Apple has introduced the MacBook Pro featuring the new M4 chip, marking a significant upgrade with a performance boost of approximately 180% over the M1. The 2024 models include improved connectivity with Thunderbolt 5, enhanced memory options starting at 16 GB, and a brighter Liquid Retina XR display. Additionally, the classic M4 chip with 10 CPU and GPU cores is available for the 14-inch model, while Pro and Max variants promise even greater capabilities. Pre-orders begin ahead of the November 8 release.
Apple has introduced the new MacBook Pro featuring the M4 chip after a wave of leaks, particularly from Russian content creators. This announcement comes after a long spell of anticipation, reminiscent of the iPhone 5 incident over a decade ago.
Introducing the Powerful M4 Chip
The buzz around the M4 chip has been prominent this week. The 2024 MacBook Pro models will come equipped with stronger versions of these system-on-chips (SoCs), including potential M4 Pro and M4 Max variants.
The standard M4 chip features 10 CPU cores (up from 8 in the M3) and 10 GPU cores, while the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips will be available for both the 14-inch and 16-inch models. Apple touts an impressive 180% performance improvement over the M1 chip, with base models boasting double the GPU performance.
The M4 Pro chip is equipped with 20 graphics cores, promising 2.4 times the performance compared to the leading AI chip from Intel. Meanwhile, the highly anticipated M3 Max chip features an astonishing 40 graphics cores, offering nearly double the graphics performance of the M1 Max, and achieving a fourfold increase in AI workload speed compared to competitors’ NPUs.
Similar to the new iMac and Mac Mini M4, the MacBook Pro M4 starts with a minimum of 16 GB of unified memory, an upgrade from last year’s 8 GB. The M4 Pro models will include 24 GB of memory, while M3 Max models offer 36 GB.
For added value, MacBook Air M2 and M3 models will also receive this memory upgrade without a price increase.
Enhanced Display Quality
The Liquid Retina XR display has received a brightness boost, offering 1000 cd/m² for standard dynamic range (SDR) content, while maintaining a peak of 1600 cd/m² for HDR. Additionally, an optional nano-textured screen reduces reflections while preserving contrast, similar to the iMac M4.
Improved Connectivity Options
The latest MacBook Pro models (M4 Pro and M4 Max) feature three Thunderbolt 5 ports capable of up to 120 Gbit/s, tripling the speed of Thunderbolt 4. The base M4 model retains Thunderbolt 4 compatibility but benefits from three ports instead of two found in the previous M3 model, providing extra versatility. Creative professionals will also appreciate the inclusion of an SDXC card reader.
Like other recent Apple computers, the MacBook Pro M4 supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, while Wi-Fi 7 is anticipated for next year.
While there hasn’t been a significant design overhaul for the MacBook Pro, the base model now comes in Sidereal Black, previously reserved for higher-end configurations, maintaining the same chassis as last year.
Pricing and Availability
The MacBook Pro M4 models are available for pre-order on the Apple website, with a release date set for November 8. Here are the prices: