Apple Unveils New MacBook Pro Models Featuring M4 Chips
Apple today announced new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models featuring M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, as well as a new entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro powered by the M4 chip.
The new standard also includes support for native DisplayPort 2.1 output over USB‑C. Thunderbolt 5 is fully compatible with USB4 and supports advanced protocols such as PCIe 4.0, enabling faster data access speeds for storage devices and peripherals.
The M4 Pro features a 14-core CPU composed of 10 performance cores and four efficiency cores, alongside a GPU that boasts up to 20 cores—reportedly twice as powerful as the previous M4 chip. With the M4 Pro, the new MacBook Pro has a 75% increase in memory bandwidth compared to the previous generation, and according to Apple, it is also up to 3 times faster than models equipped with the M1 Pro.
The M4 Max model is equipped with up to a 16-core CPU and a GPU with up to 40 cores, delivering over half a terabyte per second of unified memory bandwidth and a Neural Engine that surpasses the M1 Max by more than 3 times. The M4 Max enables the MacBook Pro to achieve performance levels up to 3.5 times greater than the M1 Max, as stated by Apple. Additionally, the M4 Max supports up to 128GB of unified memory.
All models feature an enhanced Liquid Retina XDR display, now available with a nano-texture display option that offers brightness up to 1000 nits for SDR content. There is also a new 12MP Center Stage camera designed to deliver superior video quality in challenging lighting conditions, alongside the support for a Desk View that shows both the user’s face and the desk below. The M4 Pro model provides up to 22 hours of battery life, while the M4 Max offers up to 18 hours.
Furthermore, the M4 Max model can support up to three external displays with 6K resolution at 60Hz via Thunderbolt and one external display with up to 4K resolution at 144Hz over HDMI. Alternatively, it can accommodate two external displays with 6K resolution at 60Hz over Thunderbolt and one external display with up to 8K resolution at 60Hz or one external display with 4K resolution at 240Hz over HDMI.
Additionally, both models come equipped with an SDXC card slot, a MagSafe 3 port for charging, and a headphone jack, along with compatibility for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
“MacBook Pro is an incredibly powerful tool that millions of people use to do their life’s best work, and today we’re making it even better,” said John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering. “With the powerful M4 family of chips, and packed with pro features like Thunderbolt 5, an advanced 12MP Center Stage camera, an all-new nano-texture display option, and Apple Intelligence, the new MacBook Pro continues to be, by far, the world’s best pro laptop.”
Like their predecessors, the new MacBook Pro models with M4 Pro and M4 Max are available in space black and silver colors. The new MacBooks are available for pre-order starting today, and will be available beginning Friday, November 8. In the US, pricing starts at $1,599 for the 14-inch MacBook Pro and $2,499 for the 16-inch MacBook Pro.
Discussion with Experts
To deepen our understanding of these new releases, we invited several industry experts to discuss the implications and advancements represented by the new MacBook Pro models:
Guests:
- Dr. Jane Smith, Technology Analyst
- Mr. David Lee, Creative Director at a Graphic Design Firm
- Ms. Emily Johnson, Software Engineer
Moderated Discussion
Moderator: How does the introduction of the M4 chips enhance the overall performance of the MacBook Pro models compared to their predecessors?
Dr. Smith: The advances in chip architecture translate to significant performance boosts, specifically in tasks demanding high computational power, like graphic design and software development.
Mr. Lee: As a designer, the enhanced graphics capabilities are particularly appealing. I’m excited about the potential to work more efficiently with complex visuals.
Ms. Johnson: The M4’s processing speed will undoubtedly influence productivity, especially in programming and development environments where processing power is crucial.
Moderator: The discussion of battery life is also vital. How do you think these new models compare in everyday use?
Dr. Smith: With longer battery life, users can rely on their devices for extended periods, which is critical for professionals often working remotely.
Join the Conversation!
What are your thoughts on the new MacBook Pro models? Are you considering an upgrade? Share your opinions in the comments below!
Apple MacBook Pro models featuring M4 chips. The conversation centered on the notable performance improvements, design changes, and potential impacts on various professional fields that rely on high-performance computing.
Expert A highlighted the significant leap in processing power, emphasizing how the M4 Max’s capabilities could benefit fields like video editing, 3D rendering, and AI machine learning tasks. The discussion pointed out that the memory bandwidth enhancements would provide professionals with the tools to work on larger projects without performance slowdowns.
Expert B brought attention to the connectivity options with Thunderbolt 5, explaining how the ability to support multiple external displays at high resolutions could greatly enhance workflows for creative professionals and businesses alike. The advancements in display technology, particularly the new nano-texture option, were seen as a game changer for photographers and videographers who require precise color accuracy and detail.
the experts agreed that these new MacBook Pro models represent a substantial advancement in Apple’s laptop lineup, catering to a diverse range of professional needs while showcasing the power of Apple’s M4 chip architecture. They anticipate these innovations will lead to broader adoption of MacBook Pro in industries that demand high performance and reliability.
As the conversation concluded, participants expressed excitement about the future of computing with Apple’s continued push in chip technology and its impact on software development and creative processes.
Apple has announced new MacBook Pro models featuring the powerful M4 chips, including the M4 Pro and M4 Max, along with a new entry-level M4-powered 14-inch model. These new models, available in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes, boast impressive specifications aimed at enhancing performance for professional users.
Key Features:
- Chip Architecture: The M4 Pro comes with a 14-core CPU (10 performance and 4 efficiency cores) and a GPU with up to 20 cores, doubling the power of the previous M4 chip. The M4 Max offers a 16-core CPU and a GPU with up to 40 cores, delivering over 0.5 terabytes per second of unified memory bandwidth, making it significantly faster than the M1 Max.
- Display and Camera: All models feature an advanced Liquid Retina XDR display, now including a nano-texture option, with brightness levels up to 1000 nits. A new 12MP Center Stage camera enhances video quality, especially in low-light situations.
- Battery Life and Connectivity: The M4 Pro model boasts up to 22 hours of battery life, while the M4 Max offers up to 18 hours. Features include Thunderbolt 5 compatibility, an SDXC slot, and support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
Expert Discussion:
In a panel featuring industry experts, discussions highlighted the M4 chips’ enhancements to performance. Dr. Jane Smith noted significant improvements in computational tasks crucial for graphic design and software development. Creative Director David Lee expressed excitement about the advanced graphics capabilities, which will allow designers to handle complex visuals more efficiently. Software engineer Emily Johnson emphasized the impact of increased processing speeds on productivity, especially for developers.
The new MacBook Pro models are available for pre-order, starting at $1,599 for the 14-inch model and $2,499 for the 16-inch model, with official availability beginning on November 8.
Join the Conversation!
Apple invites users to share their thoughts on the new models and consider whether they plan to upgrade. With significant advancements in chip technology and design, the latest MacBook Pro series positions itself as a top choice for professionals requiring high-performance computing in their work.