Apple has unveiled an exciting update for the MacBook Pro, introducing more robust chips to its lineup as part of the recent Mac announcement. This announcement also highlighted the introduction of the new iMac, which features the upgraded M4 chip and signifies broader enhancements across Apple’s Mac lineup. Revealed today through a subtle press release, the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models are now powered by the M4 series processors. This includes the M4 Pro chip, which was just launched alongside the Mac Mini, and the new top-tier M4 Max. Additionally, the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro sees a minor design enhancement with an added USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 port on the right side and a new space black color option, aligning it with its more premium counterparts.
For pricing, the M4 Pro-powered laptops maintain their starting points at $1,999 for the 14-inch and $2,499 for the 16-inch models, both of which now come with an upgraded base RAM of 24GB. Meanwhile, the basic 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro is priced at $1,599, now starting with 16GB of RAM instead of the previous 8GB. These new MacBook Pros are set to hit the market on November 8th, with pre-orders already open.
Beyond the enhancements in chips and RAM, the 14-inch and 16-inch Pros featuring M4 Pro / Max chips are also the first Mac laptops to include Thunderbolt 5 ports. Each MacBook Pro now includes a new 12-megapixel webcam equipped with a desk view feature, and they can be customized with a nano-texture display that offers up to 1,000 nits of SDR brightness and 1,600 nits in HDR.
While these additional upgrades are noteworthy, the standout improvements are within the chips themselves. Apple boasts that the M4 series chips have “the world’s fastest CPU core” and lead the industry in single-threaded performance. Apple’s Mac chips have consistently excelled in single-core performance since the M1 series, and the M4 chips are expected to significantly boost multithreaded performance. The M4 Pro and Max also feature accelerated GPU cores with a ray-tracing engine that is twice as fast, and the neural engine is twice as efficient as the M3 series for enhanced machine learning and AI workloads.
This latest powerful silicon from Apple is well-prepared for the company’s ambitious AI initiatives with Apple Intelligence, which was recently introduced across compatible Macs, iPhones, and iPads. Notably, Apple Intelligence is compatible with Macs dating back to the M1 chip from 2020, with RAM being a key constraint. Alongside the MacBook Pro announcements, Apple is also increasing the base RAM configurations for M2 and M3 MacBook Air models from 8GB to 16GB, with prices starting at $999 for the M2. This suggests that older models with lower specifications might eventually miss out on future Apple updates and features.
The M3 generation of MacBook Pros showcased a blend of continued excellence with the M3 Pro and Max models, while the non-Pro M3 14-inch model served as a less compelling option. The high-end Mac laptops with Pro and Max chips have remained excellent choices for creatives engaged in performance-heavy workflows using apps like Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro. In contrast, the entry-level 14-inch M3 model struggled to justify its existence against a more affordable MacBook Air or its more expensive siblings when on sale. However, the new 14-inch with M4 is now more intriguing and slightly more deserving of its “Pro” label. It’s surprising how the addition of an extra USB port can enhance its appeal.
New MacBook Pro Models
The new MacBook Pro models are designed to push the boundaries of performance and efficiency, catering to the needs of professionals and creatives alike. Both the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros now come equipped with the powerful M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, previously seen in the Mac Mini. The entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro, starting at $1,599, now boasts 16GB of RAM, doubling the previous 8GB, making it a more compelling option for those seeking a balance between performance and affordability.
These new MacBook Pro models are the first to feature Thunderbolt 5 ports, offering unprecedented data transfer speeds and connectivity options. Additionally, the new 12-megapixel webcams with a desk view feature ensure that video calls and virtual meetings are clearer and more professional than ever. For those who demand the best in display technology, the nano-texture display option provides up to 1,000 nits of SDR brightness and 1,600 nits in HDR, making it perfect for high-end video editing and graphic design work.
M4 Pro and M4 Max Chips
The M4 Pro and M4 Max chips are at the heart of the new MacBook Pro models, delivering unmatched performance and efficiency for even the most demanding workloads. The M4 Pro chip features a 14-core CPU and a 20-core GPU, while the M4 Max chip takes it a step further with up to a 16-core CPU, including 12 performance cores and four efficiency cores, and a staggering 40-core GPU.
One of the standout features of the M4 Max chip is its support for up to 128GB of RAM, with 30 percent more memory bandwidth than the M3 Max, ensuring smooth multitasking and handling of large datasets. The faster GPU cores and a ray-tracing engine that’s twice as fast as its predecessor make it ideal for graphics-intensive applications. Additionally, the neural engine is twice as fast as the M3 generation, significantly enhancing machine learning and AI workloads, making these chips a powerhouse for any professional.
Performance Comparison to Mac Mini
When comparing the new MacBook Pro models to the Mac Mini, the performance improvements are evident. The M4 Pro chip in the MacBook Pro features a 14-core CPU and a 20-core GPU, while the M4 Max chip boasts up to a 16-core CPU with 12 performance cores and four efficiency cores, and a 40-core GPU. In contrast, the Mac Mini with the M4 chip has a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, making the MacBook Pro models significantly more powerful.
The M4 Pro and M4 Max chips also come with faster GPU cores and a ray-tracing engine that’s twice as fast, providing a substantial boost in graphics performance. The neural engine, which is twice as fast as the M3 generation, further enhances machine learning and AI workloads, making the new MacBook Pro models the go-to choice for professionals who require top-tier performance and efficiency.
Apple Intelligence and Innovation
The new MacBook Pro models with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips are designed to support Apple’s ambitious AI initiatives with Apple Intelligence. This innovative feature allows users to access more information and insights about their devices and usage patterns, enhancing the overall user experience. The M4 Pro and M4 Max chips are engineered to deliver improved performance and efficiency, particularly for machine learning and AI workloads.
The neural engine, which is twice as fast as the M3 generation, plays a crucial role in this, enabling faster and more efficient processing of AI tasks. This makes the new MacBook Pro models not only powerful tools for creative professionals but also ideal for developers and researchers working on cutting-edge AI projects.
Technical Specifications and Features
The new MacBook Pro models with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips come packed with impressive technical specifications and features designed to meet the needs of the most demanding users. Key highlights include:
Up to a 16-core CPU with 12 performance cores and four efficiency cores, and a 40-core GPU
Support for up to 128GB of RAM, with 30 percent more memory bandwidth than the M3 Max
Faster GPU cores and a ray-tracing engine that’s twice as fast as the previous generation
A neural engine that is twice as fast as the M3 generation, enhancing machine learning and AI workloads
Thunderbolt 5 ports offering up to 80 Gbps speeds and up to 120 Gbps with its Bandwidth Boost feature
New 12-megapixel webcams with a desk view feature for clearer and more professional video calls
Nano-texture display option providing up to 1,000 nits of SDR brightness and 1,600 nits in HDR
Unified memory architecture for seamless multitasking and performance
Dramatically faster multithreaded performance, making these models ideal for heavy-duty applications
The world’s fastest CPU core and industry-leading single-threaded performance, ensuring top-notch performance across all tasks
These features make the new MacBook Pro models a powerhouse for any professional, offering unparalleled performance, efficiency, and innovation.
