Katarzyna Petru
For decades, 60 Hz was the undisputed standard in the world of monitors. Whether we're talking about office, professional, or "prosumer" equipment, the smoothness of the image remained at a level that is increasingly recognized today as insufficient. Visible stutters during scrolling, poor motion readability, and a noticeable difference after returning from a 120 Hz screen have made the industry begin to catch up on years of delay.
Dell is already openly communicating that 120 Hz is set to become the new standard in professional monitors. Now, everything suggests that Apple is finally preparing a similar move.
Apple i 60 Hz – a history full of consequences
All Apple flat monitors – from the Cinema Display of the late '90s to the Pro Display XDR and the Studio Display from 2022 – ended at 60 Hz. This is surprising, given that Apple has consistently promoted higher refresh rates in other categories of hardware. iPhones, iPads, MacBook Pros, and Vision Pros are already using 120 Hz and ProMotion, and the difference in everyday use is obvious. However, the Studio Display has remained an exception. And this may soon change.
Studio Display 120 Hz – what the leaks are saying
According to information from Macworld, references to a new Apple monitor with the code name J527 have appeared in the system code. This designation had previously appeared in Bloomberg reports, which indicated the development of a new generation of Studio Display planned for 2026.
The most significant change? Support for 120 Hz, most likely with ProMotion and variable refresh rate. The code also suggests compatibility with HDR, though caution is warranted here. If Apple opts for a miniLED LCD panel, "HDR" may be more of a marketing term than a reference standard.
The new monitor is expected to be powered by the A19 chip, marking a clear jump from the A13 used in the current Studio Display. This means greater image processing capabilities, better scaling, and potentially more advanced system features. There is also a second code appearing in the background – J427 – which may denote a cheaper variant of the monitor, possibly with a simplified specification.
120 Hz as the New Standard – But Not Right Away
The display market is already changing. High-end TVs and more and more mid-range models support 120 Hz. The PS5 and Xbox Series consoles do as well. Gaming monitors have long surpassed this, now reaching even absurd values in the hundreds of hertz.
The problem remains the rest of the ecosystem. Devices like Apple TV 4K and Google TV Streamer still max out at 60 Hz, which effectively blocks smooth interfaces and perfect frame matching in video content. For 120 Hz to truly become the new standard, the entire chain – from the signal source to the display – must undergo a transformation. Apple has already taken the first step in mobile devices and computers. The Studio Display could be the next, eagerly awaited element of this puzzle.
Change That Should Have Happened Years Ago
Increasing resolution and improving color reproduction have dominated "professional" monitors for years. Meanwhile, it is the fluidity of the interface and the naturalness of movement that have a huge impact on work comfort today. The jump from 60 Hz to 120 Hz is one of the most noticeable changes that can be seen with the naked eye – even without laboratory comparisons.
If the rumors are confirmed, the new Apple Studio Display with 120 Hz will not be a revolution. It will rather be a delayed, but very much needed catching up. And perhaps a symbolic end to the 60 Hz era in Apple monitors.
