M4 MacBook Pro Uses Quantum Dot Display Technology

Thursday November 14, 2024 4:19 pm PST by Juli Clover

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.

Big Apple display news, they have adopted quantum dots for the first time. The latest MacBook Pro's (M4) use 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

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.

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Top Rated Comments

Howard2k

25 months ago

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.

Score: 39 Votes (Like | Disagree)

terminator-jq

25 months ago

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.

Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)

junior

25 months ago

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.

Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Blur Busters

25 months ago

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 ('https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/enabling-120hz-scrolling-in-safari.2323961/page-3?post=33355836#post-33355836') 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).

Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)

syklee26

25 months ago

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

Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)