Recently, analyst Ross Young disclosed that the latest M4 MacBook Pro marks Apple’s inaugural use of advanced quantum dot display technology.
In a subsequent blog entry, Young indicated that this cutting-edge technology will also be incorporated into the forthcoming Pro Display XDR.
Previous versions of the M-series MacBook Pro utilized a red KSF phosphor film to enhance the miniLED backlighting, achieving a broader color gamut than typically possible. The new M4 generation, however, leverages a quantum dot film, which provides an improved color gamut and superior motion performance, as per Young.
This week on the Display Supply Chain Consultants website, Young delved deeper into this transition, mentioning that the same display technology is poised to arrive in the Pro Display XDR:
With Apple now using [quantum dot] films in the MacBook Pro, it will be intriguing to see if they phase out KSF films and KSF phosphors in other Apple devices. KSF films are utilized in earlier MiniLED MacBook Pros and the Mac Pro Display XDR. We anticipate that the next iteration of the Mac Pro Display will adopt this technology.
Other Apple devices that employ on-chip KSF phosphors in an edge-lit layout include the MacBook Air, iPad Air, and Mac Studio Display, among others. While quantum dots may not present any cost advantages over on-chip KSF phosphors, if Apple aims to standardize wider color gamuts across their product line-up—such as Adobe RGB + P3—it would be sensible for them to initiate this change.
No additional information is available about what features the next-generation Pro Display XDR might include, nor is there a specified timeline for its release. Speculation regarding an updated Pro Display XDR has fluctuated over the years.
In December 2022, Mark Gurman revealed that Apple was in the process of developing a next-gen Pro Display XDR featuring an integrated Apple Silicon chip. For reference, Apple’s Studio Display is equipped with an A13 Bionic chip that facilitates functionalities like Center Stage and Spatial Audio support.
In April 2023, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated that Apple was creating a new 27-inch external display utilizing mini-LED screen technology. Notably, the existing Pro Display XDR boasts a 32-inch panel.
The Pro Display XDR was launched in December 2019, coinciding with the Mac Pro release. Since then, Apple has continued to sell it without any updates or price alterations.
Purchase Apple’s latest Macs:
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
