Apple code leak hints at a new Studio Display plus another mystery product

Macworld

Apple’s Studio Display, which came out almost three and a half years ago, may finally get a refresh early next year. That’s if the latest accidental code leak is to be believed.

MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris discovered references to the unreleased product in code “that Apple didn’t mean to publish,” the site explains. The code mentioned “J427” multiple times, which is presumed to be a codename for the Studio Display 2. Previous rumors suggested it could come out in early 2026, so it makes sense for the device to exist in a pre-release testing form at this stage.

Interestingly, the code also contains references to something else: J527. We don’t know for sure what product that codename has been assigned to, but back in March the Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman claimed it was a second monitor… which makes sense given how close it is to J427.

Gurman proposed two theories. The first, most likely, theory is that J527 is a new version of the Pro Display XDR. Apple’s high-end production monitor starts at $4,999 (with another $999 for a stand) and launched in 2019. As it’s nearly six years old, it’s missing several features common to high-end monitors, including Thunderbolt 5, 120Hz refresh, and OLED. However, there are still very few options for 6K displays.

The codename could also refer to a second version of the Studio Display 2 “with a different screen size or set of specifications,” Gurman reports. Apple could release both Studio Displays (it would make sense to have Studio Displays in both 27 and 32 inches, for example), but there is speculation that the company wants to keep its options open until closer to launch, then release whichever performs best in testing, market research, and so on. Both would therefore be created as prototypes and pop up here and there in software code.

The Studio Display and Pro Display XDR are Apple’s only standalone monitors. The former is intended to be a more affordable option, but it still costs $1,599 (with standard rather than nano-texture glass). However, you should be able to get a better deal if you shop around.