Apple secretly included quantum dot tech in the M4 MacBook Pro’s display

Apple’s latest M4-powered MacBook Pro is a pretty great laptop. we gave a 92 points in our reviewpartly because of its large screen. The display is brighter this time around, reaching 1,000 nits for SDR (standard dynamic range) content and 1,600 nits for HDR material. However, there is another aspect of the screen that Apple has strangely kept mum.

As the screen expert pointed out Ross YoungApple used quantum dot (QD) film instead of red KSF phosphor film on the screen. “In the past, Apple went with the KSF solution because of better efficiency and lack of cadmium (Cd), but the latest CD-free QD films are very efficient, have good or better color gamut and better motion performance,” said Young. This means that the latest MacBook Pro display should offer a wider range of colors than in the past while making motion appear smoother.

Rather than being an early adopter itself, Apple often waits until the technology reaches a point where it makes sense to use it in products. Apple has considered using quantum dot technology in iMac displays since at least 2015. TechRadar points out that cadmium is a toxic element, which is inconsistent with Apple’s commitment to environmental protection efforts, so the company he gave up this idea. However, cadmium-free film now makes quantum dot technology more feasible for Apple.

Quantum dots are not entirely new. Other manufacturers have been using them in their QLED TVs and monitors for years at this point. QD-OLED panels is also becoming more common. Apple still uses MiniLED backlighting on its MacBook Pros, but this could be a case of the company laying the groundwork for future QD-OLED MacBook Pro variants.

Engadget has reached out to Apple for comment.