PROLED MacBook Pro Screen Linked to Headaches by Some Owners

Independent measurements show the new OLED panel uses low‑frequency pulse‑width modulation and Apple has not provided a macOS setting to stop it.

Overview

Users reported headaches, dizziness and nausea after using the new PROLED XDR MacBook Pro and several customers have returned the laptops.
Independent tester NotebookCheck measured the 14‑inch PROLED panel flickering at about 240Hz with a 56% flicker depth at 99% brightness and below.
That measured rate is far lower than the prior mini‑LED MacBook Pro, which tested at roughly 14,880Hz, a gap NotebookCheck and others say makes flicker more likely to be noticed.
Apple has not publicly addressed the complaints and has not added a macOS control like the iPhone 17’s Display Pulse Smoothing, but eligible online purchases received Nov. 6–Dec. 25, 2026 may be returned through Jan. 8, 2027.
Pulse‑width modulation dims by rapidly switching pixels on and off so some people perceive flicker as eye strain, and reviewers advise flicker‑sensitive buyers to test units in store and stop using affected displays if symptoms persist.