Studio Display XDR: 1st Look - A Color Expert's Raw Take

First Impressions of the Apple Studio Display XDR

Overview and Initial Thoughts

• The speaker introduces the Apple Studio Display XDR with nano-texture, expressing surprise at reviewing an Apple display as a free agent.

• The speaker highlights the uniqueness of this display in the current market and promises to share first impressions, details, and future reviews.

• Full disclosure: the display was self-purchased; no sponsorship from Apple. Encourages viewer support through likes or subscriptions.

Design Features

• The speaker describes the nano-texture etching on the glass, emphasizing that it is not a coating but an etched piece of glass.

• Comparison made to previous models like the 27-inch studio display 5K; notes that this model includes a full computer inside with an A19 Pro chip and 128 GB memory.

Stand Options and Adjustability

• Discusses stand options: only one type available (tilt and height adjustable), which operates differently than typical stands by moving in an arc.

• Notes that vertical orientation is not possible with this stand; recommends using a VESA mount for those needing vertical setup.

Installation Considerations

• If users want to switch to a VESA mount after purchase, they must take it to an Apple store for disassembly—an inconvenient process highlighted by the speaker.

Connectivity and Hardware Specs

• Describes hardware features including a built-in braided power cord, Thunderbolt 5 cable, two Thunderbolt ports, and two USB ports on the back of the display.

• Mentions local dimming points (234 total), noting that while impressive, it does not reach OLED quality yet. Expresses desire for a larger 32-inch version.

Display Technology Insights

Considerations for 6K Display Development

• The speaker discusses the challenges of developing a 32-inch 6K display, noting that it would require doubling the bandwidth compared to existing models.

• Concerns about backward compatibility with older Apple silicon are raised, as not all may support 6K at 120Hz. Additionally, circuitry adjustments are necessary for optimal performance.

Features of Current Displays

• Apple has opted for a combination of features from previous models, merging the best aspects of the 32-inch 6K and the 27-inch 5K displays into one XDR option and a regular option.

• The speaker mentions that they have not ordered any updated regular displays for their studio setup but will focus on showcasing the current display's capabilities.

System Settings Exploration

• A walkthrough of system settings is planned to explore display information; however, full calibration will be reserved for later review due to technical constraints during filming.

• The necessity of updating to the latest macOS version is emphasized to fully utilize studio display XDR capabilities; older versions may not function correctly with new hardware.

Display Calibration and Settings

• The speaker notes difficulties in screen recording while adjusting preset modes due to hardware settings affecting output; alternative filming methods were employed instead.

• Key settings such as brightness levels (currently unverified), refresh rates (adaptive from 47Hz to 120Hz), and night shift options are highlighted as part of user customization features available on the display.

Color Calibration Methods

• Discussion includes various presets available on the display, including Apple’s new calibration method CMF 2026 versus traditional CIE standards used in other color modes. This highlights advancements in color accuracy across different technologies.

• CMF 2026 aims to reduce variations between displays using different backlight technologies, potentially setting a new standard in color calibration within the industry according to insights shared by an expert friend of the speaker.

Apple's Display Calibration Insights

Discussion on Apple's Liquid Retina XDR Display

• Apple has not clarified whether the calibration method mentioned in their white paper applies to the Liquid Retina XDR display found in the 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, particularly with the M5 generation.

Available Modes and Features

• Users can choose from various modes, including standard CIE1931 modes. Medical imaging mode is expected to be available soon but can be accessed currently.

Photography and HDR Capabilities

• The display supports multiple photography modes such as P3D65, Adobe RGB D65, and HDR photography, which could significantly benefit photographers using Adobe HDR preview tools like Lightroom.

Custom Preset Creation

• A custom preset feature allows users to set different luminance levels for displays. This includes options for color gamut settings like Adobe RGB and P3 plus Adobe RGB.

Experimentation with Color Gamut Coverage

• There is curiosity about how much of the Adobe RGB color gamut will be covered when selected versus P3 alone. Further experimentation is planned to understand these differences better.

Local Dimming Functionality

• Local dimming can enhance brightness in specific areas of the display; however, turning it off may lead to uniform brightness across all mini LED backlights, mimicking traditional LED behavior.

Calibration Methods Availability

• The full calibration method previously available on other displays is currently not accessible due to settings being used. Fine-tune calibration also appears unavailable at this time.

This structured summary captures key insights from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.

Calibration Insights for Displays

Display Calibration Limitations

• The display is currently set at 160 nits, with specific luminance points outlined in the white paper for various preset modes.

• Full calibration options are not available in the preset photography Adobe RGB D65 mode, raising questions about alternative reference modes.

• Fine-tune calibration allows adjustments to match another reference display, although full calibration features are still pending.

Comparison with Previous Models

• The anticipated full calibration method will likely mirror those used in previous Apple Pro displays like the Pro Display XDR and Liquid Retina XDR.

• High-end color radiometers or spectrometers costing around $5,000 are required for proper calibration; this may not be necessary for most users unless engaged in color-critical work.

Performance and Compatibility

• To utilize the display at 120 Hz, users need M2 Pro, M2 Max, M2 Ultra chips or newer; older models like M1 cannot support full refresh rates.

• The only silicon capable of driving the display at full 5K 120 Hz is the upcoming M5 chip; other devices will be limited to lower refresh rates.

Testing with Various Devices

• Initial tests with an ASUS Z13 connected via Thunderbolt show successful operation at 5K resolution and 120 Hz after driver updates.

• An attempt to connect an older Microsoft Surface laptop revealed limitations in changing resolution settings despite recent software updates.

Boot Camp Challenges

• A vintage 2018 MacBook Pro running on Intel faced issues connecting through Boot Camp; it initially recognized the connection but did not display output correctly. Further updates may resolve these issues.

Testing Mac OS Compatibility with Studio Display

Overview of the Setup

• The speaker is testing Mac OS compatibility using an M3 Max and M5 Max, noting that the M5 Max will be their daily driver.

• The current operating system on the M3 Max is 15.7.4 (Sequoia), and they have also installed Tahoe, which treats OS containers differently than previous versions.

Observations on Display Functionality

• When connecting to a studio display, the system settings recognize it as "studio display XD," but lacks reference mode options in color profiles.

• Speculation arises that firmware updates to Tahoe may not align with the OS version, causing discrepancies in available features like color profiles.

Testing with Intel MacBook Pro

• A 2018 15-inch MacBook Pro running Sequoia 15.7.4 is tested by plugging it into the studio display.

• The Intel Mac can achieve a resolution up to 5K; however, there are differences in how preset modes function compared to Apple Silicon Macs.

Limitations Encountered

• On the Intel machine, changing preset modes causes screen flickering across all displays rather than just external ones.

• Calibration options are limited due to older OS restrictions; some features like serial number recognition do not work properly.

Compatibility Issues Identified

• Attempting to customize presets on the Intel machine results in a system error indicating incompatibility despite being able to output signals.

• Apple Silicon users can select custom presets already created but cannot create new ones on Intel machines.

Final Thoughts and Future Plans

• The speaker notes that while the Studio Display XDR has advanced capabilities (like an A19 Pro chip), it ultimately functions as a standard display with limitations due to compatibility issues.

• A full review and calibration guide for the display will be provided later, emphasizing curiosity about its performance once fully tested with calibration tools.

Unboxing the Studio Display XDR

Initial Impressions and Unboxing Experience

• The presenter expresses excitement about unboxing the Studio Display XDR, highlighting its appealing design with a handle at the top.

• Upon opening, the display is revealed to be predominantly white, consistent with Apple's aesthetic. Cables are included in the packaging.

• A Thunderbolt cable is provided along with documentation; a lens cleaning cloth is also included due to the nano-texture option chosen by the presenter.

• The power cable is integrated into the display itself, featuring a three-prong connector that cannot be detached from the display.

• The overall design resembles previous studio displays, prompting preparations for setup and adjustments before use.