M4 MacBook Pro Uses Quantum Dot Display Technology

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.

M4 MacBook Pros Thumb
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.


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.

Related Roundup: MacBook Pro
Buyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: MacBook Pro

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Roundup Feature 2

iPhone Design to Change 'Significantly' This Year

Monday February 17, 2025 7:09 am PST by
Apple is set to "significantly change" the iPhone's design language later this year, according to a Weibo leaker. In a new post, the user known "Digital Chat Station" said that the iPhone's design is "starting to change significantly" this year. The "iPhone 17 Air" reportedly features a "horizontal, bar-shaped" design on the rear, likely referring to an elongated camera bump. On the other...
Apple iPhone 16e Feature

Apple Announces iPhone 16e With A18 Chip and Apple Intelligence, Pricing Starts at $599

Wednesday February 19, 2025 8:02 am PST by
Apple today introduced the iPhone 16e, its newest entry-level smartphone. The device succeeds the third-generation iPhone SE, which has now been discontinued. The iPhone 16e features a larger 6.1-inch OLED display, up from a 4.7-inch LCD on the iPhone SE. The display has a notch for Face ID, and this means that Apple no longer sells any iPhones with a Touch ID fingerprint button, marking the ...
iOS 18

iOS 18.4 Coming Next Week With These New Features for Your iPhone

Friday February 14, 2025 6:18 am PST by
The first iOS 18.4 beta for iPhones should be just around the corner, and the update is expected to include many new features and changes. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman expects the iOS 18.4 beta to be released by next week. Below, we outline what to expect from iOS 18.4 so far. Apple Intelligence for Siri Siri is expected to get several enhancements powered by Apple Intelligence on iOS...
apple launch feb 2025

Tim Cook Teases an 'Apple Launch' Next Wednesday

Thursday February 13, 2025 8:07 am PST by
In a social media post today, Apple CEO Tim Cook teased an upcoming "launch" of some kind scheduled for Wednesday, February 19. "Get ready to meet the newest member of the family," he said, with an #AppleLaunch hashtag. The post includes a short video with an animated Apple logo inside a circle. Cook did not provide an exact time for the launch, or share any other specific details, so...
iphone 17 pro asherdipps

iPhone 17 Pro Models Rumored to Feature Aluminum Frame Instead of Titanium Frame

Tuesday February 18, 2025 12:02 pm PST by
Over the years, Apple has switched from an aluminum frame to a stainless steel frame to a titanium frame for its highest-end iPhones. And now, it has been rumored that Apple will go back to using aluminum for three out of four iPhone 17 models. In an investor note with research firm GF Securities, obtained by MacRumors this week, Apple supply chain analyst Jeff Pu said the iPhone 17, iPhone...
Apple 2025 Thumb 1

Two of Apple's Oldest Products Are Finally Getting Updated This Year

Friday February 14, 2025 6:03 am PST by
Apple released the HomePod mini in November 2020, followed by the AirTag in May 2021, and both still remain first-generation products. Fortunately, rumors suggest that both the HomePod mini and the AirTag will finally be updated at some point this year. Below, we recap rumors about the HomePod mini 2 and AirTag 2. HomePod mini 2 In January 2025, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said Apple is ...
macbook air blue

Gurman: M4 MacBook Air Models to Launch by March 'At the Latest'

Monday February 17, 2025 2:30 am PST by
Apple will begin selling new MacBook Air models featuring its latest M4 chip by March "at the latest," mirroring the time frame of the M3 MacBook Air launch last year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple last updated the MacBook Air line in March 2024. Gurman's comments appeared in his latest Power On newsletter, suggesting the reporter is no further forward on learning the exact...
iPhone 17 Air Front Page Tech 2

'iPhone 17 Air' With Ultra-Thin Design Allegedly Revealed in New Video

Monday February 17, 2025 6:53 pm PST by
YouTube channel Front Page Tech today revealed the alleged design of Apple's widely-rumored "iPhone 17 Air" model, set to launch later this year. "iPhone 17 Air" render created by @zellzoi for Front Page Tech In a video uploaded today, Front Page Tech shared renders depicting what it believes is likely the final design of the "iPhone 17 Air." The device is expected to feature an ultra-thin...

Top Rated Comments

Howard2k Avatar
14 weeks 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 Avatar
14 weeks 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 Avatar
14 weeks 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 Avatar
14 weeks 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 Avatar
14 weeks ago
surprised they didn't add another dot on the price tag with this move.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mikethebigo Avatar
14 weeks ago
I don't need one I don't need one I DON'T NEED ONE

EDIT: I bought one.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)