M4 MacBook Pro display uses quantum dot film for more vibrant color & motion performance

AppleInsider

A display analyst shared that Apple has shifted from traditional red KSF phosphor film to quantum dot film in the latest MacBook Pro models with M4.

M4 MacBook Pro. Image source: Apple

Quantum dot technology isn't new, in fact, Apple has been investigating its use in displays since at least 2014. By replacing the layer of phosphor film with nanocrystals made from semiconductor material called quantum dots, displays can display brighter and more vibrant colors.

According to DSCC analyst Ross Young in a post on X, Apple didn't previously use quantum dot film because of its use of the toxic material cadmium. However, that has changed with the release of the MacBook Pro with M4.

The latest cadmium-free quantum dot films have reportedly shown improved color and motion performance -- even surpassing previous films with cadmium. This has allowed Apple to shift to the superior film from red KSF phosphor.

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

Generally speaking, users may not notice the difference unless viewing very specific examples meant to emphasize the effect. However, the technology does make the display better overall.

Quantum dots are man-made nanocrystals that exhibit quantum mechanical characteristics. They emit light isotropically after being excited by the backlight.

The effect brings the LED display closer to the color range and performance of OLED. However, that doesn't mean MacBook Pro wouldn't benefit from shifting to OLED in a future model.

What it does mean is that Apple may want to continue to use the mini-LED backlit panels for a while longer while OLED panel prices continue to drop. Previous rumors suggest 2026 for Apple's first OLED MacBook Pro.



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apple4thewin

Strange they didn’t mention that change considering they sometimes talk about the smallest updates as the biggest change ever

namethespruce

It's honestly insane to me how these displays just keep getting better. I remember when I got my first "Retina" MBP in 2014, I was completely floored. Then the "Liquid Retina XDR" MBP in 2021 blew my mind again. And I'm sure this isn't a mind-blowing innovation on its own, but it all adds up. 

JinTech

Don’t innovate anymore my ass. 

jagnut

I wonder what effect this has with the optional Nano Texture display.    I just received my new M4 Max MacBook Pro.  I ordered it with the Nano Texture display to avoid reflections on the screen and it definitely stops reflections.   However, I am wondering whether I have made a mistake as it does seem kind of flat.  I mostly use it for photo editing in Lightroom and Photoshop.  I guess time will tell as I use it but I was wondering also what other folks experience is with the Nano Texture display .

mikethemartian

JinTech said:

Don’t innovate anymore my ass. 

TVs using quantum dots in the displays have been sold at Best Buy for several years now.

JinTech

mikethemartian said:

JinTech said:

Don’t innovate anymore my ass. 

TVs using quantum dots in the displays have been sold at Best Buy for several years now.

When was the first time we had this in a laptop?

nubus

JinTech said:

mikethemartian said:

JinTech said:

Don’t innovate anymore my ass. 

TVs using quantum dots in the displays have been sold at Best Buy for several years now.

When was the first time we had this in a laptop?

2019 - Samsung launched the first Quantum Dot notebook 5 years ago.

netrox

Kinda like what Apple did with hidden Thread radio and sensors. They didn't talk about them. 

Also same with Apple's new watch with oxygen sensor although it no longer claims its existence. 

Xed

mikethemartian said:

JinTech said:

Don’t innovate anymore my ass. 

TVs using quantum dots in the displays have been sold at Best Buy for several years now.

With cadmium.

cpsro

jagnut said:

I just received my new M4 Max MacBook Pro.  I ordered it with the Nano Texture display to avoid reflections on the screen and it definitely stops reflections.   However, I am wondering whether I have made a mistake as it does seem kind of flat.

I recommend visiting a local Apple Store if you have one, to see nano for yourself and compare nano vs. glossy (with its anti-reflective coating) side-by-side. The bright lights of the store present a good challenge. Colors pop a lot more and text is definitely sharper with glossy. On the other hand, with nano I feel my brain relax and focus on the work at hand, as it needn't simultaneously struggle to separate content from reflections--it's rather like looking at a printed page.

Xed

cpsro said:

jagnut said:

I just received my new M4 Max MacBook Pro.  I ordered it with the Nano Texture display to avoid reflections on the screen and it definitely stops reflections.   However, I am wondering whether I have made a mistake as it does seem kind of flat.

I recommend visiting a local Apple Store if you have one, to see nano for yourself and compare nano vs. glossy (with its anti-reflective coating) side-by-side. The bright lights of the store present a good challenge. Colors pop a lot more and text is definitely sharper with glossy. On the other hand, with nano I feel my brain relax and focus on the work at hand, as it needn't simultaneously struggle to separate content from reflections--it's rather like looking at a printed page.

I second this. 👆

john-useless

JinTech said:

Don’t innovate anymore my ass. 

The quote was "Can't innovate any more, my ass!" — but yes, it's definitely apt here.

Here's the original, from the Mac Pro 2013 introduction: https://youtu.be/KWkUab6IAts?si=nN459EsUs2BDUnrZ&t=148

john-useless

JinTech said:

Don’t innovate anymore my ass. 

The quote was "Can't innovate any more, my ass!" — but yes, it's definitely apt here.

Here's the original, from the Mac Pro 2013 introduction: https://youtu.be/KWkUab6IAts?si=nN459EsUs2BDUnrZ&t=148

john-useless

apple4thewin said:

Strange they didn’t mention that change considering they sometimes talk about the smallest updates as the biggest change ever

I often wonder how they pick certain tiny innovations to promote as huge advances while others are kind of glossed over (if you'll pardon the pun).

jagnut

cpsro said:

jagnut said:

I just received my new M4 Max MacBook Pro.  I ordered it with the Nano Texture display to avoid reflections on the screen and it definitely stops reflections.   However, I am wondering whether I have made a mistake as it does seem kind of flat.

I recommend visiting a local Apple Store if you have one, to see nano for yourself and compare nano vs. glossy (with its anti-reflective coating) side-by-side. The bright lights of the store present a good challenge. Colors pop a lot more and text is definitely sharper with glossy. On the other hand, with nano I feel my brain relax and focus on the work at hand, as it needn't simultaneously struggle to separate content from reflections--it's rather like looking at a printed page.

Thanks for the suggestion.  I’ll go ahead and do that while I still have time to go ahead and return it to swap it out if needed.

dope_ahmine

AppleInsider said:

… nanocrystals made from semiconductor material called quantum dots …

@AppleInsider ;

A quantum dot is actually not a semiconductor material but a nanocrystal (ie a specially shaped particle) typically made of materials such as CdSe or InP.

JinTech

nubus said:

JinTech said:

mikethemartian said:

JinTech said:

Don’t innovate anymore my ass. 

TVs using quantum dots in the displays have been sold at Best Buy for several years now.

When was the first time we had this in a laptop?

2019 - Samsung launched the first Quantum Dot notebook 5 years ago.

Wonder if they still use these displays?

JinTech

john-useless said:

JinTech said:

Don’t innovate anymore my ass. 

The quote was "Can't innovate any more, my ass!" — but yes, it's definitely apt here.

Here's the original, from the Mac Pro 2013 introduction: https://youtu.be/KWkUab6IAts?si=nN459EsUs2BDUnrZ&t=148

I was wondering if I had the quote right or not lol

danox

nubus said:

JinTech said:

mikethemartian said:

JinTech said:

Don’t innovate anymore my ass. 

TVs using quantum dots in the displays have been sold at Best Buy for several years now.

When was the first time we had this in a laptop?

2019 - Samsung launched the first Quantum Dot notebook 5 years ago.

A cancerous solution on their part…..

JinTech

danox said:

nubus said:

JinTech said:

mikethemartian said:

JinTech said:

Don’t innovate anymore my ass. 

TVs using quantum dots in the displays have been sold at Best Buy for several years now.

When was the first time we had this in a laptop?

2019 - Samsung launched the first Quantum Dot notebook 5 years ago.

A cancerous solution on their part…..

How so?