Apple is expected to release a second-generation Apple Pro Display XDR in the near future, and it looks like it will include an important component missing from the original $5000 monitor.

Based on code findings by 9to5Mac, it appears Apple plans to include a built-in camera with the new Pro Display XDR. Apple currently promotes a third-party camera designed specifically for the Pro Display XDR, but the $5000 monitor lacks a built-in webcam.

Apple includes a 12MP ultra-wide Center Stage camera on the $1600 Studio Display. (The less expensive Apple monitor also includes a built-in stand — something that runs an extra $1000 for the Pro Display XDR.)

Two code references discovered in today’s macOS 26.1 Tahoe beta 3 release point to a camera being part of the next-gen Pro Display XDR: “Pro Display XDR Camera” = “Pro Display XDR Camera” and “Pro Display XDR Desk View Camera” = “Pro Display XDR Desk View Camera.”

Desk View Camera implies that the built-in camera will support Center Stage and ultra-wide perspectives.

Center Stage allows the camera to focus on people and crop the perspective to be wide or ultra-wide depending on where and how many subjects are in view.

Apple already supports Center Stage on iPhone, iPad, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, and iMac. As mentioned, the feature is also included in the first-gen Apple Studio Display.

Other hardware changes could include 7K resolution, Thunderbolt 4/5 ports, embedded Apple silicon, higher refresh rates, and possibly display technology improvements including quantum dot films.

When spending $5000 or more on a computer monitor, adding another $100 for a solid web cam is relatively cheap.

Still, it’s always been odd that Apple couldn’t manage to fit one inside the current Apple Pro Display XDR. Presumably, the reason is more to do with thermal management than cost.

Apple’s front-facing camera game has greatly improved since the original Pro Display XDR arrived in 2019. Meanwhile, LG has managed to pack Pro Display XDR resolution inside a 32-inch monitor with Thunderbolt 5 for just $400 more than Apple’s Studio Display.

Source: 9to5mac