As usual with Apple, we don’t always know everything about newly released products. The new MacBook Pro M4s arrive with a significant improvement in their screen thanks to the adoption of quantum dot technology. A technical development that promises more vibrant colors and improved performance in terms of movement.
More efficient display technology
Apple has chosen to replace the traditional red KSF phosphor film with a quantum dot film in its latest MacBook Pro M4. According to analyst Ross Young of DSCC, this decision marks an important turning point since Apple had until now avoided this technology due to the use of cadmium, a toxic material.
The new cadmium-free quantum dot films now offer performance equal to or better than previous solutions, particularly in terms of color gamut and motion management. This development makes it possible to obtain a maximum SDR brightness of 1000 nits, compared to 600 nits on the previous generation. Contrary to what one might believe, the brightness limit was probably not a software maneuver by Apple.
A step towards OLED
This improvement brings MacBook Pro LED screens closer to the performance of OLED panels in terms of color rendering. Quantum dots are artificial nanocrystals that emit light isotropically after being excited by backlighting.
However, according to rumors, Apple is not expected to abandon this mini-LED technology immediately. The switch to OLED for MacBook Pros is not expected before 2026, probably while waiting for a drop in the prices of OLED panels. This transition to quantum dot can therefore be seen as an intermediate solution to significantly improve the display quality of current MacBook Pros.
For iPhone and iPad Pro users who already benefit from OLED screens, this evolution of the MacBook Pro represents a further step towards harmonization of display quality across the entire Apple range.
Big Apple display news, they have adopted quantum dots for the first time. The latest MacBook Pro’s (M4) uses a quantum dot (QD) film rather than a red KSF phosphor film.
In the past, Apple went with the KSF solution due to better efficiency and lack of cadmium (Cd), but the… pic.twitter.com/5olq9lEHs9
— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) November 14, 2024
