Apple launched the new MacBook Pro with M4 chips at the end of last month, and it looks like these have a previously not spoken about upgrade.
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.
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.
The QD film delivers better color gamut and better motion performance compared to the red KSF phosphor film, and is now cadmium-free too. It didn’t use to be, and that apparently is the reason why Apple has stuck with the KSF solution until now.
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.
This improvement applies to all new MacBook Pros, with or without nano texture. Keep in mind that the new laptops still have LCD screens, and this QD film won’t make them perform as well as QD-OLED displays do.
Apple recently unveiled a new lineup of Macs, all powered by the next-generation M4 chips that deliver enhanced performance and efficiency. These models come equipped with either the M4, M4 Pro, or M4 Max chips. While the M4 powers the base models, the M4 Pro and M4 Max provide additional horsepower and incorporate advanced technologies like Thunderbolt 5, a high-speed data transfer protocol co-developed by Intel and Apple.
This’ the first major bandwidth increase since Thunderbolt 3 debuted in 2015.
What is Thunderbolt 5?
Thunderbolt 5 represents a significant leap in data transfer capabilities, supporting speeds up to 80 Gbps and up to 120 Gbps with the Bandwidth Boost feature, making it up to thrice as fast as Thunderbolt 4, which peaks at 40 Gbps. This allows for connections to high-resolution (up to 8K) high-refresh-rate monitors using a single USB-C port, though a Thunderbolt 5-compliant data cable is necessary.
Introduced in September 2023, Thunderbolt 5 is now available in Apple’s latest Macs, making them among the first commercial devices to support this technology.
With Thunderbolt 5, a device like the Mac Mini M4 can achieve up to 80 Gbps of bi-directional data transfer, meaning it can send and receive data at that speed simultaneously. This feature is perfect for high-resolution displays and enables rapid transfer of large files, such as 4K and 8K video footage.
A single Thunderbolt 5 port can power up to three 4K monitors at 144Hz or two 8K monitors, while also supporting connectivity to a wide array of accessories like monitors, external GPUs, storage drives, and more through a single connection. However, Apple Silicon currently does not support external graphics, limiting this feature to Intel-powered Thunderbolt 5 PCs.
Thunderbolt 5’s USB-C compatibility
A major benefit of Thunderbolt 5 is that it utilizes a standard USB-C port. To maximize the potential of Thunderbolt 5, you’ll need a certified Thunderbolt 5 USB-C cable, which is priced slightly higher than a regular USB-C cable.
Thunderbolt 5 is also backwards-compatible with Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 v2, so you can continue using existing accessories, albeit at Thunderbolt 4 speeds of 40 Gbps.
Do I Need Thunderbolt 5?
For most users performing everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, or even photo editing, Thunderbolt 4’s 40 Gbps bandwidth remains more than adequate. Even 4K video editing and working with large file sizes works smoothly with Thunderbolt 4 connections, as many professionals will attest. The new Mac mini and base 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 chip includes Thunderbolt 4 ports that should serve most of these users.
It’s worth considering Thunderbolt 5 if you work with 8K video, require multiple high-resolution displays, or regularly transfer extremely large files. The technology will be particularly beneficial if you work with virtual reality, 3D rendering, or high-end video production where every bit of bandwidth matters. However, remember that taking full advantage of Thunderbolt 5 requires compatible peripherals, which are just beginning to enter the market and typically command premium prices.
For most users, the presence of Thunderbolt 5 shouldn’t be the deciding factor when choosing between M4 and M4 Pro/Max Macs. The standard M4 models with Thunderbolt 4 will continue to serve the majority of users well, making Thunderbolt 5 a “nice-to-have” rather than a necessity for typical Mac buyers. The technology’s true benefits will likely become more apparent as compatible peripherals become more available and affordable over time.
Apple has unleashed new beta software on macOS, iOS, and iPadOS, with many cool features centered around Apple Intelligence. While AI will undoubtedly be the focus for most people jumping into the developer beta of macOS Sequoia 15.2, a new option to add the weather in your current location to the menu bar of the Mac.
The new widget consists of a small weather icon and the temperature displayed next to the time, Wi-Fi status, and battery icons. Clicking on the widget shows you the weather for the next few hours where your Mac is located. If you’re curious, you can also use the widget to see temperatures in other parts of the world.The pop-out widget also features a link to the weather app.
As always, the features could change regarding developer betas, so the weather widget’s presence in this version doesn’t mean it’ll make its way to the final release. Still, the fact that Apple is even working on such a widget is exciting.
If you try the 15.2 beta, you can enable the weather widget by going to System Settings and Control Center.Opening up the Mac’s Settings app, going to Control Center, and scrolling down to the “Menu Bar Only” section. Weather joins other options that include Clock, Spotlight, Siri, and Time Machine.
The macOS Sequoia 15.2 beta is limited to developers at the current time, but Apple may release a public beta in the not too distant future. macOS Sequoia 15.2 will be released in early December.
