Apple confirms that the Studio Display is compatible with Windows

The new Studio Display that Apple revealed this week is compatible with a wide range of Macs and even some iPads, however, it revealed to The Verge that it should also work just fine when connected to a Windows PC.

Its compatibility with Windows would be breaking stigmas, however, it does have some caveats, despite the fact that in theory there should be no problem and it should work like any normal monitor with a built-in webcam and speakers.

The specialized site pointed out that the compatibility with Windows of the camera is in doubt, as Apple points out that “the functions of the Studio Display camera and firmware updates require connection to a Mac.”

While it’s not clear, Apple spokesman Alex Bender told The Verge that the Studio Display’s built-in 12-megapixel camera should work as a regular USB webcam when using a PC.

Still, he confirmed that features like Center Stage will not be available. That’s the case for other macOS-specific features like Spatial Audio, even though the monitor has an iPhone chip built into it.

While it appears users can AirPlay music or call Siri while Studio Display is connected to a Windows computer, Apple suggested that such functionality is limited to the Mac.

Should this change, the user will need to borrow a Mac to update the display software and “make” it compatible with the remaining features.

Apple also noted that monitor resolution will depend on the machine: not all computers can output a 5K 60Hz signal over Thunderbolt or USB-C. Given this dilemma, it might not be best for someone with a PC to buy a Studio Display, especially considering there are cheaper options that also have built-in webcams and speakers.

Studio Display Aspects

It features an expansive 27-inch Retina 5K display, an advanced camera with Center Stage, and incredible high-fidelity audio. It complements well with Mac Studio.

It offers a full-screen design with narrow borders and a refined aluminium casing. Its integrated stand allows the user to tilt the screen up to 30 degrees.

To meet the needs of a variety of workspaces, Studio Display also offers a tilt and height-adjustable stand option with a counterweight arm. A VESA mount adapter option is also available and supports landscape or portrait orientation for added flexibility.

True Tone technology automatically adjusts the colour temperature of the screen as the environment changes. An anti-reflective coating allows for low reflectivity for better comfort and readability. For workspaces with bright light sources, including sunlight, Studio Display offers a nano-textured glass option that scatters light to minimize glare while delivering great image quality.

With the A13 Bionic chip, Studio Display promises exceptional experiences with its camera and audio system. The video conferencing display includes a 12 MP ultra-wide camera with Center Stage, a feature that keeps users centred in the frame as they move.

Studio Display also includes a studio-quality three-microphone array with a low noise floor for calls and voice recordings. It also has a six-speaker hi-fi sound system. Four force-cancelling woofers minimize distortion and two high-output tweeters. The speakers also support spatial audio for music and video with Dolby Atmos.

It has three USB-C ports that offer speeds of up to 10 Gb/s to connect peripherals, storage, and high-speed networks directly to the display. A Thunderbolt port allows users to connect the Studio Display and any connected peripherals to the Mac with a single cable. The same cable also provides 96W of power to quickly charge devices.

There is a new silver and black colour option for Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, Magic Trackpad and Magic Mouse that customers can purchase separately.