4k's any more at other locations. I love the interated camera. Having only one cable to hook up my entire setup on my mac is just a thing of beuty. The MBP16 is the bet computer ever made. That Silicone chip is nuts.

Couldn't agree more. I bought one about 7 months ago. Yeah, it was crazy expensive. But since I spend 8 - 12 hours a day in front of it, it was the best investment I could ever make. My eyes thank me. The speakers are really good. (and helps clear my desk!). The mic is very good also, but I do have a Blue Yeti, which I still use. (I live in video calls and creating video content). The webcam, well, it's adequate if you have proper lighting. (My setup is close to a studio if you will). No regrets. Wish it were easier to use with Windows. Wish it were easier to switch between Macs. Beyond that, quite happy.

Thank you, for this excellent one year review from your time using Apple's Studio Display. Own an Apple 27-inch LED (none thunderbolt) display and, I wanted to replace it with the Studio Display but, the Studio Display just...fell flat down somewhere on its way to the market place. If buying today, I would pay the extra money and, just pick-up the 32-inch Pro XDR display with no web camera and no speakers (smile...smile).

I couldn’t agree more. Love it, just wish it was a few inches bigger! But there is no better monitor out there for the Mac except for the XDR Pro. I’ve come from using a 34in Ultra Wide Dell on my Windows PC and can never go back now

I have really been thinking about this. Glad to come across your video! The only thing that has been niggling is that I have a 5K iMac Retina display which was beautiful until the hard drive died. I really wish I could just use that Mac as monitor for my M2 MBPro. I wish I could use this screen - not over remote/airplay - but just use it like a normal monitor.

Thank you for your "honest' opinion. I just ordered an M2 iStudio and have been agonising about what monitor to get. It's a toss up between the Samsung 34" G8 QD-OLED or the studio display. I can get the Samsung for about half the price of the studio display but after watching your review I think I will just go for the Studio display. I'm coming off a 27" iMac that has the 5k display. Thank You again. D

My display wont plug and play! ive tried on both my air and pro, nothing! its powered on and charging devices.. all I'm met with when powered on is 3 loading dots and that's it... any advise?

I have too much crap that I plug into my current monitor to switch to one. I kind of wish I could downsize to the laptop and a good monitor for it but I also like havin' all the stuff.

Mmmm, my 24" ultrafine has 2 TB ports and 3 usb C. The beauty is if you have two thunderbolt displays or even USBc display you can daisy them up which is great. It was dropped on the 27" and I didn't understand that decision or Apples not yo ask them to keep it. Probably just me though.

I agree the camera isn't fantastic, but continuity camera with your iPhone blows away anything on a monitor or MacBook.

Why me, My Mac Studio display died after 18 months. First signs of trouble was its inability to turn on if the Mac Studio was restarted. I was able to to get it to turn on again but this was only after having it powered down the Studio screen for at least 8 hours. Pulled this trick off 3 times but once I upgraded the OS to Sonoma it bricked out totally. Nothing will trigger it to turn on. I now own a $2500 beautiful brick. I'm in negotiations with Apple related to the next step. Maybe the fact it has no controls on the display is a big mistake. Using a 240v power plug as a reset feels bloody awkward to me.

I’d like to see apple doing higher refresh rates like 120 or greater, vs standard 60hz. The technology is there now, so that would be a good update. Cameras should be 4k now, if they can cram one into an iPhone can’t see why they can’t cram one into this display. And lack of HDMI limits it’s usage.

Enjoyed the video and seeing the Dylan, Rush and Neil Young album covers on the monitor 😊

You are a shrewd dude. I truly appreciate your point of view and listening to your monologues. You’ve seen a few rodeos.

Is it much better than the iMac, as you can use the iMac as a monitor these days. I ask because there isn’t a huge difference in price, and one has a computer in it.

i was lucky enough to find one brand new and sealed with a Brand New Touch ID keyboard for 1400 euros . so happy with it . ( but camera such because of the constant zoom ) sound can be even better with a simple program like Boom 3D that boost a lot the sound level of any Macs.

You son of a gun.. Watched the last one you did, I needed this. Gonna pull that trigger soon.

I replaced my 2014 5K iMac with studio display and Mac Studio and I don’t regret it. Strangely it cost me more or less the same money as paid for my iMac in 2014.

Took me a year to save up for this monitor. Love this thing in combination with my Insta 360 webcam. Amazing

Cables plugged in snugly or well fitted

Side note: I love your studio space!

My Studio display freezes with every firmware update. Apple support wants me to take it into a store 2 hours away. This thing is beautiful but keeps freezing and then works for no reason until the next firmware update. At $1700 I expected more. I need now to purchase a backup display because I have no option but to leave it at a Genius Bar.

I’ve been debating this purchase since they came out; and happily got an open box brand new for $400 off from Best Buy. So, 1,274.00. Absolutely worth it.

I want to buy this display. How long will it last? I've owned many iMacs and Macbooks and they have lasted me 11-14 years. I even have a cinema display that still works and I use as a second monitor. However, I'm not sure how long will this last effectively until the monitor starts to die on me. Can you give me an estimate? Since the 27" iMac was discontinued I am really panicking because I need a big monitor to paint (I'm an illustrator). I can't really wrap my head around on buying anything but apple. I don't really want to struggle trying to match colors etc. I'd really appreciate your input :)

The camera issue stems from Apple using a wide angle sensor in favor of the “Center Stage” feature, so you basically see a cropped-out segment of the image that tracks you around as you move. Bad decision on Apple’s side of course.

Just bought the monitor a couple days ago…thanks for justifying my purchase.

I bought one refurbished for $240 off new thanks for helping decide to get one.

For moving the display up and down: I cannot recommend the VESA version enough. Along with $100 Amazon Basics monitor arm (Ergotron clone), you get more flexibility and a super tidy desk.

How does it compare to new QLED and OLED Displays with type-C 144 refresh rates?

The biggest thing is glossy. There are virtually no other glossy monitor on the market. With a window right next to me, I find my built in glossy MacBook display to be easier to see than my matte 4k monitor. I just wish the studio display had ProMotion.

They need to come out with a 32 inch display that's not stupidly expensive like the "Pro" Display XDR, I need one to go with my new M2 Ultra Studio

What are your current thoughts on Apple and Right To Repair?

Wait what. This is the best? Better than the XDR Pro display?😅

I just purchased a 2020 mac mini M 1 16 GB RAM 2 GB SSD. My original Apple monitor, 20" is going black. There is no rhyme nor reason. Would you kindly direct me to which monitor would be compatible and functioning with my mac mini? Thank you. I do not have a big budget, but I need a functioning display.

Bought the Studio Display for my second living place. So I only have to carry my mac studio. At my first living place I use a 6k Apple Pro XDR

P.S I want a 32in ish size preferably under a grand. Any suggestions? I’ve changed my mind between the M8 - BenQ - Alienware I’m about to pull my hair out!

Still using my LG 40" curved 5120x2160k@72Hz Thunderbolt display and loving it. 27" is too small for me personally.

Thanks

A year later and am still contemplating whether to get one or not. I use two MBP for work but would definitely like a bigger screen for animation and music production. The price though… but guess I should see it as an investment?!

The only downside that I have with this monitor is the 60hz 😢 I just cannot get used to it since I use MacBook Pro with 120hz and two 170hz monitors… it’s the only downside, but unfortunately for me it is important.

I use my studio display daily with my HP laptop. Just had to buy an Uber powerful display port to thunderbolt. It's great

Weeeeeell I mean I was gonna get it for a PC hook-up. ha I have a personal Mac Air M2, but unfortunately my work computer is a PC. So, that's the reason it would be connected to Windows. I'm a graphic designer and I was hoping it would boost the picture quality while slaying some videos and graphics. I would also use it on my Mac of course, but I do spend more time on my PC due to work. Are you saying it's not worth it then?

I made the mistake of getting two cheaper monitors I’ve already had to replace. Ended up with the Studio Display in the end anyways.

$800 24" LG Ultrafine 4K (24MD4KLB). Still available as of writing. A little worse in some minor categories, a little bit better in others. A much, much better deal. Done.

I can’t make up my mind! Too many options! I need a monitor for my Apple Mac Studio being delivered in one day. I’m going crazy over here watching hrs of reviews and it’s annoying with all the paid reviewers. Please help

6:00 "are you going to plug it into Windows?" Maybe. Why should I spend $1600 on a monitor that is for one OS? Maybe in 7 years I want to have a Windows setup for this monitor. Thats the entire point of why no physical buttons are a problem and having something tied to a specific OS. Who knows maybe Apple themselves won't support this monitor in 15 years in a future MacOS release.

Cheaper DIY 5K monitor with more features: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-TRxAxbHYZPc.html

I would love to see Apple make an ultra-wide display, that would be excellent for productivity.

I own a Studio Display and use it specially for Astrophotography Processing and it is perfect! Image quality is exactly what I need to get the right effect and I love that the image is about comparable what you see on an iPad or iPhone - so when the pic looks good on my Studio Display I can be sure it will also look good on Apple mobile devices.

Hmm thunderbolt only connectivity is the studio displays biggest Achilles heel. Forget the camera and speakers, which professionals don't need. You can also only connect one computer to it, that must be within 2m - or you have to spend a huge bucks to buy a optical thunderbolt cable. So for professionals who have there computer in a rack, get out your wallet. Technically HDMI 2.1 has more bandwidth, can be run over longer distances and is far cheaper. Most HDMI monitors, have two inputs, with DP or USBC and sometimes even KVMs, so you don't have to be logged into icloud passing all your keystrokes through Apples servers, just to move a mouse between screens and devices. But that whole image scaling thing. Apple really has us all stitched right up.

I wanted to use it indeed with a mac mini and a windows pc. It works fine with a windows pc.....

I have just looked at he back of the Studio Display with VESA mount and It is so bad. How Apple designers could have designed such a horrible mount is beyond me. The back of any product is just as important as the front. For such a lot of money they could have used the Pro Displays mounting system. I’m speechless.

I may wait for an updated version of the current one. Maybe Apple will make it $100 cheaper

I just want a Retina display. Give me 24", I'll buy two, give me 27", I'll buy one. I don't need anything else. Just give me a high res display at a reasonable price without all the fancy speakers, cameras, etc. Is this too much to ask? Am I the only one who wants this? Why isn't any other company doing this?

The price just went up to an absurd $2000 Cdn !!! That should change people's minds ..... 🤨

if only were Mini LED or something like the macbookpro screen i'll buy it but is not.

But ... does it give us a super cheap Spatial Audio system ? : )

Am I the only one disappointed on the mics? Those things aim to the top, not the front, making my voice sound I'm in a bubble in zoom calls? What I'm doing wrong? I've seeing almost no complaints about this... help?

This could be the new 27” iMac - the chassis is there, the space is there. What is Apple waiting for?…

I sooooo, really want but even with a positive review after one year i still cannot help but think of it as 1700/12 making this still a well over $100 per month investment.

If you have a Mac just buy and old IMac 5k for 20% of the price, you can probably find one that's 5 years old for that price in perfect condition, and guess what, it's a full computer. if you insist on getting directly from apple you can get a 6 core i5 for like 1100 bucks refurbished , which works flawlessly for everyday tasks, and use as a display for your current Mac. In case your computer suffers any setback, you just have a spare that will work for almost anything in a pinch, plus you can save stuff in it as back up, plus it is a freaking do Computer that just works. And that talk that apple scaling works wonky on 4k, it's just Apple purposely screwing you, so you have only their display to choose, there's very little reason to not optimize an operational system to 4k, which is a resolution that you can find on amazing displays way bigger, way faster, for way less money. But if you want to just throw money away pay 1600 bucks and a couple more for some books to elevate the display, or pay 2k for the privilege of height adjustment.

One of my fears of owning such a display is to happen the same thing as in 5k iMacs: ghosting. After several years I saw it happen in multiple iMacs

I thought you switched to windows? Re: your video from 8 months ago.

Or just pick up a used Thunderbolt 2k display for $150.

It's a great and horrible display at the same time. After one year it died and I paid 260$ for power supply replacement. Now it suffers from some buzzing sound from inside and Apple will obviously charge another few hundred to repair it. So buy with a great caution and rather buy a Apple Coverage for the longest period possible

"nickle and diming" you?! Try shankin' you in the alley and stripping you down 🥳 PS - I still own all their products, someone help me! lol

Studio display does NOT have a detachable power cord…will not purchase.

Expensive trash

Ugg not what I wanted to hear 🙃 I can’t believe how expensive monitors are these days!? I haven’t bought one in 15 years!🫣