Imagine dropping $5,000 on a monitor and realizing it's missing a basic feature like a webcam! That's the reality for current Apple Pro Display XDR owners, but it looks like Apple is finally addressing this oversight in their next-generation model.
According to whispers and clues unearthed by 9to5Mac, Apple is gearing up to launch a second version of their high-end Pro Display XDR monitor, and the biggest news is that it's likely to include a built-in camera. Yes, you read that right – a built-in camera, something the original model shockingly lacked, despite its premium price tag. Currently, Apple even suggests a third-party camera explicitly designed for the Pro Display XDR, which seems a bit absurd, doesn't it?
Think about it: Apple already includes a 12MP ultra-wide Center Stage camera on their much more affordable $1600 Studio Display. To add insult to injury, the Studio Display also includes a built-in stand, while you have to shell out an extra $1000 for a stand with the Pro Display XDR! Talk about a slap in the face.
But how do we know about this potential camera? Well, eagle-eyed developers spotted two intriguing code references in the latest macOS 26.1 Tahoe beta 3: “Pro Display XDR Camera” and “Pro Display XDR Desk View Camera.” These lines strongly suggest that Apple is indeed planning to integrate a camera into the new Pro Display XDR.
And this is the part most people miss...The “Desk View Camera” reference is particularly exciting because it hints at support for Center Stage and ultra-wide perspectives. For those unfamiliar, Center Stage is a clever feature that automatically keeps you in frame during video calls, even if you move around. It uses the camera to track you and intelligently crop the image to maintain focus.
Apple has already implemented Center Stage across its product lineup, including iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, and iMacs. The Studio Display also boasts this feature.
But here's where it gets controversial...Beyond the camera, what else might Apple be cooking up for the Pro Display XDR 2? Rumors are swirling about potential upgrades like a sharper 7K resolution, faster Thunderbolt 4/5 ports, an embedded Apple silicon chip (imagine the possibilities!), higher refresh rates for smoother visuals, and even improvements to the display technology itself, possibly incorporating quantum dot films for richer colors and enhanced brightness.
Let's be honest: when you're spending $5000 (or more!) on a monitor, tacking on another $100 for a decent webcam might seem like a drop in the bucket. Still, the absence of a built-in camera in the original Pro Display XDR always felt like a glaring omission. The prevailing theory is that thermal management, rather than cost, was the primary reason for its exclusion. Keeping high-end displays cool is a complex task, and adding more components only exacerbates the problem.
Apple's front-facing camera technology has improved significantly since the original Pro Display XDR launched in 2019. Furthermore, companies like LG have demonstrated that it's possible to pack Pro Display XDR-level resolution into a smaller 32-inch monitor with Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, and for only a slightly higher price than Apple’s Studio Display. This puts even more pressure on Apple to deliver a worthy successor.
So, what do you think? Is a built-in camera a must-have feature for a high-end monitor like the Pro Display XDR, or is it an overrated addition? And what other features would you like to see in the next-generation model? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Do you think Apple purposefully left out features to release them in a later iteration? Let's discuss!
