To improve its contrast ratio and HDR capabilities, it uses blue-colored LEDs for its backlight instead of white, at a higher refresh rate than the display itself, and contains a system of "custom lenses and reflectors".

[2][4][7] The nano-texture version requires a custom "dry polishing cloth" included with the display and sold by Apple to clean it.

[11]The Pro Display XDR runs at full resolution in high dynamic range with iPad Air (fifth-generation and newer) and iPad Pro (fifth-generation and newer) models with an M series chip and the following Macs running macOS Catalina 10.15.2 or later:[6][12][13] Macs and iPads with DisplayPort will output to it, including Thunderbolt 2-equipped Macs using an adapter, but are limited to lower resolutions and standard dynamic range.

[15][16][17] Windows and Linux-based systems supporting DisplayPort can output to it but lack configuration abilities like brightness control.

[19] Shortly after the announcement, the stand came under criticism and mockery for being sold as a separate product, and at what was perceived to be an excessive cost for its function—retailing at $999.