Apple already offers its Studio Display and Pro Display XDR with matte, “nano-texture” glass options.
Most laptop screens used to be like this.
Before they had a glass layer, they’d use matte, or semi-matte plastic as a top layer.
M1 iPad Pro.Daniel Romero / Unsplash
REEET JANK / Unsplash
This can be a significant advantage in places where light is not controlled.
This may be one reason that Apple switched its entire MacBook line to glossy screens long ago.
Even with a window directly behind me, I could see everything on the screen clearly."
Anti-glare screen.REEET JANK / Unsplash
Some of that is surely Apple’s infamous markup on upgrades, but still.
And then there’s the cleaning problem.
That thing would smudge up with finger grease in moments.
Studio Display next to a MacBook.Apple
Which is a shame, as the iPad really could do with a matte option.
Tatiana Terekhina / Getty Images
There’s one more advantage to matte screens.
They feel better under the tip of a pencil.
Artist drawing on an iPad.Tatiana Terekhina / Getty Images
People who draw on their iPads can buy matte screen protectors that feel more like paper.
Having this built-in would be great for them, but brings yet another complication.
And if anyone can do it, it’s Apple.
