Your Old Mac Can Now Use Siri & Center Stage With Apple Studio Display
It's possible to breathe new life into an older Mac computer or MacBook by adding Apple's new Studio Display since it supports both Siri and Center Stage. The 'Studio' name implies the monitor is meant to be paired with a Mac Studio mini-tower, but Apple doesn't require it to be used that way. In fact, it can even be connected to a Windows PC, although most of its special features will be disabled. Older Mac computers on the other hand are compatible with all its features.
Both Siri and Center Stage are relatively new technologies for Apple desktop and laptop computers, even though Siri has been available on mobile devices for over a decade. Siri is, of course, Apple's personal digital assistant, similar to Amazon's Alexa or Google's Assistant. Siri allows hands-free use, responding to spoken questions and commands. This can be very convenient, but not really a necessity. Center Stage is quite new, having been released in the fall of 2021 and previously only available for the iPad. The feature keeps users centered during video calls even if they move around.
Since Apple's Studio Display comes with an A13 processor, it supports Siri directly, bringing this capability to many older Mac computers and MacBook laptops as far back as some 2016 models. Previously, only 2018 and newer MacBook models, iMac Pro, and iMac desktops launched in 2020 or later allowed the use of Siri on a Mac. Studio Display also makes it possible for more Mac and MacBook computers to enjoy the benefits of Center Stage. Apple states that Macs supporting Studio Display require a Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 port and should be running macOS 12.3 or later.
While the Studio Display was specifically designed with Apple's new Mac Studio desktop in mind, it also works with a wide range of other Mac computers and laptops. The oldest compatible models are the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro released in 2016. All the 16-inch MacBook Pro models are also compatible. Likewise, the 14-inch MacBook Pro which arrived in 2021 also works with the Studio Display. Even a low-cost MacBook Air made in 2018 and later can take advantage of Siri and Center Stage on the Studio Display.
When it comes to desktop Mac computers, the 2017 and newer iMac models, Mac mini released in 2018 or later, and any iMac Pro is compatible with the Studio Display. The Mac Pro towers sold in 2019 and later round out the list of Macs that can be used with Apple's new Studio Display. As is evident, most older Mac computers can benefit from the new technology available as a result of Studio Display's A13 and iOS underpinnings.
Source: Apple