New in OS X: Get MacRumors Push Notifications on your Mac

Resubscribe Now Close

True Tone in 2018 MacBook Pro Extends to LG UltraFine and Apple Thunderbolt Displays

Friday July 13, 2018 11:01 am PDT by Juli Clover
When using certain external monitors with the new 2018 MacBook Pro models, the built-in True Tone feature that matches the color of the MacBook Pro's screen to the ambient lighting in a room will also extend to the connected display.

According to a support document published this morning by Apple, True Tone can adjust the Apple Thunderbolt Display using an Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter, the LG UltraFine 5K Display, and the LG UltraFine 4K display.


When using these displays, you can activate or deactivate True Tone by clicking on the Apple logo in the menu bar, opening up System Preferences, choosing the Displays section, selecting the Display tab and then selecting or unselecting the True Tone checkbox.


With other third-party monitors, True Tone will not be an available option.

True Tone, first introduced on the iPad Pro and then the iPhone X, uses the sensors in the MacBook Pro to measure the white balance in the room, adjusting the tone of the display for a more natural viewing experience.


True Tone can cut down on eyestrain and it allows for a more paper-like look for websites, documents, and more.

The True Tone feature is available in the new 13 and 15-inch 2018 MacBook Pro models, which Apple unveiled yesterday. You can purchase the new machines from the Apple online store, with stock configurations set to arrive in just a few days after purchase.

Related Roundup: MacBook Pro
Buyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Buy Now)
[ 80 comments ]


Top Rated Comments

(View all)

Avatar
AngerDanger
11 months ago
So is the iPad in the article white and gold or black and blue?



Rating: 20 Votes
Avatar
CPx
11 months ago

So is the iPad in the article white and gold or black and blue?

It's laurel
Rating: 8 Votes
Avatar
ondert
11 months ago

Wait so every display can become True Tone?


Didn't you read the article? "True Tone can adjust the Apple Thunderbolt Display using an Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter, the LG UltraFine 5K Display, and the LG UltraFine 4K display." and "With other third-party monitors, True Tone will not be an available option."
Rating: 8 Votes
Avatar
macintoshmac
11 months ago

True tone just makes things look yellow, would rather have 4k screen


Rudimentarily, yes. Otherwise, you are wrong.
Rating: 7 Votes
Avatar
arnoz
11 months ago
I assume this only works when the laptop screen is opened, aka "clamshell" mode?
Rating: 7 Votes
Avatar
farewelwilliams
11 months ago
maybe Apple can finally see what the true tone of the public’s opinion about those keyboards
Rating: 7 Votes
Avatar
satinsilverem2
11 months ago
I think it's interesting that they are supporting a monitor that they don't even sell anymore. Kudos to them for doing that though.
Rating: 6 Votes
Avatar
Frank Dalton
11 months ago

Wait so every display can become True Tone?


No, just the Apple Thunderbolt Display and the two listed LG displays.
Rating: 6 Votes
Avatar
MrBat
11 months ago
Can't be unseen. That screen looks upside down.
Rating: 5 Votes
Avatar
eoblaed
11 months ago

Still haven't really understood the appeal of True Tone. It just turns things yellow for me in most situations.


For my iPad Pro and my X, it keeps the display from turning into an obtrusive blue glow all over the place when I'm viewing things in a warmly lit room, especially when that ambient light is dim. Previously, the light coming off my screen would look almost fluorescent, and be quite harsh, under those conditions. Today, it's much better.

It's a subtle thing, sure, but one I find quite pleasing.
Rating: 5 Votes

[ Read All Comments ]