Apple sought the help of LG for its ultimate docking station, alongside the recent unveiling of the new MacBook Pro models.
The centerpiece of the event in San Francisco might be the new laptop lineup donning Apple's new "Touch Bar," a horizontal multi-touch panel on top of the keyboard that is adaptive to current software being used, but an external display was also unveiled alongside.
Also part of the unveil was what Apple touts as the "ultimate docking station" for the new MacBook Pro lineup. The docking station in question is actually LG's 5K UltraFine display.
LG 5K Display And New MacBook Pro Models
Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller showcased the display onstage, showing how it seamlessly works across the new MacBook Pro models. Schiller also noted that Apple worked with LG closely to make the 5K display a perfect fit for the new Macbooks.
LG says that the display is "ideal for creating an expanded work space in the home or office and the perfect complement for MacBook and MacBook Pro users who desire expansive, high-quality resolution at all times."
Obviously, this is not a monitor with Apple's own branding, which is an unusual veering away from Apple, who is almost always intent on using proprietary products for respective functionalities or accessories that support its main products.
LG UltraFine 5K Display Specs
The LG UltraFine 5K display comes with a built-in camera, speakers, three USB Type-C ports and a single Thunderbolt 3 port. LG's display could fit right in the space vacated by the Thunderbolt display, which Apple pulled in June this year. So anyone who wants a secondary monitor for their new MacBooks may opt for LG's 5K display.
Like the discontinued Thunderbolt display, LG's 5K monitor is not exactly easy on the pocket. It's available now on Apple's online store for $1,299 and ships on December.
The LG UltraFine 5K monitor is a 27-inch IPS display that has a 5,120 x 2,880 resolution and P3 wide color gamut. It comes with a single Thunderbolt 3 cable which supports 5K video. The display needs macOS Sierra 10.12.1 or later in order to run.
Apple showcased two monitors during its event, the other being a 21.5-inch Ultra 4K monitor, but this variant is nowhere to be seen, as it probably will come later on. For now, Apple is boasting LG's 5K monitor, the first to have a built-in Thunderbolt 3 port. The 4K model ships on November.
Apple unveiled these monitors, along with the new MacBook Pro during its Oct. 27 "Hello again" event in San Francisco. The new MacBooks feature sixth generation Skylake processors, a thinner design, a butterfly-style keyboard and a larger trackpad.
