This can be said to be what a “real hit” looks like. After the iMac and Mac mini, Apple announced a new model of its notebook computer, the MacBook Pro, on 31 October.
There is no change in the basic body design, but the latest “M4″ series chipset has been adopted. In addition to the “M4,” customers can choose the high-performance “M4 Pro” and the highest performance “M4 Max.”
According to Apple, the M4 model has up to 3.5 times the processing power of the M1 model. To give an example of a specific application, the M4 model is up to 1.8 times faster than the M1 model (13 inches) for tasks such as editing photos with a resolution of several gigapixels, and can handle complex tasks involving using the 3D modeling tool. “Blender”.
In addition, the M4 Max claims to be equipped with a Neural Engine that is more than three times faster than the M1 Max, allowing artificial intelligence (AI) to run on the device at high speed. It can be equipped with up to 128GB of unified memory, which makes it easy to run large language models (LLM) with about 200 billion parameters. It can be said that it is a model that can be carried around with high performance worthy of “Pro”.
And, of course, it also supports Apple’s proprietary AI, Apple Intelligence (currently, it only supports US English, with Japanese support expected in 2025). There is Applepress releaseIt has been repeatedly emphasized that the new MacBook Pro is optimized for Apple Intelligence, emphasizing once again that this is a key element in Apple’s future strategy.
Battery life up to 24 hours
It is also worth noting that the battery lasts longer. The M4 model has a maximum of 24 hours, the M4 Pro model has a maximum of 22 hours, and the M4 Max model has a maximum of 18 hours. In addition to improving the brightness of the display, the camera has the same 12 megapixel resolution as the iMac. It also supports the “Center Frame” function, which uses machine learning to place the person on a video call in the center of the screen, following the iPad and other devices.
The number of ports and data transmission performance have also evolved to make it more “Pro”-like. The M4 model has 3 Thunderbolt 4 USB-C compatible ports (the M3 model has 2 Thunderbolt / USB 4 compatible ports), the M4 Pro model and the M4 Max model have 3 Thunderbolt 5 compatible ports (the M3 model has 3 compatible ports Pro or M3 Max). Thunderbolt 5 compatible ports).
Photo: Apple
Prices start from 248,800 yen for the M4 model (14 inches). The M4 Pro model starts at 328,800 yen for the 14-inch version and 398,800 yen for the 16-inch version. The M4 Max model starts at 528,800 yen for the 14-inch version and 554,800 yen for the 16-inch version. Pre-orders have already started and it will be released on November 8th.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Technology Expert
Editor: Welcome, everyone, to another edition of Time.news. Today, we’re diving deep into Apple’s latest announcement—the new MacBook Pro featuring the M4 chipset series. Joining us is technology expert Dr. Leah Carter, who specializes in device performance and AI technologies. Thank you for being here, Leah!
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me, excited to discuss the new MacBook Pro!
Editor: Let’s start with the new M4 chipset. Apple claims it has up to 3.5 times the processing power of the M1. What do you think this means for users?
Dr. Carter: That’s a game changer. With such a significant leap in processing power, users can expect smoother performance across demanding tasks. For instance, photography professionals or 3D modelers will see incredible improvements in their workflow. The 1.8 times increase in speed for photo editing tasks is particularly impressive.
Editor: Speaking of that, we saw a mention of tools like Blender being handled with ease. How crucial is this for the creative industry?
Dr. Carter: Very crucial! Creative professionals often juggle multiple applications and large workloads. The ability to seamlessly handle 3D modeling and rendering means they can complete projects faster without compromising on quality. This could lead to greater efficiency, less frustration, and ultimately, more creativity being unleashed.
Editor: Another interesting aspect of the MacBook Pro is its Neural Engine, which is reportedly over three times faster than the M1 Max. What implications does this have for AI applications?
Dr. Carter: The upgraded Neural Engine opens up a plethora of possibilities, particularly for AI-driven tasks. With the capacity to run large language models containing around 200 billion parameters, we’re looking at much more sophisticated machine learning capabilities right on the device. This can facilitate advanced applications in fields like data analysis, real-time language processing, and automation tasks, providing developers with powerful tools at their fingertips.
Editor: Apple also emphasizes that this model is optimized for their proprietary AI, Apple Intelligence. What significance does this hold within the broader AI landscape?
Dr. Carter: That’s particularly strategic for Apple. By embedding their AI into the hardware, they’re not just creating a more powerful machine—they’re carving a niche in the growing AI ecosystem. Right now, it only supports U.S. English, but with planned updates for languages like Japanese, it indicates Apple is positioning itself to cater to global markets. This could strengthen their user base and enhance overall engagement with their devices.
Editor: Longevity is another key feature—up to 24 hours of battery life for the M4 model. Why is this important in today’s tech landscape?
Dr. Carter: Battery life has always been paramount for laptop users. The fact that the M4 model can last for an entire day without needing a charge is vital for professionals on the go—think freelancers, creatives, and business travelers. Long battery life means users can work efficiently without being tethered to a power source, enhancing productivity and flexibility.
Editor: And as we wrap up, what’s your overall perspective on this launch?
Dr. Carter: This launch certainly positions Apple at the forefront of performance and AI integration. With the M4 series, they haven’t just improved the specs but have also centered their strategy around creating intelligent, efficient devices. This could very well set a new standard for laptops in the industry.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your insights! Clearly, the new MacBook Pro is stirring up excitement in the tech world, and it will be fascinating to see how it impacts users’ experiences.
Dr. Carter: Thank you! It’s always a pleasure discussing technology.
Editor: That’s it for today’s edition of Time.news. Join us next time as we continue to explore the latest trends and innovations in tech.