New Mac Pro and 7K Display coming later this year

The rumor: Apple still has one Mac that hasn’t been updated with Apple Silicon, but not for long, according to Mark Gurman (86.4% accurate, via Power On).

Sam’s take: We assumed for some time that a new Mac Pro would launch this year, but Gurman seems to believe we’ll see not only that…but an updated version of the Pro Display XDR, too. As someone who uses the current-generation XDR, I’m really hoping for 120Hz ProMotion and a webcam, mic and speakers. Basically, a 32-inch ‘Studio Display Pro’.

New rumor says updated Mac mini and external display coming this year, new iMac Pro and Mac Pro in 2023

The rumor: Apple will be updating their lower-end Mac desktops in 2022 and higher-end Mac offerings in 2023, according to Ming-Chi Kuo (70.4% accurate).

  • Later this year: Apple is said to release a “more powerful Mac mini and more affordable external display” that is a 27-inch non-Mini-LED panel
  • 2023: The iMac Pro and Mac Pro are said to be updated

Sam’s take: There’s not much detail about why these Macs may be launching so far apart…and it event contradicts with Apple’s own timeline of the transition to Apple Silicon being complete by the end of 2022. But Kuo also tends to know things very far in the future, and the first half of his tweet lines up with what other sources have been saying.

Apple’s new external display is finished and could launch at any time

The rumor: A new display from Apple could be dropping sooner rather than later, according to Mark Gurman (85.5% accurate, via Power On).

The details on Apple’s new monitor…

Sam’s take: It certainly sounds like Gurman thinks there’s a good chance that this monitor could be shown at Apple’s March 8 event. And if he feels that way…then I do, too. This is incredibly exciting.

Upcoming ‘Apple Studio Display’ will have 7K resolution, A13 processor inside

The rumor: Apple is working on an even higher-end display for pros, according to 9to5Mac (82.4% accurate).

The details…

  • “While it’s unclear whether the new Apple Studio Display is a replacement for the Pro Display XDR or a new option in the lineup with distinct features, people familiar with the matter told 9to5Mac that the new display has a 7K resolution”
  • 9to5Mac speculates that this could mean a larger 36-inch display with a 218PPI density is coming
  • The rumor site previously shared details about this same display last year, including that it will have an A13 chip with neural engine inside

Sam’s take: This is…somehow crazier than the existing Pro Display XDR. A potentially 36-inch screen with 7K resolution? It’s safe to say this is not the consumer monitor that we’ve been hearing about. This is an even higher-end (and potentially more expensive) display for legitimate professionals who have coin to blow.

Apple’s next external display is said to cost around $2,499

The rumor: Apple is making a new monitor that still won’t be affordable for most, according to Mark Gurman (87% accurate, via Power On).

  • Gurman reports that Apple is working on a new external display that is “destined to be about half the price of the Pro Display XDR,” Apple’s flagship monitor that currently retails for $4,999…plus an additional $999 for the stand
  • Other rumors have been swirling in recent months about Apple working on a trio of new monitors in 24, 27 and 32-inch sizes…but no specific release dates are known just yet

Our take: I’m smiling and chuckling while writing this because two racks is still way out of the price range for most folks. Still, I’m intrigued because anything cheaper than the current Pro Display XDR is at least some improvement. What we don’t know about this upcoming display are the details like sizing, resolution and features. Will this be a 24, 27 or 32-inch display? Will it be 4K or 6K? And most importantly, will it look good?

Apple Pro Display XDR 2 may feature A13 chip & neural engine

The rumor: Apple is working on a follow-up to their existing high-end display that will be as powerful as an iPhone 11, according to 9to5Mac (78.7% accurate, source).

  • To assist with more intensive tasks, an Apple-designed A13 processor may be inlaced on the next Pro Display XDR…alongside a neural engine
  • Apple first introduced the Pro Display XDR in June 2019 at WWDC alongside the revamped Mac Pro
  • No release date for Apple’s next high-end XDR display is known

Our take: Was really hoping this would be for the rumored lower-end consumer display that is in the works. But for those waiting for a second Pro Display XDR, these upgrades sound incredible and I’m glad to see Apple working to add more value to the five thousand dollar behemoth.