Apple Just Made Its Best Monitor Cheaper

It's been only a few weeks since Apple released a new Studio Display and the all-new Studio Display XDR, which BGR already reviewed. However, in a rare move, the company is lowering the price of its most expensive monitor. As spotted by MacRumors, Apple is now offering the Studio Display XDR with the VESA mount adapter for $2,899. (previously $3,299). The same is worth it for the nano-texture version, which now costs $3,199 (previously $3,599).

Besides that, MacRumors points out that Apple reworked the step-by-step process of buying this monitor. Now, the company offers users the ability to choose which stand they prefer, whether the tilt and height-adjustable version for $3,299, or the VESA mount adapter for $2,899. Once customers go through this part, they can choose whether they want the regular glass or the nano-texture version, followed by AppleCare coverage.

The publication speculates that Apple cut the price of the Studio Display XDR because that's what most companies do when selling a VESA mount adapter monitor, as it doesn't come with a proper stand. However, the company still offers the regular Studio Display for the same $1,599, whether customers choose the standard version or not. One can only dream about a similar $400 price drop, which would make the second-generation Studio Display a lot more competitive.

Apple's new Studio Display XDR takes the place as the company's most expensive monitor, which was previously the 2019 Pro Display XDR. While it makes sense why the company discontinued this product, as it has also stopped selling the Mac Pro, this new model sits in between what the Pro Display used to be and the regular Studio Display.

After all, the Pro Display XDR offered a 6K 32-inch miniLED display, while the new Studio Display XDR features a 5K 27-inch miniLED screen. While this change alone makes the new model a lot cheaper than this other product, Apple also packed the Studio Display XDR with previously unseen or renewed features, like 2,000 nits of peak HDR brightness, 120Hz refresh rate, an A19 Pro chip to take care of all the smart features of the display, instead of relying on the connected Mac, in addition to improved speakers and a better 12MP Center Stage Camera with Desk View support,

The Studio Display XDR also comes with two Thunderbolt 5 ports and two additional USB-C ports to improve connectivity. For example, through the Thunderbolt 5 Pro cable, this monitor can fast-charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro thanks to its 140W of charging power. Still, it's important to note that those who wanted a bigger or better resolution display compared to the Pro Display XDR won't find the solution with Apple.

In another unusual move, when Apple introduced the Studio Display XDR, the company announced it featured DICOM medical imaging presets and a Medical Imaging Calibrator. The company says these features can be used in diagnostic radiology. The reason behind this new feature is that since several medical professionals use the Mac, the Studio Display XDR could be the perfect all-in-one solution, as these professionals could enjoy all the perks of this personal/work display, in addition to a unique medical imaging feature. Apple says it's still expecting FDA clearance to start offering this function.

The company also states that Apple products have been important tools to help healthcare professionals and developers improve patient outcomes, among other changes, such as improving research and efficiency in healthcare systems.

That said, the Studio Display XDR can now be found starting at $2,899 at Apple's website, a fraction of what the $4,999 Pro Display XDR used to cost, in addition to its optional $999 stand, which Apple "only" charges $400 more on the new Studio Display. At this moment, it's unclear if a similar change could happen to the regular Studio Display model, even though it's unlikely, as the previous model used to cost the same for both options.