Apple Studio Display XDR Explodes While In Use; User Shows Smoke Coming Out Of Screen In Video
· Free Press Journal
A video circulating online shows an Apple Studio Display XDR failing dramatically, with smoke pouring out of the monitor moments after a loud pop. The clip, posted on X by the account @usgraphics, quickly spread across social media as viewers reacted to the sight of a premium display malfunctioning in such visible fashion. The owner recorded the incident on video, capturing the pop followed by smoke escaping from the unit. This is probably one of the rare incidents when an Apple device has caught fire or exploded while using.
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Holyshit Apple Studio Display XDR just exploded. Loud pop sound and then leaked capacitor smoke for good 30s. Sorry for the terrible video, caught the last few seconds because I wanted to unplug it first. pic.twitter.com/6l0YJx4Wzd
— U.S. Graphics Company (@usgraphics) August 6, 2026
What likely went wrong?
Electronics enthusiasts responding to the footage pointed to aging RIFA-brand capacitors as the probable cause. These components are commonly used as mains filter capacitors in power supplies, and are known for a specific failure mode - the epoxy coating on older units develops cracks over time, letting in moisture. When the device is later powered on, the compromised capacitor can fail suddenly, releasing a burst of foul-smelling smoke, and in some cases, sparks.
The issue is well documented in vintage electronics circles, where old Macintosh computers, tape decks, and test instruments fitted with RIFA capacitors have been known to 'let the magic smoke out' decades after manufacture. Whether the same exact component is responsible in this case has not been independently confirmed, since Apple has not issued a statement on the incident.
in the business we call that the Magic smoke https://t.co/qYzr2iJDSM
— defango (@defango) August 6, 2026
Netizens reaction
The video drew a wave of jokes online, with commenters likening the display to a 'built-in incense burner' and referencing the old electronics-repair adage about a device's 'magic smoke' escaping - the idea that once the smoke gets out, a component won't work again. Repair-community members also noted that smoky capacitor failures, while alarming, are a known quirk of aging hardware in general, rather than something unique to Apple's products.
Everyone knows once you let the magic smoke out, it’s almost impossible to put it back in.
— Matthew (@MPR_255) August 7, 2026