Notes on Apple's Nano Texture

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Notes on Apple’s Nano Texture

Published: 2025-05-11

2024 Nano Texture Macbook Pro on the left; 2021 Glossy Macbook Pro on the right

TLDR: the Nano Texture performs wonderfully anywhere where light used to be a factor and used to force me to shade my screen or avoid the place entirely.

I’m less concerned with where I sit indoors. Coffee shops / offices with skylights or intense lighting are much more comfortable
Coding and working outside is now feasible: browsing the internet, writing in Obsidian; all delightful
The screen needs more effort to keep clean than a normal screen and comes with a special wipe that needs to be used instead of microfiber
Black text on white background (light mode) is considerably more readable than white text on black background (dark mode)
Overall a massive step forward for outdoor computing

Big thanks to Julie Kruger for the comparison photos and CJ for draft feedback.

sitting outside at North Boulder Park

A few months after I got the Daylight Computer (read my thoughts here), two friends sent me this post comparing the old Macbook Pro displays to the new Nano Texture glass ones. That post convinced me to upgrade my computer in short order, to the dismay of my wallet.
In the four months I’ve had it I’ve told at least a dozen people about it, and I’m gonna keep telling people. Being able to take my entire computing environment to places without being worried about glare has expanded the range of environments I can create in. It means I get to be in environments that are more interesting, fun, and in tune with my body.
What follows are some thoughts about how this display has fit into my day to day life in the couple of months I’ve had it.
what is Nano Texture?

Typical matt displays have a coating added to their surface that scatters light. However, these coatings lower contrast while producing unwanted haze and sparkle. Etched into the glass at the nanometre level, the nano-texture scatters light to further minimise glare — for outstanding image quality even in challenging lighting conditions.
https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/buy-mac/apple-studio-display/nano-texture-glass-tilt-adjustable-stand

Basically, it’s a coating physically etched into the screen that reflects light differently from the glossy finish of the traditional screen.

Cursor on the 2021 MBP (Glossy) on the left; 2024 MBP (Nano Texture) on the right

Nano Texture vs Daylight Computer
First off, this isn’t apples to oranges - these are different technologies that in my mind, serve a different purpose. The Daylight Computer is an Android tablet, the Macbook Pro is a full MacOS laptop.
The transflective LCD in the Daylight Computer is grayscale but it needs no light to function. It has a backlight, but where it does really well is in direct sunlight with the backlight turned off. When outside in direct sunlight, toggling the Daylight’s backlight on and off doesn’t make a difference because it works fundamentally different from a laptop screen.

2021 MBP (glossy); 2024 MBP (Nano Texture); Daylight Computer (transflective)

On the Daylight computer:

white text on black background has about the same readability as black text on white background
the backlight can be lowered to 0% outside with no impact to visibility and making the battery last wonderfully long
grayscale + lower DPI limits how much text can fit on the screen
Daylight being a tablet form factor means I have to fiddle around with a configuration that will hold my screen in an ideal angle. It’s reasonably forgiving but certain angles are harder to see with than others

2024 MBP on left; 2021 MBP on right. Dark mode is less ideal on both.

The Nano Texture MacBook Pro is still ultimately a traditional LCD screen. This means the only way to see the screen is if the backlight is powered on: having the backlight off in direct sunlights results in a black screen. Also, it’s worth noting:

white text on black bg is a lot less readable than black text on white bg
the backlight generally has to be at 90%+ to be comfortable
retina display + wide swath of the color spectrum means most of what I can do indoors, I can do outdoors as well
being a laptop with a hinge, it’s very easy to find the exact angle I want that minimizes glare & maximizes comfort

Both however are an incredible upgrade over outdoor computing options from just 1 year ago. I believe these are both massive steps in terms of ergonomics and freedom to be in more places as we compute.
some downsides to consider

fingerprints, splatters, and smudges are mildly annoying indoors but almost fluorescent outdoors

rubbing alcohol cleans them off when friction alone doesn’t do the trick but it still takes some rubbing. as far as I can tell, it’s not degrading the finish but I also try to clean it with the cloth before applying alcohol

they give you one special screen cleaning cloth. I think the ideal number is like 5. Only this one can be used for Nano Texture screens.

I read somewhere that this is because traditional microfiber cloths will shred into the screen, degrading visibility (but I can’t remember where so don’t quote me on on this)
I’ve learned to bring my special wipe when I bring my laptop, and I slip a few rubbing alcohol wipes in there as well. I wet the Special Cloth with the alcohol wipes, and then apply the Special Cloth to the screen. This is definitely high maintenance

I have to swat other people’s hands away when they try to point something out on my screen with their pizza fingers
I’m more paranoid about swinging a USB C cable up against my screen or closing my laptop down on a grain of rice. I was less worried with my old screen
The Nano Texture upgrade is an extra $150 on an already-expensive computer
Closing the MacBook results in slight rubbing on the screen at the bottom of the keyboard / top of the trackpad, leaving scratches on the screen. So far this isn’t detrimental when the brightness is up; it’s only visible with the backlight off

I don’t think this is a new thing because my old MacBook Pro (glossy screen) has scratches in the same exact place but I am worried about them being more visible on the Nano Texture screen in the long run

tldr
If you get annoyed by the glare of your screen and don’t mind a bit of extra mental bandwidth to keep your screen clean, I would highly recommend considering a Nano Texture display upgrade on your next laptop purchase. If you have a chaotic environment and can’t be bothered to keep your screen clean, or you aren’t bothered much by glare or reflections in the environments you work in, then the Nano Texture is probably not for you.
further reading

rtings.com: A Closer Look At Apple’s Nano-Texture Display
tomsguide.com: I put the M4 MacBook Pro’s nano-texture display to the test and it’s a game-changer
US20220326413A1: Textured cover assemblies for display applications

jon.bo

The Nano Texture display represents a significant advancement in screen technology for Apple’s MacBook Pro, addressing long-standing challenges related to glare and readability in bright environments. This feature, etched at the nanometer level into the glass surface, scatters light more effectively than traditional matte coatings, which often compromise contrast and introduce unwanted haze. Unlike glossy finishes that reflect light directly, Nano Texture diffuses it in a way that minimizes glare while preserving image quality. The author highlights its transformative impact on their workflow, particularly in outdoor settings where previous displays necessitated shading or avoidance of bright areas. This upgrade enables a broader range of environments for computing, from coffee shops under skylights to parks in direct sunlight. The technology’s effectiveness is underscored by its ability to maintain readability and comfort even when ambient light conditions are suboptimal, making it a compelling option for users who value flexibility in their workspaces.

The author’s experience with the Nano Texture display contrasts sharply with earlier models, such as the 2021 MacBook Pro’s glossy screen. Traditional matte displays typically use coatings that reduce glare but can dull contrast and create a hazy appearance, whereas Nano Texture achieves similar anti-glare benefits without sacrificing clarity. This distinction is critical for users who prioritize both visual fidelity and practical usability in dynamic lighting conditions. The author notes that while the Nano Texture screen requires more effort to clean compared to standard displays, its performance in challenging environments justifies the additional maintenance. The need for a specialized cleaning cloth and occasional use of rubbing alcohol underscores the trade-offs involved, but these measures are framed as manageable for users who value the display’s advantages. The screen’s responsiveness to adjustments in viewing angles—facilitated by the MacBook Pro’s hinge design—further enhances its usability, allowing users to optimize comfort and reduce reflections.

A key aspect of the author’s evaluation is the comparison between Nano Texture and the Daylight Computer, a device with a transflective LCD that operates differently. While the Daylight Computer excels in direct sunlight without requiring a backlight, its grayscale display and lower resolution limit functionality compared to the MacBook Pro’s full-color Retina screen. The author acknowledges that these technologies serve distinct purposes: the Daylight Computer prioritizes battery efficiency and sunlight readability, whereas Nano Texture focuses on maintaining color accuracy and brightness in varied lighting. However, both innovations represent progress over previous outdoor computing options. The author emphasizes that while the Daylight Computer is better suited for extreme sunlight scenarios, the Nano Texture display offers a more versatile solution for users who rely on full-color visuals and applications like Obsidian or web browsing. This distinction highlights the importance of matching technology to specific use cases, rather than treating them as direct competitors.

The author also explores the practical implications of Nano Texture in daily use, noting that its benefits are most pronounced for those who frequently work outdoors or in environments with fluctuating light conditions. For instance, the ability to use a MacBook Pro on a sunny park bench without needing to shade the screen or adjust seating positions is a significant advantage. However, the display’s reliance on backlighting means that it performs poorly in direct sunlight when the backlight is turned off, resulting in a black screen. This limitation contrasts with devices like the Daylight Computer, which can function without a backlight in bright conditions. The author points out that while Nano Texture excels indoors and in moderate outdoor light, users must still adjust their settings—such as increasing backlight brightness—to maintain visibility. This trade-off suggests that the display is better suited for environments where ambient light is not consistently extreme, rather than as a universal solution for all outdoor scenarios.

Another critical consideration is the user experience of Nano Texture in terms of readability and interface design. The author observes that black text on a white background (light mode) is significantly more readable than white text on a black background (dark mode), which can appear washed out or difficult to discern in certain lighting. This preference aligns with broader usability research suggesting that high-contrast, light-mode interfaces are generally more legible in bright environments. However, the author also notes that dark mode remains a viable option for indoor use, where glare is less of an issue. The display’s ability to maintain clarity and color accuracy under various lighting conditions makes it a versatile tool for tasks ranging from coding to media consumption. This adaptability, combined with the MacBook Pro’s ergonomic design, allows users to tailor their setup to specific needs without sacrificing performance.

Maintenance and durability are additional factors that the author addresses. While Nano Texture screens require more careful cleaning than traditional displays, the need for a specialized cloth and occasional use of rubbing alcohol is presented as a minor inconvenience. The author emphasizes that improper cleaning methods, such as using microfiber cloths, can potentially damage the screen’s surface by causing abrasion or reducing visibility. This cautionary note underscores the importance of following manufacturer guidelines to preserve the display’s integrity. Furthermore, the author highlights a potential downside: the screen is more susceptible to scratches from everyday use, such as closing the laptop on a grain of sand or accidental contact with objects. While these issues are not immediately detrimental, the author expresses concern that scratches may become more visible over time, especially when the screen’s backlight is off. This raises questions about the long-term durability of nano-textured surfaces compared to traditional glossy or matte finishes.

The cost of the Nano Texture upgrade—$150 added to an already expensive MacBook Pro—also warrants consideration. The author acknowledges that this price increase may not be justified for users who do not frequently work in environments with challenging lighting conditions. For those who prioritize portability and flexibility, however, the investment is framed as worthwhile. The author’s recommendation to “consider a Nano Texture display upgrade” reflects their personal experience with the technology, but they also caution that it may not be suitable for individuals with chaotic workspaces or those who are indifferent to glare. This targeted advice underscores the importance of aligning technological upgrades with individual needs, rather than adopting them as a universal solution.

Finally, the author’s reflections on the broader implications of Nano Texture highlight its significance as a step forward in ergonomic and environmental design. By enabling users to work comfortably in diverse settings, the technology fosters a more integrated relationship between computing and physical environments. This shift is particularly relevant in an era where remote work and hybrid models are increasingly common, as it allows users to leverage natural light and outdoor spaces without compromising productivity. The author’s enthusiasm for the technology is evident in their repeated recommendations to others, suggesting that Nano Texture represents a meaningful evolution in display design. However, they also acknowledge its limitations, emphasizing that the decision to adopt it should be based on specific use cases and personal preferences.

In summary, Apple’s Nano Texture display offers a compelling solution for users seeking improved usability in bright environments. Its ability to reduce glare while maintaining image quality makes it a valuable upgrade for those who work outdoors or in spaces with intense lighting. While the technology requires additional maintenance and has certain limitations, its benefits outweigh these drawbacks for users who prioritize flexibility and comfort. The author’s detailed account of their experience, combined with comparisons to competing technologies like the Daylight Computer, provides a nuanced perspective on the display’s strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, Nano Texture represents a significant advancement in screen technology, reflecting Apple’s commitment to addressing real-world challenges faced by users. Its adoption may not be universally necessary, but for those who value the ability to work in diverse environments, it is a worthwhile investment.