Since 2018, most new Macs are equipped with a True Tone screen. Thanks to advanced ambient light sensors, the system automatically adjusts both the brightness and color temperature of the screen depending on the light in your environment.
This not only makes the image brighter or darker, but also subtly changes its hue. For example, if you are in an environment with warm, yellow light, the screen will take on that warm glow. In this way, Apple wants to imitate the natural effect of paper, which also changes with the ambient light. In addition to the Mac, you will also find True Tone in the iPhone and iPad.
True Tone support for Mac
Below you will find a list of Macs that support True Tone.
- MacBook Pro from 2018 and newer
- MacBook Air from 2019 and newer
- iMac from 2020 and newer
- iMac 24” with M4 (2024)
Set up True Tone on a Mac
- Open ▸ system settings
- Navigate to ‘Displays’
- Enable the ‘True Tone’ option
If you would rather not have the screen take over the ambient light, you can disable the option. This offers you the opportunity to adjust the brightness and color temperature of your screen, depending on your personal preferences.
Night Shift and True Tone
Night Shift and True Tone are both Apple’s screen technologies, but they have different purposes and effects. True Tone automatically adjusts the screen color and brightness based on ambient light, creating a more natural, paper-like display.
Night Shift, on the other hand, shifts screen colors to warmer tones in the evenings to reduce blue light and thus support the sleep cycle. It is important not to confuse these two functions, because True Tone focuses on adapting to the environment, while Night Shift focuses on protecting your eyes and sleep rhythm in the late hours.
True Tone also on external displays
You can use True Tone not only on an iMac, MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, but also when you have connected one of the external displays below to your Mac Studio, Mac Pro, Mac mini or MacBook.
- Apple Studio Display
- Apple Pro Display XDR
- Apple Thunderbolt Display (in combination with a Thunderbolt 3 to 2 adapter)
- LG UltraFine 5K Display
- LG UltraFine 4K Display