Apple Studio Display 2 leaks again with 120 Hz panels, HDR support, and speaker updates

Apple's next-generation Studio Display, or whatever Apple decides to name it, has been rumored several times in the past. Likely to launch within the first half of this year, we now have a few more interesting leaks to talk about, courtesy of MacWorld.

Found buried inside macOS, MacWorld found references to two separate Apple Studio Displays, likely in 27-inch and 32-inch sizes. The code indicates that the two models - J427 and J527 - will contain different speaker setups as well, judging from the two separate sets of audio drivers. It is possible that the larger variant will house more speakers, allowing for a richer experience.

For reference, the current Studio Display packs a six-speaker setup with admirable audio quality. The larger 32-inch Pro Display XDR, however, does not have any speakers at all. 

Moreover, MacWorld also reports that the two monitors will have different I/O capabilities. The current-generation Studio Display has a single Thunderbolt 3 port, alongside three 10 Gbps USB-C ports.

6K at 120 Hz is no small amount of pixels

If Apple wants to maintain Retina-level pixel density in the 32-inch variant as well, the monitor will have to boast at least a 6K panel. Considering high-refresh rate capability has also been rumored repeatedly, the higher-end Studio Display will definitely require faster connections.

MacWorld believes that both variants of the Studio Display will feature 120 Hz ProMotion support, even though earlier reports have hinted at a 90 Hz limitation for the lower-end variant. It is worth pointing out that Apple has never released a product with a 90 Hz panel - it has always been either 60 Hz, or 120 Hz ProMotion.

Other expected features from Apple's next-generation monitor lineup include HDR support, which does not necessarily indicate mini LED backlighting. That said, if Apple wants to replace the Pro Display XDR, having a mini LED panel will be a must. 

Both variants of the Studio Display monitor are scheduled for launch within this year, even though the lower-end model is internally associated with "2025" according to MacWorld. This might be because the product was originally intended to launch last year, or it might be that Apple plans to launch them separately.

For now, Apple fans can look forward to new MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iPad Air families, along with the long-rumored budget MacBook, iPhone 17e, and entry-level iPad, all of which are expected to arrive early next month.