While Apple's marketing materials for the new M4 MacBook Pro lineup focus on mini-LED and Pro Display XDR, it turns out the laptops actually utilize Quantum Dot technology. Display analyst Ross Young revealed this detail, stating that the change results in equal or better color gamut and efficiency compared to previous models.
Previously, Apple avoided Quantum Dot technology due to the use of cadmium, a toxic element. However, cadmium-free Quantum Dot displays are now available, allowing Apple to implement them in the M4 MacBook Pros. These displays offer improved image quality, color accuracy, and a wider color gamut.
This technology shift might explain the increased maximum SDR brightness of 1,000 nits in the new models (up from 600 nits), although Apple hasn't explicitly confirmed this.
It's unclear whether Quantum Dot technology will make its way to the more affordable M4 MacBook Air lineup. If you're interested in experiencing the new displays, you can find the base M4 MacBook Pro with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage at a discounted price on Amazon.
