M5 iPad Pro May Reveal New Studio Display Feature
▼ Summary
– The new M5 iPad Pro can now output to external monitors at up to 120Hz with Adaptive Sync, a first for an iPad.
– This timing aligns with rumors of a major Studio Display update expected in early 2026, which would be Apple’s first standalone monitor above 60Hz.
– The rumored next-generation Studio Display is codenamed J427 and is expected to feature an A19 Pro chip and a 27-inch mini-LED panel for improved performance.
– Analyst reports suggest the new monitor could also include a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, matching features of the MacBook Pro.
– While the iPad Pro’s new capability adds weight to these rumors, the existence of a 120Hz Studio Display remains speculative for now.
The recent launch of the M5 iPad Pro includes a significant display upgrade that may hint at a major feature coming to Apple’s next-generation Studio Display. For the first time, an iPad can now drive an external monitor at up to 120Hz with Adaptive Sync, promising smoother visuals and lower latency for demanding tasks like video editing and gaming. This development arrives just as multiple industry sources point toward a substantial Studio Display refresh expected in early 2026, suggesting Apple is aligning its monitor technology with its most powerful portable devices.
While Mac computers have supported high-refresh-rate external displays for some time, Apple has not yet released a standalone monitor that exceeds a 60Hz refresh rate. The inclusion of 120Hz output capability in the new iPad Pro is therefore a notable shift. It aligns with persistent rumors from analysts like Ross Young, who indicates Apple is developing a 27-inch monitor with mini-LED backlighting. This technology would deliver superior brightness, contrast, and color performance compared to the current Studio Display’s LCD panel, bringing it in line with the premium displays found in MacBook Pro models.
Further evidence comes from code discoveries. Earlier this year, references were found to an external monitor codenamed J427, which is said to include an A19 Pro chip. This suggests the next display will continue Apple’s trend of integrating powerful silicon to manage advanced features like Center Stage and Spatial Audio. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has also reported that Apple plans to release this next-generation Studio Display, or a comparable replacement, as soon as early next year alongside new Macs powered by the M5 chip.
The current Studio Display, launched in March 2022, features a 5K resolution LCD, a 60Hz refresh rate, 600 nits of brightness, and is powered by an A13 Bionic chip. It includes a built-in camera with Center Stage, high-fidelity speakers with Spatial Audio, one Thunderbolt 3 port, and three USB-C ports, with a starting price of $1,599. The anticipated update would represent a substantial leap forward, particularly with the potential combination of mini-LED and a ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate.
Ultimately, the timing of the iPad Pro’s new external display support and the consistent rumors of a monitor overhaul strongly indicate that Apple is preparing to introduce a high-refresh-rate Studio Display. This move would finally bring the company’s standalone monitor offerings up to the visual performance standard set by its flagship laptops and tablets, though official confirmation remains pending.
(Source: Mac Rumors)
