Why is Apple insisting on Glossy Displays?

I have plenty of customers still using the white iMac 24" who are dreading the day the iMacs expire(all graphic designers). They do have a solution, MacPro and a 3rd party screen - but they'd like an iMac in Matte.

Myself I stick with the Mac Mini because I can change my screen. I do have one glossy screen (MacBook - white plastic one) and the glossy screen isn't so bad on that - much better than the 13"MBP - that is awful to use. I do like the screen on the 13"MBA, although it's glossy - it's not covered in glass so the reflections are less. I think the glass on the MB's and iMac make it look a lot worse.

Another example of Apple's definition of the difference between "Pro" and "Prosumer". It's a shame as there is no way I can work with both a Matte 17" MBP and a glossy external display.

Apple only offers glossy diplays because it's what the vast majority of their customers want - duh!

And since it's an external display, if it's that important to you simply pick one of the numerous third party options!

And if you insist on Apple only, you can easily add a non-reflective screen protector to a glossy display, but there is no way to un-fuzz or brighten a matte display. It's permantenly crippled. That might be another reason why they only bother with glossy displays.

But I think the most important reason is it's not economically feasable, especially given you can just as easily pick a non-Apple display.

"...and, and, and!" so spake the apologist. Seems amazing to me that so many graphics professionals have managed to turn out such amazing work with these "crippled" matte displays you are talking about. It is clear to me you are in the prosumer camp, which is fine, just know your place.

There is no "vast" majority. Every poll I've seen on the matte vs glossy issue comes out close to 50/50. If it were that small an issue why do they offer it on the MacBook Pro line? If it's cost, I'll gladly pay a premium for the choice.

Totally agree with Mike!

I bought the glossy 27" cinema display, but would "upgrade" in an instant if a matte version were available (even at cost to me).

Most online surveys I've seen suggest c.70% prefer matte.

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/blogs/2011/05/23/glossy-vs-matte-screens-why-the-pc-indus trys-out-of-touch/

Bob.

Matte displays are great for work. Glossy ones are a nightmare mirror! Apple should offer the option to choose. I will never ever buy a glossy display after working for years with matte and suffering the glossy. Never again!

We all hear "The number one complaint about the iMac: The glare and reflections from the glossy screen." I have a SOLUTION! Offer a MATTE Option! I should work at the Genius Bar.

I need a choice. Amateur glossy "mirror" screens are great for narcissists, I, on the other-hand, need and use a professional Matte screen. Ridiculous the option is not offered to customers.

Whether one is more popular than the other is irrelevant, as paying consumers we deserve the right to choose. And those of you who say that not many people care, a simple google search of "iMac glossy screen" will find hundreds and hundreds of discussion board and forum posts from as far back as 2007. This is totally unacceptable. I mean, how many flat-screen TVs do you see that are glossy? Most people, including me, would happily pay extra for a matte option, so why not offer it? (on iMacs, I know its an option for some Macbooks) Why are we forced to have to buy poor quality adhesive films which don't work? It makes absolutely no sense. Its not as if Apple don't have the money or the manpower to make it an option. Now that they are becoming more popular becuase they think they always know best and care more about how something looks rather than its functionality.

Glassy screen eyesore aside, the current iMac is dated in more ways than one. For one thing, it's a design that's almost 5 years old, dating back to 2007. For another, the combination of aluminum and shiny glass make it seem as if it would be right at home back in 1990 on the bridge of the Enterprise. With the success of the white iPhone and iPad, it's clear that people want Apple to return to its iconic white iMac too, and yes, with its beautiful matte screen. And while you're at it, Apple, please bring back the Mac vs PC ads. Everybody misses those.

I could not agree with you Arun06, lakeshore, and Kebabselector more. By the way, I am that white iMac 24" owner dreading the day my iMac expires. Like half the people, I can't downgrade to glossy. I could buy a Mac Pro and get Dell monitors? Why? Why not offer matte option...I don't know!

I agree - after living with a glossy iMac for three years, there is no way I'm buying another Apple computer product with a glossy screen - so when this puppy dies, I'll have to switch to Mac Mini and get my screen elsewhere - so Apple will not only lose my enthusiasm for the brand, but some of my money as well. Anyone working in graphic design, photography, video or film editing knows the benefits of an accurate matte screen - I wonder why Apple is moving away from this market. Maybe it IS a minority subset, but as you can see in forum posts everywhere, there are a lot of everyday Apple users who are tired of the headaches and eye-strain as well.

I am hoping, like thousands upon thousands of customers, that apple gives the customer an option between Glossy or Matte.

On the discussion boards the question is asked frequently... why not? It is a debate that has been going for years at this point. Why? Why do we have to look to Dell or third party computer screens for a superior matte screen? What is up with that? I always use to brag about Apples superior products. Its a big problem that apple does not have (or developed) the technical ability or will to offer a Matte option on there product lines.

Apple does it for a MBP, but can't get there act together to offer it on any other line? Come on, Why? Money? Ability? what...?

Please do not say it is just a cosmetic DESIGN call, regardless of USER issues with the "mirror"? BETTER NOT BE A SUPERFICIAL COSMETIC DESIGN CALL! THAT WOULD BE SHALLOW AND JUST PLAIN WRONG... So it has to be some other reason obviously.

"Mirror Mirror on the wall who's the finest one of all...?" as she talks to her iMac... Come ON! Some people are professionals or at least like to use there computers more than an hour a DAY....

Ha ha, well that is my issue, like the screaming hoard wanting matte option... love the apple, just this is the only thing that makes me go Huh? That, or if they were to delete this discussion comment.

I HATE glossy screen. To me it is bearable and might even look nice on small devices like the iPhone and the iPad but not on a laptop and certainly not a 27" iMac.The reflection is giving me a headache and everytime I adjust the screen to reduce the reflection, I get those palm and finger marks that are annoying and have to wipe them off. I love the size and resolution of this screen cause I can fit a lot on it without the need to switch back and forth between windows. Very few (if any) companies offer this resolution. As a consultant and developer who spends 12+ hours a day using the computer, I have to say the glossy screen is hurting my eyes and giving me a terrible headache. I am sure I am not the only one. So Apple, for the love of God, get rid of the %$^#& glossy screen or at least offer a non-glossy one like the beautiful non-glossy ones on the MacBook Pros. Thank you.

I’m a 3D digital artist and graphic designer that runs a small graphics studio. I used to love Macs, but we moved to PCs because we cannot work with gloss screens – I don’t want to see a reflection of myself when working.

What are the apple designers thinking? I would love to buy an Imac, but not until they have matte screens. Also, why should I pay £120 more to have an anti-glare screen on an already expensive 15″ Macbook!! They even call it an ‘ANTIGLARE’ screen!!!

My entire studio now use PCs - I don't want to, but we've been forced to. Macs used to be the mainstay of designer's offices, but now it seems they're more interested in fashion than real productivity. I thought it was a fad when they were introduced, but I've been waiting years now! It's as if Macs are now designed as shiny internet machines, not for real work.