The term “Retina” display was coined by Apple to describe a type of high-resolution display technology used in their devices, such as iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. The main reason Apple uses this term is to emphasize the exceptional pixel density of these displays, which exceeds the resolution that the human eye can perceive.
The human eye has a limited ability to discern individual pixels at a certain distance from a screen. This is due to the structure of the retina, the layer at the back of the eye that processes visual information. The retina contains millions of tiny photoreceptor cells called rods and cones, which are responsible for detecting light and transmitting visual signals to the brain.
When we look at a screen, the image is made up of countless pixels, which are tiny dots that emit light and form the visual content. The resolution of a display refers to the number of pixels it contains, typically measured as the number of pixels per inch (PPI). A higher PPI means a greater number of pixels packed into a given area, resulting in a sharper and more detailed image.
Apple’s Retina displays have a pixel density that surpasses the typical visual acuity of the human eye. At a typical viewing distance, the individual pixels on these displays are so small and closely packed together that they appear as a smooth and continuous image to the observer. This high pixel density ensures that the displayed content looks incredibly sharp, with no visible jagged edges or pixelation.
To give you a better understanding, let’s consider the iPhone. The Retina display on an iPhone has a pixel density of around 326 PPI. At the typical viewing distance of about 10-12 inches, the average person with 20/20 vision cannot distinguish individual pixels on the screen. This means that the image appears incredibly crisp and lifelike, as if it were printed on paper rather than displayed on a screen.
By branding their high-resolution displays as “Retina,” Apple aims to emphasize the superior visual experience they offer. The term implies that the display is capable of presenting images with such clarity and detail that they closely resemble what the human eye sees in the real world. It creates a marketing appeal, highlighting the cutting-edge technology and advanced engineering behind these displays.
Apple calls it a “Retina” display because the pixel density exceeds the resolution that the human eye can discern. By using this term, Apple emphasizes the exceptional sharpness and clarity of their high-resolution displays, creating a marketing buzz and conveying a superior visual experience to the consumers.