Apple’s next big product launch may still be a ways off, but a new report has shed light on powerful new technology coming in the next version of Apple’s flagship Pro Display XDR.
The 2nd generation model will use cutting-edge quantum dot technology, according to respected display analyst Ross Young (via 9to5Mac). Young previously reported that the M4 MacBook Pro, announced in late October, was the first Apple product to use quantum dot technology, but that the next-generation technology is much more important for Apple’s high-end display. On the one hand, it’s 32 inches; another is to use “state-of-the-art calibration and a sophisticated algorithm” to deliver “the highest quality color possible.”
Quantum dot is a recent display technology designed to deliver better color and motion performance than is possible with conventional LED, mini-LED and OLED displays. (This is also where we get the Q in QLED TVs.) As Young explains (login required), the MacBook Pro previously used KSF phosphor, making it plausible that other KSF-based Apple products will follow his example and will move on to the quantum dot.
“Now that Apple has adopted [quantum dot] in the MacBook Pro,” he writes, “it will be interesting to see if they replace KSF films and KSF phosphors in other Apple products. KSF films are found in previous mini-LED MacBook Pros and the Mac Pro Display XDR. We expect the next version of the Mac Pro Display to adopt it.
This is all very nice, but the problem is that we’ll probably be waiting a long time for the next version of the Pro Display XDR. The original device was released in 2019 and we’ve been waiting for an update since the Studio Display launched in 2022; but Young says it’s unlikely to appear before late 2025 or early 2026. You can keep up to date with the latest news and rumors with our new Pro Display XDR superguide.
