Apple testing a Studio Display with high-end ports and speakers

It’s no secret that Apple is working on a new generation of its Studio Display with ProMotion and HDR, but it may not be just one model. After taking a deeper look at internal Apple files, Macworld has found evidence that suggests there are actually two separate models in development.

Last year, we reported that code in a pre-release build of iOS 26 referenced a new external display identified as “J527,” a codename previously linked to a second-generation Studio Display. That same code pointed to major upgrades such as 120Hz ProMotion and HDR support. Earlier this month, also spotted references to a second model, J427, in the macOS 26.3 code, but it was unclear what the differences were.

Now, a fresh analysis of related system files reveals the two models are indeed separate displays with distinctly different features.

A split strategy for Studio Display 2

The existence of both J427 and J527 in Apple’s internal files strongly suggests that the next Studio Display may come in two configurations. While both appear to share the same core display capabilities, there are some interesting differences referenced in the firmware.

Specifically, each monitor has different audio drivers, implying that the speakers are different. The exact differences are unclear, but Apple may have decided to include better speakers in a higher-end version of its monitor. The current Studio Display includes a high-fidelity six-speaker system with force-cancelling woofers and support for spatial audio, the same found in the MacBook Pro, but a high-end system could support audio closer to HomePod.

Another difference we noticed is that the J527 version supports more I/O controllers than the J427. The current Studio Display has three USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 ports and one Thunderbolt 3 port. Presumably, the higher-end Studio Display will have more advanced ports, while the base model will keep the current ones.

Interestingly, the J427 version of the monitor is internally labeled as a “2025” product, while J527 is a “2026” product. Perhaps Apple originally planned to introduce these monitors separately, or the higher-end version of the Studio Display may still arrive at a later date.

The higher-end features would likely be part of a model with a larger screen as well. It would be odd to sell two 27-inch displays with slightly different speakers and ports, but a 32-inch model that also has upgraded audio and expansion makes more sense

An announcement could be right around the corner

Apple has teased a week of special announcements, starting on Monday. Rumors strongly suggest that a new low-end MacBook will be the centerpiece of this announcement, along with the M4 iPad Air, M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pros, and the iPhone 17e. But there has been persistent evidence that new desktop Macs and displays are coming soon as well, so it’s possible the new Studio Displays arrive sooner than later.