The current MacBook Pro (14- and 16-inch models) and also the expensive Pro Display XDR have very bright displays, but they don’t shine consistently – Apple limits the brightness and only allows the full potential in certain situations. A new app now bypasses the restriction.
Full brightness for MacBook Pro and Pro Display XDR: App makes possible what Apple doesn’t want
On paper, the screens of the current MacBook Pro (14 and 16-inch models) and also the Pro Display XDR are able to achieve a brightness of up to 1,000 nits, sometimes even 1,600 nits at the top with HDR content. In practice, however, this is usually much too bright, so 500 nits are used accordingly. As mentioned, the full performance is only accessed with HDR and certain metal applications. Developer Jordi Bruin takes advantage of the latter and presents “Vivid”, a Mac app that allows a regular brightness of 1,000 nits (source: Vivid).
The app thus enables continuous operation of the screens with 1,000 instead of just 500 nits. This could be useful for outdoor use, for example, when sunlight makes working difficult. But previously unsupported apps that rely on HDR content should probably benefit from the new feature. If you want to see the difference with your own eyes, you can do so before purchasing the app. For example, “Vivid” integrates a split-screen view that shows both modes side by side – on the left with Vivid and 1,000 nits, on the right without Vivid and accordingly with 500 nits. If you want to see more than just the split screen in test mode, you have to pay. This currently costs 15 euros (view and download the app here).
The developer demonstrates “Vivid” in the video:
Does that break the display?
Of course, the legitimate question arises, does the app damage the screens? After all, “Vivid” enables something that Apple normally forbids. However, developer Bruin broadcasts Signals of the all-clear:
“Vivid doesn’t make your screen do anything it’s not supposed to do. Vivid enables the extra range of brightness normally reserved for HDR content, just as if you were editing an HDR video. Vivid doesn’t use low-level display hacks to push your screen to levels it shouldn’t.”
Did you know? A new MacBook Air is coming in 2022 and this is what it could look like:
He also refers to Apple’s own words. Accordingly, a continuous mode under 1,000 nits is unproblematic. Nevertheless, of course, he formally excludes liability for any consequential damage. In short: Nothing should happen, but there’s no formal guarantee. You have to reckon with an increase in the display temperature of 5 to 10 percent. If it gets too hot, the operating system intervenes and regulates the display brightness. And then there is also the power consumption, quote:
“The brightness of the screen has a significant impact on battery life. So turning on Vivid will drain your battery faster. Battery drain depends on many factors, but you should expect your battery to drain much faster. We recommend using Vivid when externally powered or in very bright environments.”
Summarized: You should only use Vivid when it makes sense. Using it in a dark room is rather pointless and counterproductive, but outdoors the app should be a blessing for many users.