Apple’s latest MacBook Pro lineup takes another leap forward with the introduction of powerful M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, redefining performance for the 14-inch and 16-inch models.
Additionally, a new entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro joins the mix, powered by the M4 chip, making this release Apple’s most comprehensive MacBook Pro refresh yet. The base model now includes the M4 chip, featuring a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine, offering up to 25% faster performance than the M3. The laptop now has a minimum of 16GB RAM, expandable to 32GB, and three Thunderbolt 4 ports, supporting dual 6K displays.
The M4 Pro and M4 Max chips are optimized to push the boundaries of what a laptop can achieve. Apple’s M4 Pro brings a formidable 14-core CPU configuration, including 10 performance and 4 efficiency cores, complemented by a 20-core GPU. This setup translates to a 75% increase in memory bandwidth compared to the previous generation, allowing for seamless handling of intensive tasks. The M4 Max, on the other hand, elevates this power further with a 16-core CPU and an impressive 40-core GPU, boasting over half a terabyte per second of memory bandwidth—a crucial asset for demanding video editing, rendering, and real-time processing.
Connectivity is taken up a notch with the introduction of Thunderbolt 5 across both high-end models. This latest Thunderbolt specification enables data transfer speeds of up to 120 Gb/s using Bandwidth Boost, three times that of Thunderbolt 4, and unlocks advanced capabilities for external displays and peripherals. Fully compatible with USB4, Thunderbolt 5 includes support for DisplayPort 2.1 and PCIe 4.0 protocols, ensuring rapid data access and compatibility with a range of high-performance accessories. The new HDMI port on all models now supports up to 8K resolution, expanding the MacBook Pro’s flexibility in professional and creative workstations.
Enhanced visual performance is another key focus, with all models featuring the new Liquid Retina XDR display, providing up to 1,000 nits of brightness for standard SDR content. For users who work in varied lighting conditions, Apple has also introduced a nano-texture display option to reduce glare, making the MacBook Pro even more adaptable for creative environments. Alongside the display upgrades, Apple has included a new 12MP Center Stage camera, designed to enhance video quality and automatically keep the user centered on screen. A unique Desk View feature adds functionality by showing both the user’s face and their workspace, a helpful addition for presentations and tutorials.
Battery life has reached record lengths in the new lineup. On the 14-inch models, the M4 Pro can last up to 22 hours on a single charge, while the M4 Max offers up to 18 hours. The 16-inch models go further, with up to 24 hours for the M4 Pro variant and 21 hours for the M4 Max, making them the longest-lasting MacBook Pros to date and an excellent choice for mobile professionals.
Designed to support multi-display setups, the new models excel in external display compatibility. The M4 Pro model can connect up to three 6K displays at 60Hz or alternatively support a mix of 6K and 8K displays with different refresh rates. The M4 Max model, however, is equipped to handle up to four displays, offering flexibility in configuration, with options including a combination of 6K and 8K displays or even 4K displays at 240Hz over HDMI.
All models include a reliable lineup of connectivity options beyond Thunderbolt 5, such as the MagSafe 3 charging port, SDXC card slot, and a headphone jack. They continue to support Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring seamless wireless connectivity.
Available in the signature colors of Space Black and Silver, the new MacBook Pro models can be pre-ordered today, with shipping slated to begin November 8. Starting prices in the U.S. are set at $1,599 for the base 14-inch model and $2,499 for the 16-inch model, making this MacBook Pro lineup Apple’s most advanced and versatile yet for professionals across fields.
