Apple has launched its latest MacBook Pro models, the 14-inch and 16-inch versions, featuring the new M4 chips. While the design remains largely unchanged from the M3 versions, significant improvements lie in the hardware, particularly with the introduction of the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips. These enhancements promise to deliver faster performance, especially compared to previous models like the M1.
The M4 chip, first introduced in this year's iPad Pro, has now made its way into various Apple devices, including the iMac and Mac Mini, as well as the new MacBook Pros. Apple claims that these processors offer substantial performance improvements over the M1 versions, making them a compelling upgrade for users looking to enhance their productivity.
The M4 Pro and M4 Max chips come with adjustable power modes—low and high—that allow users to tailor performance according to their needs, whether they are plugged in or operating on battery power. This new feature significantly influences performance outcomes, as demonstrated in Geekbench 6 benchmark tests.
Real-world performance testing has shown the capabilities of the new MacBook Pro in gaming scenarios. During a demonstration of the popular game Hades 2, switching the power mode to high provided a noticeable boost in performance, though at the cost of battery life. Apple claims the new models can achieve up to 24 hours of battery life, a slight increase from the 21 hours provided by the M3 predecessor.
The M4's enhanced neural engine performance also supports advanced on-device AI tasks, featuring new AI-driven tools designed to streamline workflows, such as writing assistance and email summarization.
One of the standout new features involves the Photos app, where users can now utilize a "cleanup" tool to remove unwanted backgrounds or elements from images. This AI-driven feature allows for seamless editing, enabling users to enhance their photos quickly. Though there are limitations—like difficulty in perfectly reconstructing backgrounds—the tool performs admirably in many cases.
In addition to the M4 chips, the new MacBook Pros are the first to offer a nanotexture display that significantly reduces glare and reflections. This is particularly beneficial for users who often work outdoors, as the display can reach up to 1,000 nits of brightness in outdoor settings. At a price of $150, this feature appears well worth the investment for those needing to combat screen visibility issues in bright light.
Additionally, the models come equipped with a 12-megapixel camera that improves upon the previous 1080p FaceTime camera. A new "desk view" feature has been introduced, allowing users to present their work setup during video calls, further enhancing the remote work experience.
With the enhancements brought by the M4 chips, these new MacBook Pros present a solid option for users on older M1 models. However, the lack of significant visual changes and lingering questions surrounding the necessity of M4 features suggest that some might prefer to wait for the next iteration or opt for discounted M3 models available in stores.
The high starting prices—$1,600 for the 14-inch model and $2,500 for the 16-inch—add another layer of consideration for potential buyers. While the new features like the nanotexture display and improved webcam might appeal to some, others may find better value in earlier models, especially given the absence of Face ID support.
Ultimately, prospective buyers must weigh their needs against the features offered, deciding whether to invest in the M4 MacBook Pro now or hold out for future developments in Apple's lineup.
Thank you for following along, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts on whether the new M4 MacBook Pro is an instant buy or if you prefer to hold out for the next big thing.
Part 1/7:
Apple Unveils New MacBook Pros With M4 Chips
Apple has launched its latest MacBook Pro models, the 14-inch and 16-inch versions, featuring the new M4 chips. While the design remains largely unchanged from the M3 versions, significant improvements lie in the hardware, particularly with the introduction of the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips. These enhancements promise to deliver faster performance, especially compared to previous models like the M1.
Inside the New MacBooks: The M4 Chip
Part 2/7:
The M4 chip, first introduced in this year's iPad Pro, has now made its way into various Apple devices, including the iMac and Mac Mini, as well as the new MacBook Pros. Apple claims that these processors offer substantial performance improvements over the M1 versions, making them a compelling upgrade for users looking to enhance their productivity.
The M4 Pro and M4 Max chips come with adjustable power modes—low and high—that allow users to tailor performance according to their needs, whether they are plugged in or operating on battery power. This new feature significantly influences performance outcomes, as demonstrated in Geekbench 6 benchmark tests.
Gaming Performance on MacBook Pros
Part 3/7:
Real-world performance testing has shown the capabilities of the new MacBook Pro in gaming scenarios. During a demonstration of the popular game Hades 2, switching the power mode to high provided a noticeable boost in performance, though at the cost of battery life. Apple claims the new models can achieve up to 24 hours of battery life, a slight increase from the 21 hours provided by the M3 predecessor.
The M4's enhanced neural engine performance also supports advanced on-device AI tasks, featuring new AI-driven tools designed to streamline workflows, such as writing assistance and email summarization.
Enhanced Features in the Photos App
Part 4/7:
One of the standout new features involves the Photos app, where users can now utilize a "cleanup" tool to remove unwanted backgrounds or elements from images. This AI-driven feature allows for seamless editing, enabling users to enhance their photos quickly. Though there are limitations—like difficulty in perfectly reconstructing backgrounds—the tool performs admirably in many cases.
Exciting Hardware Innovations
Part 5/7:
In addition to the M4 chips, the new MacBook Pros are the first to offer a nanotexture display that significantly reduces glare and reflections. This is particularly beneficial for users who often work outdoors, as the display can reach up to 1,000 nits of brightness in outdoor settings. At a price of $150, this feature appears well worth the investment for those needing to combat screen visibility issues in bright light.
Additionally, the models come equipped with a 12-megapixel camera that improves upon the previous 1080p FaceTime camera. A new "desk view" feature has been introduced, allowing users to present their work setup during video calls, further enhancing the remote work experience.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Upgrade?
Part 6/7:
With the enhancements brought by the M4 chips, these new MacBook Pros present a solid option for users on older M1 models. However, the lack of significant visual changes and lingering questions surrounding the necessity of M4 features suggest that some might prefer to wait for the next iteration or opt for discounted M3 models available in stores.
The high starting prices—$1,600 for the 14-inch model and $2,500 for the 16-inch—add another layer of consideration for potential buyers. While the new features like the nanotexture display and improved webcam might appeal to some, others may find better value in earlier models, especially given the absence of Face ID support.
Part 7/7:
Ultimately, prospective buyers must weigh their needs against the features offered, deciding whether to invest in the M4 MacBook Pro now or hold out for future developments in Apple's lineup.
Thank you for following along, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts on whether the new M4 MacBook Pro is an instant buy or if you prefer to hold out for the next big thing.