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WWDC19 | Apple wants US$1,000 for the 'optional' stand for it's new high-tech 32-inch 6K Pro XDR display

Apple's state-of-the-art Pro XDR monitor stand is priced at US$999. (Source: Apple)
Apple's state-of-the-art Pro XDR monitor stand is priced at US$999. (Source: Apple)
Apple revealed a lot of interesting new technology at WWDC 19, but the one thing that almost everyone is talking about is the insane price it is charging for its fancy new Pro XDR monitor stand. The monitor is already eye-wateringly priced at US$4,999, although with all the technology packed into it that part makes sense. What makes little to no sense is that Apple is charging a whopping US$999 for the almost mandatory companion stand.

This is has been the most innovative and interesting WWDC in recent years with Apple taking some really positive steps forward with its software, including the new iPadOS. It’s new Mac Pro couldn’t have been anymore powerful than what Apple has delivered -- it is an absolute monster. It’s new 32-inch Pro XDR 6K monitor is also outstanding, if a little pricey at US$4,999. However, it is the US$999 asking price for the virtually mandatory, yet ‘optional,’ stand that has got tongues really wagging.

We admit, it is not an ordinary stand. It has some really interesting gears and mechanicals going on inside its hinge that makes moving and adjusting its position super simple. It can also be used to orient the display in portrait mode. Apple hasn’t detailed everything that is going on with the stand that makes it as costly as it is, but it is downright strange that Apple is a) selling it separately and not just building it into the total price of the monitor, and b) isn’t offering at least a basic alternative. We expect third-parties to be lining up with options.

We never thought we’d see the day where a monitor came with a stand that cost US$999, but then again, Apple is even charging an additional US$999 for the optional special matte display variant of new Pro XDR monitor! Again, it might well be breakthrough technology, but those prices really do seem laughable. At least the Pro XDR display itself is feature packed and, compared the features and US$40,000 price Sony is asking for its pro video editing monitor, Apple is actually undercutting that display by US$35,000. So, it might just be a case of ‘swings and roundabouts’ in the end.

Another angle of sophisticated, but pricey hinge. (Source: Apple)
Another angle of sophisticated, but pricey hinge. (Source: Apple)
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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2019 06 > Apple wants US$1,000 for the 'optional' stand for it's new high-tech 32-inch 6K Pro XDR display
Sanjiv Sathiah, 2019-06- 4 (Update: 2019-06- 4)