With the Studio Display 2, everything boils down to one question: Will it finally get the higher refresh rate that was missing in the first model, or will Apple once again fall short of expectations? At least the general timeframe is certain: Apple is expected to unveil a new version of the Studio Display sometime in the first half of the year. It would be the first update since its introduction alongside the Mac Studio in 2022.
There have been several rumors about the Studio Display 2 recently, but they contradict each other precisely regarding the feature many consider the most important upgrade: 120 Hz / ProMotion. A new clue now suggests that Apple is indeed increasing the refresh rate, but not all the way to the top. Instead of 120 Hz, the panel is rumored to be set at 90 Hz. This sounds like a compromise, and that's exactly how it's currently being discussed.
Studio Display 2: Current rumors about the refresh rate
According to an anonymous tipster quoted by MacRumors, the Studio Display 2 will have a refresh rate of 90 Hz, not 120 Hz. That would be noticeably smoother than 60 Hz, but not "ProMotion-level".
The informant attributes this to bandwidth limitations. The idea behind it: Apple might deliberately not prioritize maximum display data rate for everything, so that enough bandwidth remains available for other tasks.
Why 90 Hz might seem “logical” from a technical point of view
The tipster suggests that 90 Hz makes sense because Apple likely wants to reserve bandwidth for additional devices and peripherals connected to the display. Importantly, while Thunderbolt 5 can reportedly support 5K at 120 Hz without compression, Apple might still opt for a slightly lower refresh rate to allow for more headroom when other accessories are connected to or routed through the Studio Display 2.
This is already the second 90 Hz rumor
This isn't new. It's the second time a rumor has suggested that the next generation of studio displays will have a refresh rate of 90 Hz rather than 120 Hz. In November 2024, an anonymous informant contacted Myke Hurley and Jason Snell's "Upgrade" podcast. The tip was essentially:
- Apple is working on an LCD display with a higher refresh rate.
- with a new Liquid Motion Panel
- which is set to approximately 90 Hz
- originally in the context of the "next generation of the M3 iPad Air"„
- and work is underway to extend this technology to other products, specifically mentioned:
- a 24-inch iMac
- and a next-generation studio display (i.e., the Studio Display 2)
Opposing position: Macworld referred to it as 120 Hz ProMotion
Then, in December 2025, another report surfaced. Macworld wrote that the Studio Display 2 would feature a 120Hz ProMotion display. The source cited is intriguing: the Macworld report referenced an "internal pre-release version of iOS 26." And this is precisely where it gets interesting, because today's tipster (at MacRumors) also mentions "alleged information from an internal version of iOS 26 that has leaked online".
Why the clues might contradict each other
When two rumors both refer to "internal iOS 26 information" but arrive at different refresh rates, one conclusion is obvious: they could have been different versions.
This also fits with the obvious explanation that's being discussed. Apple's plans have likely changed several times. In other words, even if both leaks were genuine, they could simply reflect different stages of development, leaving the final outcome uncertain.
Launch window: Gurman sticks to “first half of the year”
The timing has recently received a boost. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reiterated over the weekend that he expects the new Studio Display to launch in the first half of the year. This aligns with the general expectation that Apple will unveil the Studio Display 2 relatively soon, especially since there hasn't been an update since 2022.
Unclear display plans: What refresh rate will the Studio Display 2 have?
The current situation with the Studio Display 2 is as follows: A launch in the first half of the year is considered likely, but the big question remains the refresh rate. A new report clearly states 90 Hz, citing bandwidth reserves despite Thunderbolt 5's potential for 5K at 120 Hz without compression. At the same time, another report mentions 120 Hz ProMotion and also refers to an internal iOS 26 pre-release version.
Ultimately, it seems Apple internally tested several approaches and may have changed plans more than once. Until the official unveiling, it remains to be seen whether the Studio Display 2 will truly receive the most sought-after upgrade or whether Apple will stick with the 90Hz compromise. (Photo by Unsplash / Mohamed Kerroudj)
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