Apple has introduced cutting-edge laptops designed for creativity and productivity: the MacBook Pro models in 14 and 16 inches, powered by the latest generation processors featuring an even more robust Neural Engine to enhance Apple’s AI capabilities. According to Apple, the M4 Max chip is exceptionally powerful, enabling real-time noise reduction for RAW video in DaVinci Resolve. Performance in graphics-intensive tasks has surged by 20 times compared to the Intel-based MacBook Pro, and battery life has been extended to an impressive 24 hours. However, these new laptops come with a premium price tag.
M4 Pro chip
The enhanced version of this processor features a CPU comprising 14 cores, which includes 10 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores. This configuration offers a performance boost of 1.9 times compared to the M1 Pro. However, this improvement is relatively modest, especially considering that the M1 Pro was launched nearly four years ago.
The M4 Pro features either 16 or 20 graphics cores, offering double the performance of the standard M4. It supports a maximum of 64 GB of unified memory, achieving a throughput of up to 273 GB/s, which is 75% greater than that of the M3 Pro.
This chip provides up to 2.4 times the graphics performance compared to the most advanced PC AI chip available. Additionally, it powers the next-generation MacBook Pro and is equipped with Thunderbolt 5, enabling data transfer speeds of up to 120 Gbps, which is twice as fast as Thunderbolt 4.
M4 Max Chip
The second chip that powers the MacBook Pro is the most powerful in Apple’s lineup.
The M4 Max features a total of 16 CPU cores, comprising 12 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, delivering a performance increase of 2.2 times compared to the M1 Max. The graphics processor is available with either 32 or 40 cores, providing a speed enhancement of 1.9 times over the M1 Max.
This substantial processing capability will facilitate real-time noise reduction in DaVinci Resolve Studio, according to Apple.
The memory capacity can be expanded to 128 GB, with an impressive bandwidth of 546 GB/s. Apple claims that laptops equipped with the M4 Max chip are capable of handling AI models with up to 200 billion parameters.
An advanced Media Engine is included for video processing, featuring the proprietary ProRes RAW codec, which enables most cameras to record video directly to external Atomos Ninja monitors and recorders.
Apple emphasizes that the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max processors are exceptionally energy efficient, enabling the updated MacBook Pros to achieve up to 24 hours of battery life with the M4 Pro chip.
According to Apple’s press release, “M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max are designed to power Apple Intelligence.”
Apple’s AI system has been integrated into various standard applications. For instance, the Photos app now allows users to search for images in their gallery using text descriptions. This functionality extends to videos as well, enabling users to specify actions occurring in particular segments, with the program promptly locating the relevant clip.
Additionally, there is an enhanced toolkit for photo processing. The “Cleanup” tool allows users to eliminate unwanted objects or individuals from a photo, and reviews indicate that this process is executed with great precision.
The new Apple Intelligence features are set to launch in December, with further enhancements expected in the following months. The system will be available in US English with macOS Sequoia 15.1, and users can access it from any compatible laptop or iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence.
Features of the new MacBook Pro laptops
All newly released laptop models come equipped with enhanced Liquid Retina XDR displays, including a nano-texture variant that provides up to 1,000 nits of brightness for standard dynamic range (SDR) content.
A new 12-megapixel Center Stage camera has been introduced, which Apple claims enhances video quality in difficult lighting situations. This upgraded camera features Desk View, allowing users to see both their face and the surface directly beneath them.
All MacBook Pro models are equipped with an HDMI port that can handle resolutions up to 8K. The M4 Pro variant is capable of supporting three 6K displays at 60Hz through either Thunderbolt or HDMI connections. Additionally, Apple’s M4 Pro chip can manage one 6K display at 60Hz alongside a second display at either 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 240Hz.
The M4 Max model can accommodate up to three external displays at 6K resolution at 60Hz via Thunderbolt, as well as one external display at 4K resolution at 144Hz through HDMI. Alternatively, it can support two external displays at 6K at 60Hz via Thunderbolt and either one external display at 8K at 60Hz or one external display at 4K at 240Hz through HDMI.
Moreover, both models come with an SDXC card slot, a MagSafe 3 charging port, and a headphone jack, while also supporting Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
Sales kick off on November 8, with the 14-inch MacBook Pro priced at $1,600 and the 16-inch model going for $2,500.