Apple has released macOS Tahoe 26.3.1, a new software update for compatible Mac computers that primarily focuses on hardware support for the company’s latest external displays. The update is available as a free download and can be installed through the Software Update section in the System Settings app.
The macOS Tahoe 26.3.1 update adds official compatibility for two recently introduced monitors: an updated version of the Studio Display and the new Studio Display XDR. Apple’s release notes indicate that the software update enables proper support for these displays, while accompanying firmware updates are also available for the monitors themselves.
Although the refreshed Studio Display largely maintains the design and specifications of the existing 27-inch model, the Studio Display XDR represents a more notable addition to Apple’s display lineup. The monitor aims to bring some of the visual capabilities previously associated with the larger Pro Display XDR into a smaller and comparatively more accessible format.
The Studio Display XDR features a 27-inch panel and includes several improvements aimed at professionals working with high-dynamic-range content, photography, and video production. Apple lists peak brightness levels of 1,000 nits for standard dynamic range content and up to 2,000 nits when displaying HDR material. The display also offers a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, which is intended to improve the visibility of highlights and deep shadow details when working with HDR media.
Another key feature is the inclusion of a 120Hz refresh rate. Higher refresh rates can provide smoother motion in supported applications and workflows, particularly when editing video or navigating complex interfaces. The display also supports Adaptive Sync, which adjusts the display’s refresh rate to match the output from the connected Mac. This helps reduce visual artifacts such as screen tearing during dynamic content playback.
The Studio Display XDR also includes Apple’s optional nano-texture glass, which is designed to reduce glare in bright environments without significantly affecting image clarity. Buyers who choose this option will pay an additional $300 on top of the base price.
Pricing for the Studio Display XDR starts at $3,299. While that figure still places the monitor in the premium segment of the display market, it sits below the cost of Apple’s larger Pro Display XDR and appears aimed at users who want higher-end HDR performance in a more compact setup.
Apple’s updated Studio Display and the new Studio Display XDR are currently available for preorder. According to the company, both monitors will begin shipping and appear in retail availability on March 11.
The macOS Tahoe 26.3.1 update ensures that Mac systems can fully support these new displays at launch, including compatibility with their refresh rates, brightness capabilities, and other hardware features. As with many macOS updates tied to new Apple hardware, the release mainly focuses on device support rather than introducing new user-facing features.
