It was four years ago that Apple launched the Studio Display monitor to work with Mac computers and select iPad models. Fast forward to now, the company is expected to launch its successor as early as next week, alongside a platter of new Apple products.
The macOS 26.3 update from earlier this month referenced J427 and J527 codenames for Apple"s monitor, suggesting there would be two versions of the Studio Display 2. It"s also known that the next-generation Studio Display will come fitted with 120Hz ProMotion and HDR.
Macworld took the time to dig into Apple"s system files and found that the two references are separate displays with differentiating features. While both J427 and J527 are expected to share the same core display capabilities, each monitor has a different audio driver, suggesting Apple might choose to include different speakers.
Right now, the Studio Display has a high-fidelity six-speaker system with force-cancelling woofers also found in the MacBook Pro. Apple might want to fit a high-end system, comparable to the HomePod, in the pricier monitor.
The J527 model supports more I/O controllers than the J427, as Apple might have planned to include more advanced ports while limiting the base model to the current setup, which includes three USB-C 10Gbps ports and one Thunderbolt 3 port.
The publication notes that Apple may have planned to launch the two models on different dates. That"s because the J527 is internally labeled as a 2026 product and the J427 as a 2025 product. It could be possible that Apple chooses to put a larger 32-inch display on the pricier model with better audio and ports, rather than selling two 27-inch displays.
Whatever Apple has chosen for its next-generation Studio Display will most likely be revealed next week when it launches new products during its Spring event, including a low-cost MacBook, iPhone 17e, and other devices.
Source: Macworld