It’s been greater than three years since Apple introduced the Studio Show, a less expensive various to the Professional Show XDR for Mac customers in search of an amazing exterior monitor with Retina high quality. Even with rumors suggesting that Apple will launch an up to date monitor subsequent yr with higher applied sciences, I couldn’t assist myself and purchased a Studio Show some time in the past.
Why on earth did I purchase one now? That’s precisely what I requested myself proper earlier than shopping for it. However after utilizing it for a number of months, I’m blissful to say that I don’t remorse it. On the identical time, I do know it might not be the suitable selection for everybody. If you happen to’re torn between shopping for the present Studio Show now or ready for a possible refresh, right here’s what you need to know.
The expertise nonetheless feels premium
If you happen to’ve been following the information, that the present Studio Show lacks some key applied sciences. It doesn’t have HDR or ProMotion, so that you’re restricted to SDR content material and a 60Hz refresh fee. Additionally, the Studio Show has a conventional LCD panel that may be a little missing in comparison with the wealthy distinction of mini-LED shows, similar to these on the MacBook Professional.
Regardless of all that, it’s nonetheless an distinctive monitor for most individuals. The 27-inch 5K Retina panel presents a local 218ppi pixel density, which suggests macOS can scale the interface completely at 2x, identical to on a Retina MacBook or iMac. That’s a giant deal. Most 4K screens don’t scale cleanly at this measurement, forcing you to decide on between too-large UI parts or blurry textual content. With the Studio Show, every thing appears precisely as Apple intends.
Colours additionally look nice on the Studio Show, with help for the P3 large gamut and as much as 600 nits of brightness. Once more, it’s not HDR, but it surely’s nonetheless significantly better than many different choices available on the market. And the 5K decision provides you numerous area to work with a number of home windows or to edit content material in excessive definition, which issues so much to me since I exploit Remaining Reduce Professional every single day.
However it’s not nearly sharpness and shade accuracy both, although each are wonderful. When you think about all of the little issues, the present Studio Show remains to be an amazing possibility with virtually no competitors.
The little issues make Studio Show higher
I’ve tried another 4K and 5K screens earlier than, similar to Samsung’s ViewFinity S9 (which has very comparable specs to Apple’s). However none of them beats Studio Show in relation to construct high quality and integration.
One of many largest benefits of the Studio Show is the way it appears and seems like an Apple product. A lot of the screens I’ve tried are made from plastic. Studio Show, alternatively, is made fully of aluminum and has a shiny glass panel (which I desire). Its premium design is just not solely a pleasure to have a look at, but additionally makes the monitor way more secure on the desk.
The Studio Show connects through Thunderbolt and has three ports for connecting your gear.
Filipe Esposito/Foundry
The sound system is genuinely spectacular. With six inside audio system and Spatial Audio help, the Studio Show blows away each different monitor I’ve examined on this class. I’ve even stopped utilizing the HomePod mini in my workplace–the sound is loud sufficient and has first rate bass. It’s nice for watching movies, modifying, or listening to music.
There’s additionally the truth that Studio Show connects to your Mac through a single Thunderbolt connector, which might additionally recharge your Mac. As well as, it features as a full hub with three further USB-C ports, a built-in webcam, and a microphone (which aren’t superb, however get the job finished).
Isn’t a brand new Apple show coming quickly?
I’ve stated numerous nice issues about Studio Show. What’s the catch?
As I discussed earlier, a number of studies recommend that Apple is planning to introduce a brand new Studio Show quickly. Not precisely this yr, however someday in 2026. Provided that Studio Show prices $1,599, some clients might not be certain whether or not to purchase the present one or await a brand new model.
Filipe Esposito/Foundry
In accordance with rumors, the next-generation Studio Show is predicted to function a mini-LED panel, offering deeper blacks and improved distinction. There’s additionally a sketchy rumor about it supporting a better refresh fee of as much as 90Hz. Though these are greater than welcome upgrades, most customers can be high quality with the present model.
Must you purchase a Studio Show proper now?
If you happen to’re not in a rush to purchase a brand new exterior monitor, I recommend ready till subsequent yr–we’re speaking a couple of high-priced funding. However when you’re already annoyed together with your present monitor and really want one thing higher to enhance your workflow, the present Studio Show nonetheless holds up remarkably properly in 2025. Particularly when you could find it on sale, it turns into an much more compelling possibility.
Would I like a greater panel with a better refresh fee? After all. However the lack of it doesn’t hassle me in the intervening time. The Studio Show remains to be a wonderful, elegant monitor that integrates seamlessly with the Mac. For me, that was value greater than the rumored upgrades once I determined to purchase one in the midst of its life cycle.
