Originally published at: New MacBook Pros Gain M4 Chips, 12MP Center Stage Camera, and Thunderbolt 5 - TidBITS
Although Apple spread its Mac hardware announcements over three days, you can still detect a progression that culminates with the final announcement of the new MacBook Pro models.
First, Apple unveiled the iMac with the M4 chip, 12-megapixel Center Stage camera, and nano-texture glass option (see “New 24-inch iMac Upgraded with M4 Chip,” 28 October 2024). Then it rolled out a new Mac mini with either an M4 or an M4 Pro, and when configured with the M4 Pro, Thunderbolt 5 ports (see “Smaller Mac mini Powered by M4 and M4 Pro Chips,” 29 October 2024). And now we get the MacBook Pro with all of those things: an M4, M4 Pro, or M4 Max chip, a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera, a nano-texture glass option, and Thunderbolt 5 on the M4 Pro and M4 Max models. Watch Apple’s intro video on the MacBook Pro page for all the geeky goodness—and don’t miss the clever gag in the final two minutes.
Apple made no changes to the industrial design of the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, apart from a single, welcome addition I’ll explain shortly. They remain available in silver and space black, with pricing for the 14-inch model starting at $1599 and the 16-inch model at $2499, the same as the previous models. However, those prices are very much starting points, given the many build-to-order options available. You can place pre-orders now with delivery and in-store availability on 8 November 2024.
Let’s dive into the key specs and note important changes:
- M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips: Apple provides a dizzying array of choices here, but the important takeaway is that the M4 and lower-end M4 Pro are available only in the 14-inch model, making it more appropriate for those on the lower edge of what Apple considers a “pro” user. I suspect most people decide between the more powerful chips based primarily on budget.
- Memory: Because Apple silicon uses unified memory that’s part of the chip, the memory choices are equally as dizzying. Once you pick your desired chip, you can choose among two or three memory configurations with tiers of 16, 24, 36, 48, 64, and 128 GB. Notably, the M4 14-inch MacBook Pro now starts at 16 GB, and the unusual 18 GB and 96 GB levels in the previous M3 family have disappeared. More memory is important for Apple Intelligence, but we don’t yet know to what extent.
- Storage: The base-level M4 14-inch MacBook Pro ships with 512 GB of storage and can be expanded to 1 TB or 2 TB. All M4 Pro models add a 4 TB tier (but not the 8 GB tier available for the M4 Pro Mac mini, oddly), and the M4 Max models start at 1 TB and add that 8 TB tier. To an extent, this is all moot because Apple’s storage prices are sky-high: you can buy an external 8 TB SSD for $500–$600, compared with Apple’s $2200, and it’s easy to find SSDs under $75 per terabyte.
- Connectivity: Here’s the sole physical change in the M4 14-inch MacBook Pro. The M4 14-inch MacBook Pro now includes three Thunderbolt 4 ports—a step up from the previous model, which had only two “Thunderbolt / USB 4” ports. The M4 Pro and M4 Max versions offer Thunderbolt 5 ports for faster data transfer with high-performance peripherals.
- 12MP Center Stage camera: Apple’s laptops had weak 720p webcams for many years. While the company eventually upgraded to 1080p FaceTime HD cameras, these new MacBook Pros join the rest of Apple’s lineup with 12-megapixel cameras that support Center Stage for better video calls.
- Improved display: While the Liquid Retina XDR displays built into the MacBook Pro models retain the same 14.2-inch and 16.2-inch sizes and native resolutions, Apple increased the brightness from 600 nits to 1000 nits for outdoor viewing. For $150, you can add a nano-texture glass option that reduces glare and reflections—it’s probably worthwhile if you regularly work outside.
- Display support: The new capabilities of the M4 chip show up here too. The M3 version of the 14-inch MacBook Pro could only drive two displays if you closed the lid. The M4 (and M4 Pro) version can handle two external displays without closing the lid. The M4 Max continues to support up to four external displays.
Frankly, I see nothing to criticize with this new line of MacBook Pro models beyond Apple’s premium pricing. (More ports are always welcome, but hard to fit into the svelte package.) It’s not that these new models are more expensive than before—you get more memory, a better webcam, and brighter screens for the same prices. But processing power doesn’t come cheap, and Apple charges premium prices for memory and storage upgrades. A tricked-out 16-inch MacBook Pro would set you back a stratospheric $7349. But these are glorious machines, and if you need power and portability, Apple has a MacBook Pro for you.
Personally, I’m most intrigued by the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the base-level M4 chip because it can drive a pair of external displays. I rely on two 27-inch displays, but until now, that would have required either an expensive M2 Pro-level machine or closing the lid on an M3 MacBook Pro or M3 MacBook Air. With my 2020 27-inch iMac unable to help me test and document Apple Intelligence features, it’s time to ponder an M4 replacement. The low cost of the Mac mini is compelling, but that practicality has to compete with the portability and extra screen of the 14-inch MacBook Pro. Decisions, decisions!
