Apple Explains Why the A13 Bionic is Inside the New Studio Display

Apple’s latest desktop display, the Studio Display, is powered by the A13 Bionic system-on-a-chip (SoC), which was first used in the iPhone 11 series phones from 2019.

With a gorgeous 27-inch 5K Retina Display, a three studio-mic array, a 12MP camera with Center Stage, and six speakers that support Spatial Audio, the Studio Display will fit right at home with any Mac or MacBook.

On top of standard features like VESA mount compatibility, the Studio Display comes with a built-in A13 Bionic chip, the same that powers the iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, second-gen iPhone SE, and the ninth-gen iPad.

And while it might seem like such a beefy SoC might be overkill for a monitor, the A13 Bionic SoC supports the Studio Display in several ways, Apple explained to The Verge.

The A13 Bionic “enables innovative features like Center Stage, Spatial Audio, and ‘Hey Siri,'” says Apple.

The first usage case is in the same Center Stage technology that Apple’s laptops and tablets use. Center Stage tech automatically adjusts and focuses your camera to try to intelligently keep you in its center. According to The Verge, the A13 Bionic also optimizes image signal processing from the 12MP webcam.

Additionally, the A13 Bionic chip handles processing for Dolby Atmos content in order to create “a sophisticated, three‑dimensional soundstage.”

Finally, the A13 Bionic allows the Studio Display to support “Hey Siri” voice commands, bringing the AI convenience to Apple desktops that lack the functionality, like the Mac Pro, Mac mini, and the new Mac Studio.

“‘Hey Siri’ support on Studio Display requires a connection to a Mac,” Apple spokesperson Alex Bender told The Verge.

Studio Display leverages low power, always-on processing to detect the ‘Hey Siri’ wake command privately on device. Only when the ‘Hey Siri’ command is detected does Siri start listening and processing a request.”

Starting at $1,999 CAD, it’s far more affordable than the Pro Display XDR, though still clearly a premium high-end product for enthusiasts. Pre-orders began immediately after the Studio Display’s announcement, and the display will be available on March 18.

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