M4 MacBook Pro Uses Quantum Dot Display Technology

[MacRumors]

The M4 MacBook Pro models feature quantum dot display technology, according to display analyst Ross Young. Apple used a quantum dot film instead of a red KSF phosphor film, a change that provides more vibrant, accurate color results.

Young says that Apple has opted for KSF for prior MacBook Pro models because it doesn't use toxic element cadmium (typical for quantum dot) and is more efficient (and thus less expensive). Way back in 2015, when Apple introduced support for P3 wide color on the iMac, Apple executives said that quantum dot technology had been considered for its LED displays, but rejected because of the cadmium requirement.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1857208745014776215

There are now cadmium-free quantum dot options that Young says have as good or better color gamut and better motion performance than the KSF film Apple previously used. The KSF phosphor coating Apple added to prior MacBook Pro models boosted color by enhancing shades of red, but quantum dot film is considered superior because it often results in better color accuracy and a wider color gamut.

Quantum dot technology has been used for high-end displays for several years, with companies like Samsung and Sony manufacturing "QLED" displays and TV sets.

Apple didn't highlight specific color improvements with the M4 MacBook Pro models, but max SDR brightness increased to 1,000 nits, up from 600 nits in the prior model.

Article Link: M4 MacBook Pro Uses Quantum Dot Display Technology

 

[richard371]

Sweet I’ve always dreamed of a quantum dot display lol

 

[jz0309]

It took almost a whole week since release to find this out???

 

[saulinpa]

Why are you telling us this? Now I have to have one!

 

[terminator-jq]

I KNEW this screen looked different compared to my old M1 Max. I thought it was just my imagination or the new tech honeymoon phase. Glad to see my eyes aren’t playing tricks on me. The difference is slight but it’s definitely there. Everything looks a touch richer especially when working with DCI-P3 content.

M4 lineup continues to prove itself as the best laptop for creators.

 

[Kylo83]

The last part isn’t true it’s not up to 1000nits from 600nits, it’s only 1000 nits when on auto brightness and outside in bright light, in door or with auto brightness off it’s the same 600nits max brightness and there’s no new tech it’s a software unlock. Apps like vivid let my M1 Max use full 1000nits all the time even indoors and without auto brightness on. All they have done it removed some software locks. It’s not because of new hardware at all. The old m1 MacBooks can go full brightness so why say it’s a new feature. Just let the m1 MacBooks and newer go full 1000nits all the time without 3rd party apps or each year they will improve it and say it’s another new feature when it’s not

 

[1369281]

The new MacBook Pro displays also use PWM (pulse-width modulation), even at 100% brightness. Embarrassing.

 

[syklee26]

surprised they didn't add another dot on the price tag with this move.

 

[ProbablyDylan]

This is definitely interesting. I'll still hold out for an OLED option at some point, but I'm happy to see Apple trying different technologies.

 

[TSE]

This just proves that Tim Cook is the greatest CEO. Better than Jobs. He cares about the customer!

 

[CrysisDeu]

The new MacBook Pro displays also use PWM (pulse-width modulation), even at 100% brightness. Embarrassing.

Probably to pave for the oled adoption so we don’t have much to complain when the switch happens.

I am joking

 

[Howard2k]

The new MacBook Pro displays also use PWM (pulse-width modulation), even at 100% brightness. Embarrassing.

Ugh. That's terrible for the 9 people that always complain about it.

 

[subjonas]

I wonder why Apple didn’t advertise this improvement

 

[mikethebigo]

I don't need one I don't need one I DON'T NEED ONE

EDIT: I bought one.

 

[CarAnalogy]

Damnit just keep making me want one even more. The MacBook Pro M1 Pro I'm typing this on is perfectly fine!

But...mmmm those new ones look good!

If there's one thing I've learned about Apple, it's that there are "seasons" to "pick".

This is the season.

 

[CarAnalogy]

Ugh. That's terrible for the 9 people that always complain about it.

It's really just the one poster. Check the post history. It's a personal crusade.

I feel for the (dozens of us! (not me though)) that are affected, but I doubt posting so much about it here is going to change the global supply chain realities Cook and co are considering.

 

[junior]

This just proves that Tim Cook is the greatest CEO. Better than Jobs. He cares about the customer!

He's so kind to us. The storage and memory upgrade costs is just a way for him to make sure we feel more fulfillment and happiness in life by working harder and paying way above market value for those upgrades. His care and kindness to us should hopefully see him rewarded with an extra few hundred million dollars in Apple stock. Love him.

 

[Tago]

I wonder why Apple didn’t advertise this improvement

Sometimes a better pr strategy to let the tech press or some clever guys figuring it out by themselves. Makes it news and provides more coverage.

Apple oriented tech press and their speculations, good and bad rumors works well too.

 

[john123]

It's really just the one poster. Check the post history. It's a personal crusade.

I feel for the (dozens of us! (not me though)) that are affected, but I doubt posting so much about it here is going to change the global supply chain realities Cook and co are considering.

The dude nuked that post and his past ones too! I guess PWM isn't a big deal after all. Phew. I was worried.

 

[raythompsontn]

I don't need one I don't need one I DON'T NEED ONE

Irrelevant. You want one.

 

[Tago]

Damnit just keep making me want one even more. The MacBook Pro M1 Pro I'm typing this on is perfectly fine!

But...mmmm those new ones look good!

If there's one thing I've learned about Apple, it's that there are "seasons" to "pick".

This is the season.

Familiar to me only by doing my homework before shopping a TV, and the colors are certainly palatable. I picture it as good news, and with the right backlight tech and handling of zones ++ it would be welcome for (more) external monitors. Depends upon what kind of panel the film is glued to, but some combinations have very very good viewing angles too.

 

[Tago]

Irrelevant. You want one.

Can you get one without?

 

[falkon-engine]

So QD-MiniLed?

 

[Blur Busters]

Once the screens are sufficiently warmed up to full operating temperatures (LCD GtG is much slower on cold screens) -- I noticed that the M4 MacBook Pro screens did TestUFO significantly better than the M1 MacBook Pro screen. Less LCD ghosting, especially for white graphics on black.

It would be interesting to do some more detailed pixel-response tests, as Notebookcheck didn't seem to show improvement.

While I was originally hoping for OLED. I'm also very happy that M4 MacBook does 120fps 120Hz TestUFO as does all 120Hz Apple devices now since iOS/iPadOS 18 (After disabling "Prefer Page Rendering Updates Near 60fps" setting). I posted the good news in the other thread.

If the mods would allow a guest display researcher (me) with permission -- I can post the link to the motion tests, for users here to compare the M4 MacBook against earlier MacBooks. There's a new local dimming test and a new KSF test that was added to the beta URL of the TestUFO 2.0 site.

(BTW, my MacBook Pro M1 is now my primary TestUFO development machine as it's a fast portable high-Hz + HFR development machine).

 

[CarAnalogy]

The dude nuked that post and his past ones too! I guess PWM isn't a big deal after all. Phew. I was worried.

I am kind of surprised, it went on for a while. Somehow this was the last straw I guess!