M5 iPad Pro’s New Feature Hints at Upcoming Studio Display Upgrade
120 Hz External Display Support on the M5 iPad Pro
Apple’s latest M5 iPad Pro, released last month, includes a notable display feature that could hint at a major upgrade for the next‑generation Studio Display. The new iPad Pro can now drive external monitors at up to 120 Hz with Adaptive Sync, which promises lower latency, smoother motion, and fewer visual artifacts during tasks like gaming and video editing.
This is the first time an iPad has supported a 120 Hz output to an external monitor.
Timing Aligns with Studio Display Development
The timing of this feature aligns closely with Apple’s development of a next‑generation Studio Display, expected in early 2026. While Macs have long supported 120 Hz external displays, Apple has yet to release a standalone monitor with a refresh rate above 60 Hz, making this a notable departure from current offerings.
Rumors About the Upcoming Monitor
Rumors from multiple sources suggest that Apple is preparing a significant update to the Studio Display. Earlier this year, references in Apple code pointed to a new external monitor codenamed J427, which is expected to include the A19 Pro chip. Additionally, display industry analyst Ross Young has stated that Apple is developing a 27‑inch monitor with mini‑LED backlighting, which would improve brightness, contrast, and color performance compared to the current model.
Current Studio Display Specs
The current Studio Display, launched in March 2022, features a 5K LCD display with a 60 Hz refresh rate, 600 nits of brightness, a built‑in camera and speakers with Center Stage and Spatial Audio support, the A13 Bionic chip, “Hey Siri” commands, one Thunderbolt 3 port, and three USB‑C ports. It starts at $1,599 in the U.S.
Implications and Outlook
The combination of the new 120 Hz external display support on the M5 iPad Pro and the likely update to the Studio Display in early 2026 adds weight to the idea that Apple is preparing to introduce a higher refresh rate for its upcoming monitor. However, this remains speculation for now.
