Apple Studio Display 2 Leak Reveals ProMotion 120Hz and HDR — Two Models Coming in 2026

Apple's Studio Display has been one of the most divisive products in the company's lineup since its 2022 launch. Beautiful design, excellent speakers, solid webcam — but a $1,599 price tag for a 60Hz, SDR-only panel? In 2026, that's increasingly hard to justify. Now, leaked macOS code reveals that Apple is finally addressing those shortcomings.

Two New Models: J427 and J527

Analysis of macOS system files by Macworld has uncovered references to two upcoming Studio Display variants, codenamed J427 and J527. Both will feature 120Hz ProMotion displays and HDR support — the two most-requested upgrades from professionals and enthusiasts alike.

The J427 appears to be a 27-inch model (matching the current display size), while the J527 is a larger 32-inch variant. If Apple maintains its Retina-level pixel density on the 32-inch model, it would need at least a 6K panel — putting it squarely in Pro Display XDR territory.

What's Different Between the Two?

The leaked code reveals significant differences between the models. The J527 (32-inch) supports more I/O controllers than the J427, suggesting a richer port selection. The speaker configurations also differ, with the larger model likely packing more drivers than the current six-speaker system.

Both models are expected to feature Mini-LED backlighting for enhanced brightness and HDR performance, along with an upgraded A19 chip replacing the current A13 Bionic.

Release Timeline

Internal designations suggest the J427 (27-inch) was originally targeted for a 2025 release but may have slipped to 2026. The J527 (32-inch) has always carried a 2026 target. Both displays are reportedly scheduled for launch within this year.

The Bottom Line

It's about time. Apple has been selling a 60Hz monitor for $1,599 while competitors like Dell and LG offer 120Hz+ HDR displays for significantly less. The Studio Display 2 sounds like the monitor the original should have been — the question is whether Apple will price the upgrades proportionally or use them to justify an even higher price tag.

Source: NotebookCheck