Recently, analyst Ross Young announced that the upcoming M4 MacBook Pro is the first Apple device to incorporate the innovative quantum dot display technology.
In a subsequent blog entry, Young indicated that this technology will also be integrated into the next-generation Pro Display XDR.
Earlier versions of the M-series MacBook Pro utilized a red KSF phosphor film to enhance the miniLED backlighting’s color gamut beyond what was typically achievable. The new M4 models, in contrast, deploy a quantum dot film that promises improved color accuracy and motion performance, as noted by Young.
This week on the Display Supply Chain Consultants site, Young provided further insights on this transition and mentioned that this same display technology is anticipated for 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 phosphors in other Apple products. KSF films have been part of previous miniLED MacBook Pros and the Mac Pro Display XDR. We expect the next iteration of the Mac Pro Display to adopt this technology.
Additional Apple devices that employ on-chip KSF phosphors in edge-lit designs include the MacBook Air, iPad Air, and Mac Studio Display, among others. While quantum dots may not provide any cost benefits compared to on-chip KSF phosphors, standardizing a wider color gamut across all products, such as Adobe RGB + P3, could justify this shift for Apple.
Currently, no additional specifics are available on what to expect from the upcoming Pro Display XDR, nor is there a clear timeline for its release. Speculation about an updated Pro Display XDR has fluctuated over the years.
In December 2022, Mark Gurman indicated that Apple was developing a next-generation Pro Display XDR featuring an integrated Apple Silicon chip. For perspective, Apple’s Studio Display includes an A13 Bionic chip that supports features like Center Stage and Spatial Audio.
In April 2023, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed that Apple was working on a new 27-inch external display equipped with mini-LED technology. In contrast, the current Pro Display XDR boasts a 32-inch panel.
The Pro Display XDR was launched in December 2019, alongside the Mac Pro, and has been on the market ever since without any updates or price adjustments.
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