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Apple will begin selling the new Mac Studio and Studio Display this Friday. While we have already read initial reviews of the Mac Studio, we now look at the opinions on Apple's new Studio Display.
Apple introduced the Studio Display at the “Peek Performance” event. With a 5K resolution at 27 inches and a price of 1,749 euros, the new Studio Display has been (mostly) well received by critics – but it must be acknowledged that there is no competition in this segment. In his article for Six Colors explained Jason Snell says the new Studio Display is a "welcome return" for Mac users. Snell explains that while there are cheaper and larger monitors on the market, the Studio Display represents the sweet spot for Mac users:
Are there cheaper monitors? Sure. Are there bigger monitors? Yes. But the Studio Display is a perfect fit for modern Macs. There's no doubt that Apple can break new ground here—I'd be surprised if there wasn't a high-dynamic-range version of this display at a higher price in a year or two—but a 27-inch 5K display isn't outdated, it's tried and tested. I can moan about the $400 extra for the adjustable stand, and about Apple overpricing the quality of the speakers and microphones. Still, the fact remains: If you have a Mac and need a good external display for it, there's finally a clear answer. Welcome home, Apple Studio Display. Never leave again.
Gizmodo has some thoughts on the IPS panel in the Studio Display divided:
Apple has done a good job calibrating this panel so the white balance and colors appear correct right out of the box. It's just very pleasant to look at. I watched the 4K wildlife videos you've probably seen on the back of a Best Buy and the sharp details and vibrant colors looked phenomenal. The viewing angles are excellent and in my opinion Apple has chosen the ideal size for a work and gaming monitor with the 27-inch display.
Apple Studio Display can cost up to 2,459 euros
One of the most interesting features of the Studio Display is the integrated webcam, which supports Center Stage, among other things. The Verge was not impressed by the quality of this camera:
The bad thing is, I have no idea what's wrong with this webcam. Apple has long been known for producing great images with 12-megapixel sensors and A-series chips, but for some reason this thing just looks awful. In good light it looks truly awful, and in poor light it's downright miserable. I've tried it on the Mac Studio and on my MacBook Pro running macOS 12.3, and on both machines it produces a grainy, noisy image with virtually no detail. I've tried it in FaceTime, in Zoom, in Photo Booth, and in QuickTime—the image quality is equally bad. Turning off the Center Stage feature that follows you around the room doesn't help. Turning Portrait mode on and off doesn't help, either.
The complaints about the webcam have also been confirmed in other reviews. Short note: In fact, this seems to be a software problem, as Apple has since confirmed – for example Item. The price for the Studio Display starts at 1,749 euros. However, interested parties can configure it in two different options that increase the price up to 2,459 euros. Apple offers a nano-texture glass option for an additional 250 euros. You can also choose a "tilt and height adjustable stand". This stand seems similar to the Pro Display XDR, but is smaller and several hundred euros cheaper. (Image: Apple)
