Apple recently unveiled the M4 MacBook Pro, available in both 14-inch and 16-inch models. Alongside the base M4 chip, configurations with the M4 Pro and M4 Max are also offered for both sizes. While the M3 MacBook Pro was already a powerhouse, the new generation boasts several significant upgrades. Let’s delve into the seven key changes that define the latest MacBook Pro lineup.
An official rendering of the Apple M4 chip.
The M4 Chip: Performance Boost at the Core
At the heart of these new MacBook Pros lies the M4 chip. While the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max retain the same CPU core counts as their predecessors, Apple touts the M4 as having “the world’s fastest CPU core,” emphasizing enhanced single-threaded performance. The highest-end M4 Max configuration features a 16-core CPU with 12 Performance cores and four Efficiency cores.
Graphics performance also sees improvements, despite unchanged GPU core counts. Higher frequencies and wider video memory bandwidth within the cores contribute to this boost. Apple showcased performance gains in applications like Redshift, Cinema 4D, and the upcoming game Control. Independent testing will ultimately reveal the generational improvements in both graphics and AI performance, with the M4 Neural Engine touted as twice as fast as its predecessor.
RAM Upgrade: A Welcome Change
Mac Pro with M4
Addressing a long-standing concern, Apple has increased the base RAM from 8GB to 16GB in the M4 configuration. This change aligns with industry trends and meets the requirements for the “Copilot+” designation. The M4 iMac, M4 Mac mini, and even the MacBook Air have also received this RAM upgrade. Furthermore, the new memory boasts 30% wider bandwidth across all configurations, irrespective of capacity.
Display Enhancements: Brighter and Less Reflective
Mac Pro with M4
The MacBook Pro’s display receives two notable upgrades. First, the mini-LED panels now achieve an impressive 1000 nits of brightness in SDR, a significant leap compared to the previous generation. Peak brightness in HDR content reaches 1600 nits. Second, a nano-texture display option is now available, reducing glare and reflections without compromising clarity and brightness, a technology previously seen on the Pro Display XDR and the 2017 27-inch iMac.
Webcam Upgrade: Sharper Image and New Features
The 1080p FaceTime camera gets a substantial upgrade to 12 megapixels, promising crisper video calls. Additionally, the M4 MacBook Pro incorporates Center Stage, automatically centering your face on camera, and Desk View, providing a top-down view of your desk, both useful features for video calls and presentations.
Thunderbolt 5: Faster Transfer Speeds
While the port selection remains unchanged, the USB-C ports on the M4 Pro and M4 Max configurations are now Thunderbolt 5, enabling transfer speeds of 120Gb/s, a significant jump from the 40Gb/s of Thunderbolt 4. This allows for connecting up to three 6K 60Hz displays, expanding the previous limitations. The base M4 model retains Thunderbolt 4.
Extended Battery Life: Powering Through Your Day
The M4 MacBook Pro extends battery life from 22 hours to 24 hours of video playback. While real-world usage may vary, this increase provides welcome additional runtime. As with the previous generation, battery life is expected to be slightly lower on the M4 Pro and M4 Max configurations.
Space Black Finish: A Sleek New Look
Mac Pro with M4
Finally, Space Black replaces Space Gray across all 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro configurations. This cosmetic change, while not impacting performance, addresses user preference and offers a more stylish option.
