On some Apple products, including the iMac M4, iPad Pro M4, and Studio Display, a feature called nano-texture glass is available. This is something that was first introduced on the incredibly expensive Pro Display XDR, before coming to other Apple products, starting with the now-discontinued 27-inch iMac. So what is it, and should you spend hundreds of dollars more to have it on your screen?
What is nano-textured glass?
Glare is often a problem in brightly lit offices and homes, which can make large, shiny screens look like little more than extremely elaborate mirrors. One way to combat this problem is to use matte screens. Opting for the new nano-textured glass will significantly reduce glare while avoiding the icing and washed out colors that are often the compromise made when opting for a matte finish.
This is all down to clever design and a meticulous process that results in displays that can happily handle bright light sources, albeit at a rather expensive price.
How does nano-textured glass work?
One of the main causes of glare is light from lamps, windows and other sources reflecting back at you due to the smooth surfaces of modern screens. Matte finishes combat this by placing some sort of coating on the screen that diffuses or breaks up light due to its more angular surface. Unfortunately, this works both ways, so the light emanating from the screen itself is also altered, leading to the darker results that usually accompany this technique.
Apple took things to the next level by forgoing a coating and physically modifying the surface itself through tiny (nano) etchings. The engraving pattern means that light rays hitting the screen are reflected at different angles, eliminating most reflections.
What’s very clever is that it doesn’t seem to have much effect on the on-screen display. Of course, making all these microscopic etchings on glass is precision work, which is why it costs more. For example, to get nano-textured glass on the iMac, you’ll need to get a high-end model and pay $200 more, while the iPad Pro M4 cost is only $100 more than standard glass (although you’ll need at least 1TB of storage).
How to clean nano-textured glass?
One of the quirks of Apple’s new nano-textured glass display is that the company insists that it should only be cleaned using a specific Apple cloth. One is included with each display, but we’re not sure what magical ingredients make this such a special piece of fabric.
Needless to say, if you’ve just shelled out a few hundred dollars for high-end display technology, it’s probably a good idea to follow Apple’s instructions and spend a little more for a high-quality cloth.
How durable is nano-textured glass?
Nano-textured glass is as durable as standard glass. Since it has no coating, there should be no visible wear.
Should I install nano-textured glass on my Apple device?
The main reason to add the expensive nano-textured glass feature is if you struggle with glare, such as if you use your iMac or Studio Display in a room with bright overhead lights or if you work at home. ‘outdoors on your iPad Pro.
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