What is nano-texture glass and do I need it?

Apple's nano-texture glass option is available for the iMac, MacBook Pro and the iPad Pro. Here's what you need to know and whether you need it.

- BY MARTYN CASSERLY

On some Apple products, including the M4 iMac, MacBook Pro, and iPad Pro, a feature called nano-texture glass is available. This is something that was first introduced on Apple's Pro Display XDR (fave.co/4myZZS5), before coming to other Apple products beginning with the long-discontinued 27-inch iMac. So, what is it, and should you spend hundreds more to have it adorn your screen?

WHAT IS NANO-TEXTURE GLASS?

Glare is often a problem in brightly lit offices and homes, which can render the large, glossy displays little more than hugely elaborate mirrors. One option it to choose a display with a coating to give it a matte finish, but that is not without disadvantages.

Apple's solution to the problem is nano-texture glass, which drastically reduces glare while avoiding the frostiness and washed-out colors that are often the compromise made when opting for a matte finish.

Nano etchings mean light rays hitting the display are reflected off at a range of angles, eradicating most of the glare in the process.

It's all thanks to some clever design and a meticulous process that results in displays that can happily cope with bright light sources. The nano-texture glass surface is etched in such a way as to scatter the light that falls on it so that the image quality isn't affected and the user experiences no glare and reflections.

HOW DOES NANO-TEXTURE GLASS WORK?