Apple's Pro Display XDR Now Supports Customized Reference Modes

Apple on Tuesday released firmware version 2.2.2 for its Pro Display XDR, adding support for customized reference modes. The feature also requires macOS 10.15.4 and is reflected in the release notes for the update.

In a new support document, Apple says advanced users can create customized reference modes tailored to unique workflow needs by selecting from several color gamut, white point, luminance, and transfer function options.

macos catalina system prefs display xdr presets customize preset
When a firmware update is available for the Pro Display XDR, you may be prompted to restart to apply the update. Otherwise, the update is applied the next time the display is disconnected and reconnected to a Mac or power supply. To check the firmware version of your display, click on the Apple logo > About This Mac > System Report > Graphics/Displays.

Priced at $4,999, the Pro Display XDR is a 32-inch 6K monitor with a P3 wide color gamut and true 10-bit color support, 1,600 nits of peak brightness, a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, and a super-wide, off-axis viewing angle. It is compatible with the 2019 Mac Pro, 2018 and later 15-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro, 2020 MacBook Air, and 2019 iMac models.

Firmware 2.2.2 for the Pro Display XDR also includes minor stability improvements.

Related Forum: Mac Accessories

Top Rated Comments

kylelerner Avatar
61 months ago
Can it be customized to cost less?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
2010mini Avatar
61 months ago

Can it be customized to cost less?
it already is customized to cost less. Please go research reference monitor prices and you will find this is a bargain.

Other monitors in this class cost the same as a car.... ~$35k and above.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mdriftmeyer Avatar
61 months ago

Can it be customized to cost less?
They expand the feature set, with no added cost and you make snarky comments about cost of a product you would never buy or own. This update just makes the XDR more enticing for people who need it for making money.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
neuropsychguy Avatar
61 months ago

Can it be customized to cost less?
Yes, buy it with an Apple Card and it's only $4850 plus tax (tax on $5000).
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
PickUrPoison Avatar
61 months ago

Can it be customized to cost less?
It’s designed for a specific niche market, and I don’t mean for a colorist or as a mastering monitor.

But there is plenty of workflow prior to those final production steps where reference monitors weren’t being used before the XDR’s release, including editing, where the XDR slots in well.

Before complaining about the XDR’s price, you might want to talk to someone in the applicable target market.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Jury Avatar
61 months ago
The verdict stated that Apple Pro display does not have any value in pricing and the colorist refuses to recommend it due to the false advertising as a replacement for a reference monitor.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)