Complete brightness specifications for every M-series MacBook Pro, and how to unlock the full XDR range.
All M-series MacBook Pro models with XDR displays share the same brightness capability. Here's the complete table from Apple's technical specifications:
| Model | Chip | SDR Brightness | XDR Peak (HDR) | XDR Sustained | Vivid Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Pro 14" | M1 Pro / Max | ~500 nits | 1600 nits | 1000 nits | ✓ Supported |
| MacBook Pro 16" | M1 Pro / Max | ~500 nits | 1600 nits | 1000 nits | ✓ Supported |
| MacBook Pro 14" | M2 Pro / Max | ~500 nits | 1600 nits | 1000 nits | ✓ Supported |
| MacBook Pro 16" | M2 Pro / Max | ~500 nits | 1600 nits | 1000 nits | ✓ Supported |
| MacBook Pro 14" | M3 Pro / Max | ~500 nits | 1600 nits | 1000 nits | ✓ Supported |
| MacBook Pro 16" | M3 Pro / Max | ~500 nits | 1600 nits | 1000 nits | ✓ Supported |
| MacBook Pro 14" | M4 Pro / Max | ~500 nits | 1600 nits | 1000 nits | ✓ Supported |
| MacBook Pro 16" | M4 Pro / Max | ~500 nits | 1600 nits | 1000 nits | ✓ Supported |
| MacBook Pro 14" | M5 Pro / Max | ~500 nits | 1600 nits | 1000 nits | ✓ Supported |
| MacBook Pro 16" | M5 Pro / Max | ~500 nits | 1600 nits | 1000 nits | ✓ Supported |
Sources: Apple technical specifications for MacBook Pro. SDR brightness typically maxes around 500 nits; XDR specifications are 1600 nits peak and 1000 nits sustained for full-screen content.
If you have any of the MacBook Pro models above and your screen feels dim, it's not broken. macOS intentionally limits standard (SDR) content to around 500 nits, even though your display can reach 1600 nits.
The extra brightness (500-1600 nits) is reserved for HDR photos and videos. This is the difference between SDR brightness (what you see normally) and XDR brightness (the display's full capability).
Vivid unlocks the XDR brightness range for everyday use on all M-series MacBook Pro models listed above. Your brightness keys work the same way - they just have a higher maximum.
MacBook Air, Intel MacBooks, M1 MacBook Pro 13", and Studio Display (non-XDR) do not have XDR displays and cannot exceed their standard maximum brightness. Only the MacBook Pro models with Pro and Max chips listed in the table above support XDR brightness.
All MacBook Pro 14" and 16" models with M1 Pro/Max, M2 Pro/Max, M3 Pro/Max, M4 Pro/Max, or M5 Pro/Max chips support XDR brightness up to 1600 nits. The M1 MacBook Pro 13" does not have an XDR display.
Peak brightness (1600 nits) is the maximum brightness for small highlights in HDR content. Sustained brightness (1000 nits) is what the full screen can maintain indefinitely. Vivid unlocks access to both ranges.
Yes. All M-series MacBook Pro models (M1 through M5) with Pro and Max chips share the same XDR display specifications: 1600 nits peak and 1000 nits sustained brightness.