Apple Studio Display 2 to get three massive upgrades according to leak

The Apple Studio Display should finally get a 120Hz refresh rate (Image source: Anthony Choren)

The Apple Studio Display has a 60Hz 5K panel, lacks HDR support and is no longer entirely up to date from a technical perspective. The Studio Display Gen 2 now appears to be launching soon and is expected to receive three significant upgrades, according to a new code leak.

Hannes Brecher (translated by Enrico Frahn), Published 12/10/2025 🇩🇪 🇪🇸

The Apple Studio Display (from $1,368 on Amazon) will be four years old next March. The 27-inch monitor still offers an impressive resolution of 5120 x 2880 pixels and a decent brightness of 600 nits, but the 60Hz refresh rate is no longer competitive, especially at this very high price point.

Fortunately, Macworld has now found specific references to the next-generation Apple Studio Display in an internal iOS 26 beta version. According to this information, the monitor carries the codename "J527" and will receive at least three major upgrades. First, Apple is expected to double the aforementioned refresh rate from 60Hz to 120Hz. With ProMotion, the panel can dynamically lower the frame rate to match the content on the screen. Second, the monitor will support HDR content. This is also a strong indication that the Apple Studio Display 2 will be equipped with a mini-LED backlight.

This type of backlight allows the Apple Pro Display XDR and MacBook Pro to reach a sustained full-screen brightness of 1,000 nits and an HDR peak brightness of 1,600 nits. Since mini LEDs can typically be dimmed across several hundred zones, they also contribute to a higher contrast ratio and deeper blacks. The third major upgrade is the Apple A19 chipset, which replaces the Apple A13 found in the previous model. It is not yet known whether this faster processor will offer new features. Either way, the new Apple Studio Display 2 is expected to launch in the first half of 2026.

Source(s)

Macworld | Anthony Choren (Teaser image)

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Editor of the original article: Hannes Brecher - Senior Tech Writer - 19407 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018

Since 2009 I have written for different publications with a focus on consumer electronics. I joined the Notebookcheck news team in 2018 and have combined my many years of experience with laptops and smartphones with my lifelong passion for technology to create informative content for our readers about new developments in this sphere. In addition, my design background as an art director at an ad agency has allowed me to have deeper insights into the peculiarities of this industry.

contact me via: @HannesBrecher, LinkedIn, Xing

Translator: Enrico Frahn - Managing Editor Accessory Reviews, Tech Writer - 5856 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2021

My fascination for technology goes back a long way to the Pentium II era. Modding, overclocking and treasuring computer hardware has since become an integral part of my life. As a student, I further developed a keen interest in mobile technologies that can make the stressful college life so much easier. After I fell in love with the creation of digital content while working in a marketing position, I now scour the web to bring you the most exciting topics in the world of tech. Outside the office, I’m particularly passionate about motorsports and mountain biking.

contact me via: LinkedIn

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