Macbook air 2018 screen brightness

[kooky]

I noticed this in the macOS Mojave 10.14.4 update today

"Corrects the default screen brightness for MacBook Air (Fall 2018)"

https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1994?locale=en_AU


Does this fix the problem??
Maybe take a screenshot of your screen brightness prefs before running the update, to compare?

 

[filmbuff]

The way it says “default” I bet they just changed it so it turns on at max brightness out of the box, and made it so MBPs turn on at -3 clicks, so when they’re next to each other in the store the MBA doesn’t look so much dimmer.

 

[UKBeast]

Is this 2018 macbook air's brightess at the same level of my old mbp 2010 ?

I am planning to buy a new mac next month I cant decide between mba 2018 256gb ssd and nTouch mbp

In the store when next to mbp , the mba's screen looks so poor. Less dim and colours are not as bright.

my mbp 2010 I am using averagely bright indoor areas, the store lights are quiet bright and you see the different.

 

[MacLadybug]

Is this 2018 macbook air's brightess at the same level of my old mbp 2010 ?

I am planning to buy a new mac next month I cant decide between mba 2018 256gb ssd and nTouch mbp

In the store when next to mbp , the mba's screen looks so poor. Less dim and colours are not as bright.

my mbp 2010 I am using averagely bright indoor areas, the store lights are quiet bright and you see the different.

Yeah, that comment was right after I got my new Air. Turns out I had to return/exchange it as it developed a hardware issue and I opted not to repair it. As soon as I set up the new one I could see the screen was much dimmer than the one I returned. I'm so bummed. Not sure what to do. Do I keep it and learn to squint or do I return it for a comparable Pro model. I'm so aggravated.

So two days ago I went back to the Apple Store and returned the #2 2018 MBA. I did check out the Pro and of course for a bit more money I would have a brighter screen and more computer. They happened to have another MBA with the same configuration as the first 2 Airs so I opted to do another exchange. I figured if this one was also a dud, then I'd just go back and buy the Pro.

As it turned out #3 was just like #1 in terms of screen brightness. Obviously, it's not like the Pro, but it isn't dim and washed out like #2 was. So as long as this one has no other issues I'm pleased. I only wish I had taken a good screenshot of all three to show you how different they were. I had to have the brightness slider almost all the way right on #2 so that I could read my screen comfortably. And it still seemed dim. #1 and #3 I have the slider just a teeny touch over half way. That's a pretty significant difference.

In case you didn't see my "2018 Retina Return Saga"... there it is. I was very pleased with the new Air I originally had until the "hardware" issue started. It's replacement had a noticeably dim screen. I returned that one the next day and I'm typing on it's replacement. The configuration I needed on the Pro to match the Air I had would have cost me approx $400 more (I would have gotten the touch bar pro since at the time it had the newest updates). I couldn't justify the expenditure, but I did make up my mind that if this 3rd one was also dull... I'd go back the next day and get the Pro.

L O N G story short... I'm once again super content with this 2018 Retina MacBook Air, but in retrospect, since there seems to be such a disparity in screen quality (or whatever it is), if I were shopping now, I'm not sure I'd go through that again. I think I'd just get the Pro and be done with it. Good Luck. Let us know what you decide to do.

 

[Kraizelburg]

In case you didn't see my "2018 Retina Return Saga"... there it is. I was very pleased with the new Air I originally had until the "hardware" issue started. It's replacement had a noticeably dim screen. I returned that one the next day and I'm typing on it's replacement. The configuration I needed on the Pro to match the Air I had would have cost me approx $400 more (I would have gotten the touch bar pro since at the time it had the newest updates). I couldn't justify the expenditure, but I did make up my mind that if this 3rd one was also dull... I'd go back the next day and get the Pro.

L O N G story short... I'm once again super content with this 2018 Retina MacBook Air, but in retrospect, since there seems to be such a disparity in screen quality (or whatever it is), if I were shopping now, I'm not sure I'd go through that again. I think I'd just get the Pro and be done with it. Good Luck. Let us know what you decide to do.

Main theme aside, have you had any issues with the keyboard? I have mine since jan but I don't really use it so often because I have a desktop PC with is more comfortable to work with, so I dunno if down the line I will have any issues and this seems like the trending topic at the moment. Thanks

 

[MacLadybug]

Main theme aside, have you had any issues with the keyboard? I have mine since jan but I don't really use it so often because I have a desktop PC with is more comfortable to work with, so I dunno if down the line I will have any issues and this seems like the trending topic at the moment. Thanks

No problems at all with the keyboard on this one or the very first one I had. It took me a bit to get used to it. But I can type pretty quickly on it with no issues at all.

 

[UKBeast]

No problems at all with the keyboard on this one or the very first one I had. It took me a bit to get used to it. But I can type pretty quickly on it with no issues at all.

what about the fan noise ?

do fans start with normal browing and ituns music usage ? thats how i use my computer often.

I need silent computer.

 

[MacLadybug]

what about the fan noise ?

do fans start with normal browing and ituns music usage ? thats how i use my computer often.

I need silent computer.

The only time I could notice that the fans spun up was copying my files when I used the Migration Assistant setting up the computer... just that one time. And while I could tell they were working, to me it wasn’t noticeably noisy. I know the keyboard makes more of a clickety noise than the old “chiclet” keyboards, but I don’t find it very noticeable either.

To me, this notebook does work as advertised. The only feature that to me does not match Apple’s claims is the battery. I keep the lighted keyboard off unless I’m in the dark to save battery but I don’t get 12 hours.

I went from a 2010 Air to this Retina model. My husband is still using a 2011 MacBook Air. It seems so old, slow and heavy by comparison. And the old screen, looks so faded. If you are moving from the old Air to the 2018 Retina, you’ll love it... provided that you get one with a nice screen.

 

[UKBeast]

The only time I could notice that the fans spun up was copying my files when I used the Migration Assistant setting up the computer... just that one time. And while I could tell they were working, to me it wasn’t noticeably noisy. I know the keyboard makes more of a clickety noise than the old “chiclet” keyboards, but I don’t find it very noticeable either.

To me, this notebook does work as advertised. The only feature that to me does not match Apple’s claims is the battery. I keep the lighted keyboard off unless I’m in the dark to save battery but I don’t get 12 hours.

I went from a 2010 Air to this Retina model. My husband is still using a 2011 MacBook Air. It seems so old, slow and heavy by comparison. And the old screen, looks so faded. If you are moving from the old Air to the 2018 Retina, you’ll love it... provided that you get one with a nice screen.

Now I have 2010 MBP with 128gb SSD, when i bought this computer back i was in the uk, the performance of the overall system was very good with snow leopard this is c2d 2.66 ghz in 2010.

Startups were in 3-4 seconds, window rotations were fast and smooth. I could only hear fan noise in very extensive tasks. Coming to 2019 with High Sierra installed on this, i am tired seing the rainbow circles even in safari browsing, kicking our the fan to the max after 10 min of minimum usage is not comfortable for me as baby daughter wakes up with this noise.

About the battery life, about 8 - 10 hours would be fine as i am usually at home when i need to use this computer.

do u think this comp will keep the steady performance for 6 years more ?

some people report sluggish window rotations between apps.

 

[kooky]

So does anyone see any difference in their brightness after updating to macOS Mojave 10.14.4?

with respect to
"Corrects the default screen brightness for MacBook Air (Fall 2018)"
???

 

[MacLadybug]

Now I have 2010 MBP with 128gb SSD, when i bought this computer back i was in the uk, the performance of the overall system was very good with snow leopard this is c2d 2.66 ghz in 2010.

Startups were in 3-4 seconds, window rotations were fast and smooth. I could only hear fan noise in very extensive tasks. Coming to 2019 with High Sierra installed on this, i am tired seing the rainbow circles even in safari browsing, kicking our the fan to the max after 10 min of minimum usage is not comfortable for me as baby daughter wakes up with this noise.

About the battery life, about 8 - 10 hours would be fine as i am usually at home when i need to use this computer.

do u think this comp will keep the steady performance for 6 years more ?

some people report sluggish window rotations between apps.

I am not the power user I used to be. I don’t do any heavy lifting... no video work etc. Typically, I will have Safari, Messages, Banktivity 7, and sometimes Photos open at the same time... jumping from app to app. I have found it quicker and smoother than my old Air (as it should be) and no spinning beach balls.

As far as it’s longevity, who can tell. In the past we’ve always gotten our money’s worth but the fact that I’m on my 3rd Retina Air .. who knows. I feel like the Pro is a better bet and it bothers me to say that because I bought this one expecting to keep it at least 5-6 years.
[doublepost=1553779382][/doublepost]

So does anyone see any difference in their brightness after updating to macOS Mojave 10.14.4?

with respect to
"Corrects the default screen brightness for MacBook Air (Fall 2018)"
???

Just installed the update. I might need a bit more time to see if there is a difference, but at first glance I don't see a difference on my screen. Now, my notebook as I've said does not have a dull washed out screen like some of the others or the replacement I had for one day. Maybe someone with a poorer screen will see a difference. I'll play around and if I notice anything I'll post again.

 

[Macbook212]

Any new owners want to comment on the 2018 air screen brightness. Is it an issue as some reviews have pointed out (doesn’t get bright enough).

Brightness - or lack thereof - is driving me crazy.
I've had to have it at full brightness practically all the time.

That, and the battery drain, is driving me a bit crazy.

 

[Macbook212]

Brightness - or lack thereof - is driving me crazy.
I've had to have it at full brightness practically all the time.

That, and the battery drain, is driving me a bit crazy.

UPDATE - installed an update a few hours after posting here and the brightness is MUCH BETTER. Looks to be as good as on previous models.

 

[omelet1978]

After owning a MacBook Air for a month I'm starting to feel that the screen being too dim is either a non-issue or just something that is isolated to some early Macbooks that were shipped out.

I could be wrong though...the reason I say this is that in several reviews (the Verge for example), the screen brightness was noticed and they said that you had to turn it up to 80-90% brightness and that is exactly what I've found in my experience. That is inside my home in the middle of the afternoon. It doesn't seem to affect battery life either with it lasting a long time.

Just my 2 cents and I realize other people might have different experiences.

 

[4491228]

I can confirm Ladybug's sentiments exactly, I have two MacBook airs in front of me and one certainly is dimmer/washed out/yellower than the other which is brighter/cooler/crisper. Another thing I noticed was the battery drain according to coconut battery was ever so slightly higher on the brighter MacBook, confirming its brighter display.

Both on latest update.

 

[Likeaboss7]

I can confirm Ladybug's sentiments exactly, I have two MacBook airs in front of me and one certainly is dimmer/washed out/yellower than the other which is brighter/cooler/crisper. Another thing I noticed was the battery drain according to coconut battery was ever so slightly higher on the brighter MacBook, confirming its brighter display.

Both on latest update.

Could you post a picture of the two screens side by side. Would love to see the difference. Thanks

 

[4491228]

Could you post a picture of the two screens side by side. Would love to see the difference. Thanks

Picture wasn't focused properly but look at the blue shades and the white.

 

[waloshin]

With the update is the display easier to see in sunlight?

 

[Likeaboss7]

Picture wasn't focused properly but look at the blue shades and the white.

Wow big difference. Is it possible to take a picture with the Macs switched around just to eliminate any lighting variations. And they are the same screen manufacturer? I think in 2018 they are A034. Thanks again

 

[4491228]

Wow big difference. Is it possible to take a picture with the Macs switched around just to eliminate any lighting variations. And they are the same screen manufacturer? I think in 2018 they are A034. Thanks again

I’m off to return the crappy one. Lighting was from only a large window (wider than the width of two MacBooks) directly behind them, and a cloudy day so no sun.

@Likeaboss7, I am not sure how to see which manufacturer it is.

 

[4491228]

update,
Received MBA #3 (microcenter deal) and upon visual inspection it is slightly brighter than the previous MBA.

So I suppose it really is a lottery to find the best display.

Inconsistent lighting and camera angle here, but MBA #3 is on the right compared to MBA #2 left.

 

[Likeaboss7]

update,
Received MBA #3 (microcenter deal) and upon visual inspection it is slightly brighter than the previous MBA.

So I suppose it really is a lottery to find the best display.

Inconsistent lighting and camera angle here, but MBA #3 is on the right compared to MBA #2 left.

But the color on these macs is uniform- the white point. Brightness your eyes can adjust to. Thanks for all your efforts.

To check who manufactures the screen
system preferences->displays->color tab->open profile->scroll to line 17 to identify a model number for the screen

 

[4491228]

But the color on these macs is uniform- the white point. Brightness your eyes can adjust to. Thanks for all your efforts.

To check who manufactures the screen
system preferences->displays->color tab->open profile->scroll to line 17 to identify a model number for the screen

You’re welcome. Yes, these 2 macs have the same color and have a different brightness.

My MacBook #3 is model number A039.

 

[UKBeast]

mine is 0000A039

after installing mojave update i can confirm that screen is much brighter now.

 

[nikster0029]

Wow! Might consider getting one now that the brightness is adjusted