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The Studio Display uses a non-standard power connector on the back, but while it is technically removable, most users shouldn't pull that cable out.
While most computer monitors on the market use a standard power connector that allows the cable to be plugged in and removed easily, Apple went down a different route for the Studio Display. It uses its own connection for the cable, as well as shipping the monitor with the cable attached and in place.
The design is a departure from the norm for Apple, as most of its Mac-related hardware uses removable power connectors. The similarly-styled 24-inch iMac uses a magnetic connection at the same spot that the power connects in the Studio Display, but here it is fixed in place.
While Apple hasn't directly addressed the power cable situation, it has said in support notes "The power cord is not removable." It is evident that the cable should stay where it is, and that end-users shouldn't try to pull it free.
The design decision has left some wondering what exactly has happened.
Most users will be familiar with the C13 power cord, a three-pronged plug taking the form of a chunky rectangle with two corners cut away. This is a very common connector used throughout the computing industry for larger devices, including monitors and PCs.
The problem with the connector type is its size. The C14 inlet, which is used to accept the C13 connector, is too deep to be feasibly included in thin computing deices. That's why Apple doesn't use it on the extremely thin 24-inch iMac, or on the slightly thicker Studio Display.
Eliminating that connector option presented Apple with the need to come up with a different solution. While using smaller connectors could've been an answer, that typically relies on there being an external power brick in use. As Apple kept the power supply internal, it rules out that as an idea.
Instead, Apple had to come up with its own power connector, to allow a cable that could feasibly be replaced to be connected securely. At the same time, the connector has to do so without Apple needing to sacrifice any extra thickness.
As demonstrated by Nilay Patel on Twitter, you could in fact pull out the plug from the power connector, to reveal a shallow and custom three-prong system in play.
Lol sure pic.twitter.com/ZryH9y1sBI
Since it is so thin, it is difficult for Apple to make it an infinitely removable component like its standard counterpart. Instead, it is made to fit far more securely, so it doesn't accidentally get removed by the user.
It is likely that Apple advises against removing the cable due to the difficulty in doing so normally, without accidentally causing damage to the cable, its connections, nor the display itself.
To service the cable, Apple support actually uses a special tool to pull it free. Shown by @StellaFudge on Twitter and confirmed to be real by an AppleInsider source, the tool is a large circular drum with a handle, that the power cable is wrapped around before being pulled free from the monitor.
The Studio Display Power Cable Removal Tool is absolutely wild! pic.twitter.com/MoCY0pCdXt
The tool's design and technique mean the cord is pulled evenly, without any torque off from the 90-degree removal axis.
Like Apple, AppleInsider advises against pulling the cable free unless it is absolutely necessary. You're more likely to break something in the process, if you're not careful.
In a world where sustainability is a factor, this feels like a design failure, although I obviously understand a cluncy ‘default’ connector isn’t an option. Making this non-removable is terrible in professional settings demanding unique setups, and requiring Apple to fix issues with a tool like that feels completely backwards. I’m not an expert, but why couldn’t this be powered USB-C?
No wonder the cost of the Studio Display is so high -- the R&D required to remove the power cord must have been massive! I bet the Power Cord Removal Accessory runs about $600.
CheeseFreeze said: I’m not an expert, but why couldn’t this be powered USB-C? Because you'd then need an external brick to supply the USB-C power, something a lot more involved and non-sustainable than a mere power cord. And not to mention the fact that the monitor supplies 96 watts of power to a connected notebook, requiring an even beefier power brick that could supply power for both the monitor and a notebook.
Because you'd then need an external brick to supply the USB-C power, something a lot more involved and non-sustainable than a mere power cord. And not to mention the fact that the monitor supplies 96 watts of power to a connected notebook, requiring an even beefier power brick that could supply power for both the monitor and a notebook.
CheeseFreeze said: In a world where sustainability is a factor, this feels like a design failure, although I obviously understand a cluncy ‘default’ connector isn’t an option. Making this non-removable is terrible in professional settings demanding unique setups, and requiring Apple to fix issues with a tool like that feels completely backwards. I’m not an expert, but why couldn’t this be powered USB-C? It probably could be, but that seems to be a recipe for confusion. Imagine the I/O, one USB-C input for power, another (thunderbolt) USB-C input from computer, and three USB-C outputs to connected devices. Then the device would have to manage whether it's drawing power from the power input, or the computer input, and if it's the power input then it maybe pushes power the other way into the computer. Plus it potentially needs to power three additional connected devices, so needs to manage power between them, on top of those conditionals. A lot of unnecessary complication, when it's simpler (and still not exactly "simple") to stick with a standard power input. Of course Apple chooses the third option which is worse in all regards.
It probably could be, but that seems to be a recipe for confusion. Imagine the I/O, one USB-C input for power, another (thunderbolt) USB-C input from computer, and three USB-C outputs to connected devices. Then the device would have to manage whether it's drawing power from the power input, or the computer input, and if it's the power input then it maybe pushes power the other way into the computer. Plus it potentially needs to power three additional connected devices, so needs to manage power between them, on top of those conditionals. A lot of unnecessary complication, when it's simpler (and still not exactly "simple") to stick with a standard power input. Of course Apple chooses the third option which is worse in all regards.
hmlongco said: CheeseFreeze said: I’m not an expert, but why couldn’t this be powered USB-C? Because you'd then need an external brick to supply the USB-C power, something a lot more involved and non-sustainable than a mere power cord. And not to mention the fact that the monitor supplies 96 watts of power to a connected notebook, requiring an even beefier power brick that could supply power for both the monitor and a notebook. Why is having your AC to DC conversion less sustainable in an exterior device (which could be used with different devices) than inside the product?
Why is having your AC to DC conversion less sustainable in an exterior device (which could be used with different devices) than inside the product?
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