News
- Apple is reportedly working on a mini-LED Studio Display planned for early 2026
- Its codename was found in Apple's software code, alongside another suggesting two variations
- Its supposedly in its current testing phase
All eyes are on Apple and its next contenders for the title of best MacBook, with rumors suggesting the M5-powered MacBook Pro won't launch until 2026, alongside the rumored M6 with OLED redesign. However, a new report hints at Apple focusing on a new and immersive monitor for early 2026.
According to MacRumors, Apple is working on the Studio Display 2, which is supposedly using a mini-LED backlight, based on rumors and recent findings in Apple's software code. Its codename is J427, which was present in the software code that MacRumors says Apple published earlier than intended.
Another codename, 'J527', was spotted by MacRumors, which could turn out to be a new Pro Display XDR, but Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has previously reported this was not a priority for Apple. Instead, it may simply be a second model of the Studio Display 2 with a different price point and slightly different specifications.
It's not the first time Apple has utilized mini-LED backlighting – it's used the Liquid Retina XDR (essentially, it’s mini-LED backlighting with plenty of local dimming zones for high contrast and brightness) tech for MacBook Pro screens. I've only used a handful of MacBooks, but I've had a good experience with mini-LED tech on the best gaming monitors, and it's no surprise that Apple is reportedly going for mini-LED backlighting for this new Studio Display model.
The original Studio Display was well received, but it falls short when it comes to HDR performance, partly due to not using a Liquid Retina XDR display. Given that this is a monitor that’s designed for creative professionals, poor HDR performance is a major drawback.
That's why it would be great to see the Studio Display 2 use mini-LED tech for increased deep black levels, brighter whites, and greater contrast.
(Image credit: Future)Analysis: Don't sleep on mini-LED over OLED... believe meIt might seem a little underwhelming to hear that the Studio Display 2 will essentially follow in the footsteps of MacBooks with a mini-LED backlight, given the rumors of an OLED MacBook redesign. Some would say that Apple should have done this with its first iteration of the monitor, but here we are.
However, I wouldn’t write mini-LED off in comparison to OLED. Deeper black levels and higher refresh rates make OLED the clear winner, but mini-LED doesn't stray too far behind – especially since it has the benefit of higher maximum brightness in most cases.
It's also important that this rumored monitor utilizes a higher refresh rate; the current Studio Display has a 60Hz refresh rate, and for a relatively pricey $1,599 / £1,499 / AU$2,499. Not only are there other monitors, including OLEDs, available in the market that are cheaper, but they also have much higher refresh rates, which is important for creative work.
Bear in mind that nothing is confirmed yet, but all signs point towards Apple fans being treated to a new and more impressive display next year.
You might also like...A new NYT Strands puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Thursday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Thursday, August 14 (game #529).
Strands is the NYT's latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it's great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.
Want more word-based fun? Then check out my NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games, and Marc's Wordle today page for the original viral word game.
SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.
NYT Strands today (game #530) - hint #1 - today's themeWhat is the theme of today's NYT Strands?• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Labor intensive
NYT Strands today (game #530) - hint #2 - clue wordsPlay any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.
- GRAB
- HORSE
- CROSS
- RAGE
- YARD
- TWIG
• Spangram has 10 letters
NYT Strands today (game #530) - hint #4 - spangram positionWhat are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?First side: top, 3rd column
Last side: bottom, 3rd column
Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.
NYT Strands today (game #530) - the answers(Image credit: New York Times)The answers to today's Strands, game #530, are…
- DISHES
- GARBAGE
- GROCERIES
- LAUNDRY
- VACUUMING
- SPANGRAM: WHAT A CHORE
- My rating: Hard
- My score: 2 hints
I really struggled with today’s Strands – in fact you could say WHAT A CHORE.
From finding any game words to unlocking the spangram – which I eventually got after finding WHAT and CHORE seperately – it was all a bit of an unseemly struggle, much like my attempts to stay on top of household tasks.
I know people who actually enjoy doing the DISHES – or “washing up”, as we call it in the UK – convincing themselves that it is a valuable bit of mindful time where they can listen to a podcast and do something useful while submerging their hands in warm soapy water. And these are people with dishwashers in their homes.
That said, I have my weirdness too. I actually look forward to “bin day”, the one day a week when I feel as if I am getting rid of GARBAGE rather than acquiring more of it.
Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Thursday, August 14, game #529)- LEGITIMATE
- TRUE
- KOSHER
- GENUINE
- REAL
- AUTHENTIC
- SPANGRAM: BONAFIDE
Strands is the NYT's not-so-new-any-more word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable that has been running for a year and which can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.
I've got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you're struggling to beat it each day.
A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Thursday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Thursday, August 14 (game #1298).
Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,100 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.
Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles, while Marc's Wordle today column covers the original viral word game.
SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.
Quordle today (game #1299) - hint #1 - VowelsHow many different vowels are in Quordle today?• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 3*.
* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).
Quordle today (game #1299) - hint #2 - repeated lettersDo any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 1.
Quordle today (game #1299) - hint #3 - uncommon lettersDo the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.
Quordle today (game #1299) - hint #4 - starting letters (1)Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?• The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 0.
If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you're not ready yet then here's one more clue to make things a lot easier:
Quordle today (game #1299) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?• W
• P
• D
• T
Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.
Quordle today (game #1299) - the answers(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)The answers to today's Quordle, game #1299, are…
- WHALE
- PRISM
- DRAKE
- TEPEE
I thought I was a genius for getting PRISM, but in hindsight I don’t think there is any other word I could have guessed using the same letters.
I tripped up on DRAKE, guessing drape first, and word muscle memory kicked in to get TEPEE, a Quordle favorite making its third appearance of the year.
Daily Sequence today (game #1299) - the answers(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1299, are…
- AMASS
- GAVEL
- SHOAL
- BROIL
- Quordle #1298, Thursday, 14 August: LAPEL, IDIOM, RENEW, LIVER
- Quordle #1297, Wednesday, 13 August: CACTI, HOMER, EMAIL, ALBUM
- Quordle #1296, Tuesday, 12 August: SPOOL, TITLE, JAUNT, OVINE
- Quordle #1295, Monday, 11 August: ADULT, BROOM, PURER, CRUEL
- Quordle #1294, Sunday, 10 August: SCRUM, PIPER, TROLL, SPORE
- Quordle #1293, Saturday, 9 August: NOOSE, INLET, ELEGY, VIRUS
- Quordle #1292, Friday, 8 August: KNEEL, KINKY, RALPH, BOOZY
- Quordle #1291, Thursday, 7 August: PLUNK, PROXY, CURVY, PEARL
- Quordle #1290, Wednesday, 6 August: RISKY, APART, FAUNA, HANDY
- Quordle #1289, Tuesday, 5 August: ROAST, SLICK, AUDIT, BILLY
- Quordle #1288, Monday, 4 August: MACAW, SINCE, COLON, CHIRP
- Quordle #1287, Sunday, 3 August: MOTIF, LEERY, LOFTY, BURST
- Quordle #1286, Saturday, 2 August: WARTY, PUPAL, CLEAR, SLICE
- Quordle #1285, Friday, 1 August: ACTOR, MEALY, WIDTH, ADOBE
- Quordle #1284, Thursday, 31 July: STYLE, VALET, AGONY, ALLOY
- Quordle #1283, Wednesday, 30 July: DEBAR, ADMIN, FOLIO, USAGE
- Quordle #1282, Tuesday, 29 July: BATCH, TOPIC, MURKY, BUNCH
- Quordle #1281, Monday, 28 July: CANDY, TRYST, SHIRT, FORGO
- Quordle #1280, Sunday, 27 July: TRAWL, BALER, PIANO, MINCE
A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Thursday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Thursday, August 14 (game #795).
Good morning! Let's play Connections, the NYT's clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need Connections hints.
What should you do once you've finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I've also got daily Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too, while Marc's Wordle today page covers the original viral word game.
SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Connections today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.
NYT Connections today (game #796) - today's words(Image credit: New York Times)Today's NYT Connections words are…
- TAKE CARE OF
- HAZE
- PAY
- РЕС
- FOOT
- FINE
- CASH
- THIGH
- BREAST
- МАС
- CAPITAL
- TENDER
- GRAND
- WING
- SETTLE
- BRILLIANT
What are some clues for today's NYT Connections groups?
- YELLOW: Chicken pieces
- GREEN: Sorting the check
- BLUE: Superb
- PURPLE: Partially fancy snacks
Need more clues?
We're firmly in spoiler territory now, but read on if you want to know what the four theme answers are for today's NYT Connections puzzles…
NYT Connections today (game #796) - hint #2 - group answersWhat are the answers for today's NYT Connections groups?
- YELLOW: POULTRY CUTS
- GREEN: HANDLE, AS A BILL
- BLUE: SPLENDID
- PURPLE: STARTS OF CULINARY NUTS
Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.
NYT Connections today (game #796) - the answers(Image credit: New York Times)The answers to today's Connections, game #796, are…
- YELLOW: POULTRY CUTS BREAST, TENDER, THIGH, WING
- GREEN: HANDLE, AS A BILL FOOT, PAY, SETTLE, TAKE CARE OF
- BLUE: SPLENDID BRILLIANT, CAPITAL, FINE, GRAND
- PURPLE: STARTS OF CULINARY NUTS CASH, HAZE, MAC, PEC
- My rating: Hard
- My score: 1 mistake
The tile that read TAKE CARE OF stood out so much I honed in on finding common words to link to it.
I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who did this and I’m also sure I wasn’t the only person to wonder about the phrase “FOOT the bill”. It comes from adding up a column of figures at the bottom of a page rather than anything to do with our feet.
My mistake came in thinking that CASH, CAPITAL, GRAND and TENDER were all expressions for money. I got “one away” but switched my attention to the far more obvious collection of POULTRY CUTS.
I love nuts, but even after the answers were revealed I struggled to think what PEC could be referring to. Are Pecan nuts culinary? I thought they were a poor man’s walnut.
Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Thursday, August 14, game #795)- YELLOW: DERRIERE BACKSIDE, CABOOSE, SEAT, TAIL
- GREEN: USED TO HIT A BALL IN SPORTS BAT, MALLET, RACKET, STICK
- BLUE: COMPONENTS OF A BRIDE'S ENSEMBLE BOUQUET, BUSTLE, TRAIN, VEIL
- PURPLE: RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS BACKPACK, NITWIT, COOKBOOK, HUBUB
NYT Connections is one of several increasingly popular word games made by the New York Times. It challenges you to find groups of four items that share something in common, and each group has a different difficulty level: green is easy, yellow a little harder, blue often quite tough and purple usually very difficult.
On the plus side, you don't technically need to solve the final one, as you'll be able to answer that one by a process of elimination. What's more, you can make up to four mistakes, which gives you a little bit of breathing room.
It's a little more involved than something like Wordle, however, and there are plenty of opportunities for the game to trip you up with tricks. For instance, watch out for homophones and other word games that could disguise the answers.
It's playable for free via the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.