Apple explains how to manage the new MacBook Pro’s illuminated logo

Technology · First reported 5 Nov, 10:30 · Updated 00:52

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center · Public domain

Apple says the logo adjusts its brightness automatically while the Mac is awake, and users can disable or restore it with Terminal commands. Coverage also describes the feature’s return and Apple’s design rationale.

The illuminated logo dims or brightens according to the built-in screen’s brightness and ambient lighting, and is lit whenever the Mac is awake.
Users can turn the logo off by entering a command in Terminal and providing an administrator password; a second command restores it.
A fresh macOS installation turns the illumination back on. One report says the off setting applies to other users on the Mac and can carry over when data is moved to a new Mac.
Apple’s Mac and iPad product marketing vice president said the feature’s return was intended to recognize users’ relationship with their Macs.

Summary written by Lux AI from 3 articles

Key facts

When the logo is illuminated: Whenever the Mac is awake.
Brightness adjustment: Based on screen brightness and ambient lighting conditions.
How to switch it off: Run a command in Terminal; the official guidance specifies an administrator password.
How to restore it: Run a second Terminal command, or reinstall macOS.
Return of the feature: The logo returned on the new MacBook Pro after a decade-long absence.