CUPERTINO, Calif., Feb 5, 2026, 02:36 PST
- According to a MacRumors report, leaked internal code suggests Apple’s upcoming Studio Display could feature a refresh rate as high as 90Hz.
- Some Studio Display configurations now show shipping estimates pushing into late February and early March, hinting that an update might be on the horizon.
- Rumors also point to mini-LED backlighting, HDR support, and an A19-class chip, but Apple hasn’t confirmed any new model yet.
Apple’s upcoming Studio Display might settle on a 90Hz refresh rate, a curious choice given the company’s usual 60Hz or 120Hz options, MacRumors revealed Wednesday.
This detail matters since Apple’s Studio Display has been stuck at 60Hz. Refresh rate stands out as one of the clearest improvements for anyone who scrolls nonstop, edits video, or games after hours. Boosting the panel speed is an easy way for Apple to update a costly accessory without altering its design.
Apple’s store is showing fresh activity. Shipping estimates for the Studio Display have crept back to late February and early March on certain models. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman also noted a refreshed version is “slated for a launch in the first half of 2026,” per News.
Refresh rate shows how often a display updates its image each second. While higher rates smooth out motion, they also increase bandwidth and power consumption.
MacRumors reported that an anonymous tipster spotted the 90Hz reference in strings from an internal iOS 26 build leaked online. The build dates back to early 2025, the site noted, but warned that Apple’s plans might have changed since then.
The tipster’s claim centers on data flow through the cable. They suggest Apple might be aiming to juggle 5K resolution and smoother motion while leaving enough bandwidth for other accessories connected to the monitor, which also serves as a hub for certain Mac users.
Other upgrades have surfaced in leaks and rumors: mini-LED backlighting, which employs numerous tiny LEDs to enhance contrast, plus HDR—high dynamic range video offering brighter highlights and richer shadows. Some chatter also hints at an A19 or A19 Pro chip, the same processor Apple uses in iPhone-level gear, to manage tasks like camera and audio.
There’s a paper trail, albeit a slim one. MacRumors and other Apple-focused sites have pointed to a Chinese regulatory database listing for an unreleased Apple monitor, model A3350, suggesting the hardware might be nearer to launch than usual.
Apple’s timing invites a fresh comparison. Dell, LG, and Samsung regularly offer high-end monitors with 120Hz or higher refresh rates and extensive HDR features. For creators, specs and availability often outweigh brand loyalty.
But things can still go off track. Shipping delays might just signal supply issues rather than a fresh product launch; regulatory filings often linger for months; plus, the iOS build MacRumors references isn’t up to date, leaving Apple plenty of wiggle room to switch the panel or scrap the idea completely. Even if a 90Hz display does arrive, it risks falling short—too slow for fans of Apple’s “ProMotion” 120Hz variable refresh, yet possibly overkill for others who don’t mind.
In a report dated Feb 1, 9to5Mac cited Gurman saying, “Apple’s entry-level Studio Display is also in short supply, both online and in stores, with new shipments not expected until late February or early March.”
