Why Your XDR Display MacBook Pro Might Not Reach Full Brightness
The 2021 MacBook Pro models come with super-bright mini-LED XDR displays but Apple admits that full intensity might not be reached under some conditions. While some users might be concerned about this issue, it doesn't happen frequently. In addition, the problem can be avoided and easily corrected when it does happen.
Apple's Liquid Retina XDR technology allows HDR (High-Dynamic Range) content, including Dolby Vision, HDR10, or HLG video and HDR photos, to activate brightness levels that aren't reached with standard content. Up to 1600 nits peak brightness can be achieved by Apple's 2021 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, which is a very high level for a laptop screen while maintaining a one-million-to-one contrast ratio. What makes this possible is the use of an array of 10,000 mini-LED backlights
In a new document added to the company's support website, Apple explains that the latest 2021 MacBook Pro models might not reach the highest brightness levels in some conditions. If the menu bar or the Display menu in Control Center shows an icon that looks like an exclamation point '!' within a rounded triangle or on a tiny representation of a computer monitor, the screen has entered a low-power mode with limited brightness. The reason for this is overheating, with the MacBook Pro entering a low-power mode to protect the display components from early failure. The same warning has also been given for Apple's Pro Display XDR monitor as well.
When the temperature within a room or outdoors is higher than 77 degrees Fahrenheit, viewing HDR content for extended periods of time might trigger this protective low-power display mode. Apple has a few suggestions to correct the problem and the easiest is simply to close or hide windows that are showing HDR content. Once the display warning icon disappears, the HDR video or photos can be opened again.
If using the MacBook Pro outside when it's hot, then another solution is to simply move indoors, If already inside, find a cooler room or adjust the thermostat to drop below the 77-degree temperature that Apple mentions as potentially playing a part in this restriction. Putting the MacBook Pro to sleep for a few minutes will also help to speed up the cooling process. Apple suggests a cooling down period of 5-to-10 minutes before viewing HDR content on a MacBook Pro that's showing a limited brightness warning.
Source: Apple