Play HDR video on Mac

: June 7, 2024
: Apple

Table of Contents

Play HDR video on Mac

Play HDR video on Mac

These Mac models support HDR video on HDR10-compatible displays, including televisions and projectors.

Broad support for high dynamic range (HDR) video, such as HDR movies and TV shows from Apple or other providers, requires the latest version of macOS and a compatible Mac model. If your Mac, display, video cable, or adapter doesn’t support HDR10, video plays in standard dynamic range (SDR).

Mac models that support HDR

Mac model| Built-in
display| External display
with DisplayPort| External display
with HDMI
---|---|---|---
MacBook Pro introduced in 2018 or later| 1| | 2
MacBook Air introduced in 2018 or later| 1| | 3
iMac introduced in 2020 or later| | |
iMac Pro| | |
Mac mini introduced in 2018 or later| —| 1| 4
Mac Pro introduced in 2019| —| |

1. Premium HDR content from Apple plays at resolutions up to 1080p (1920 x 1080).
2. When using Apple’s adapter with some 13-inch, Intel-based models, HDR content plays at resolutions up to 1080p.
3. Available when using a MacBook Air with Apple silicon.
4. When using an Intel-based Mac, HDR content plays at resolutions up to 1080p.

External displays

You can use a Thunderbolt port on your Mac to connect to external HDR10-compatible displays. Your Mac might automatically enable HDR for the display, or you can enable or disable HDR in Displays preferences.

DisplayPort displays

Use a cable that has a USB-C connector for your Mac and the appropriate connector for the port on your display: usually DisplayPort, USB-C, or Thunderbolt.

HDMI displays

Use an HDMI cable and a USB-C adapter such as the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter or Belkin USB-C to HDMI Adapter.

Apple Pro Display XDR

Apple Pro Display XDR supports several HDR formats, including HDR10, when used with a Mac compatible with this display.

Getting the best HDR picture

If HDR video doesn’t play in high dynamic range or with the quality you expect, try these solutions.

Check your Mac

Install the latest Apple software updates for macOS Catalina or later. Some HDR features are available only with the latest macOS.
Choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, click Displays, then make sure that High Dynamic Range is selected. This setting appears only on third-party displays that support HDR10, not on built-in displays. If you don’t want to use HDR, deselect this checkbox.
Choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, then click Battery or Energy Saver. If “Optimize video streaming while on battery” is selected, your Mac saves energy by playing HDR video in SDR while on battery power. To play in HDR, connect your Mac to power or deselect this checkbox.

Check your external display

Make sure that your display supports HDR10. If the display has its own HDR setting, turn it on or set it to prefer HDR when available.
Make sure that your display is using the latest firmware from the manufacturer. Check your display’s documentation for details.
Some televisions support HDR only on a specific input, such as HDMI input 2 or HDMI input 3. Check its documentation for details.

Check your media

If you’re playing premium content from a third-party content provider, check with the content provider to be sure that they support HDR on your Mac.

Check your cables and other devices

If you’re using HDMI, make sure that the HDMI cable and adapter support HDR10. Apple recommends HDMI cables that have been tested with Apple TV 4K and a wide range of televisions, such as the Belkin UltraHD HDMI Cable. Compatible adapters include the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter and Belkin USB-C to HDMI Adapter.
If your video connection passes through an AV receiver, sound bar, or other device before connecting to your display, make sure that the device supports HDR10 and is using the latest firmware from the manufacturer. You can test by connecting your Mac directly to the display.

Check your viewing environment

The brightness and color of HDR video may vary depending on your Mac model and the lighting in your environment. Lower lighting conditions, such as in a dim room, enhance the visual effect of HDR.

Learn more

For details about the HDR capabilities or settings of a third-party display, cable, or adapter, please check the documentation for the product, or contact the product vendor.
Learn about firmware updates for Pro Display XDR.

Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Contact the vendor for additional information.

Published Date: June 04, 2021