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Date Created: 1/23/2021   Date Modified: 1/23/2021

Technology Type For Apple Displays


Apple Display Technology Types:

Prior to 2009, Apple used a CCFL Technology Type in all of their displays...iMacs, Apple Cinema Displays, and laptops as well.  The one exception was the 30" Apple Cinema Display which used a "Wide Gamut CCFL" Technology Type.  In 2009 and later, all Apple displays went to a "White LED" Technology Type.  The iMac display technology has changed recently so please see the notes on the iMac below. The 15" MacBook Pro changed to a new technology in 2016 and the correct Technology Type for the 2016 and later for the 15" and 16" MacBook Pro is: "PFS Phosphor".  

iMac Display Technology Types:

As of late 2015, Apple has changed the technology type in the Retina 5K, 27" and Retina 4K, 21.5" iMacs to an RG Phosphor backlight.  As a result, the appropriate technology type to select with the CM Display, i1Display Studio, i1Display Pro, or the i1Display Pro Plus in i1Studio or i1Profiler software is "GB-LED".  While Apple went to White LED backlit displays in 2009, these two iMac models switched to the RG Phosphor in late 2015. Prior to 2009, iMacs were CCFL backlit displays. To properly identify an these iMacs, go to the Apple in the menu bar and select "About this Mac".  If the resulting window shows that the iMac is "Late 2015" or newer, it is the GB-LED technology type. To summarize the history of Apple Technology Type:
  • Before 2009 - CCFL
  • iMacs (2009 - Mid 2015) - White LED
  • Retina 4K, 21.5" and 5K, 27" iMacs (Late 2015 and after) - GB-LED
  • All MacBooks (2009 - 2015) - White LED
  • 15" and 16" MacBook Pros (2016 and after) - PFS Phosphor
  • All 13" MacBook Pros and MacBook Airs - White LED