Right after the general information about the M3 processor line, Apple showed the first laptops that received them. As expected, they were MacBook Pro 14 and 16. However, the 13-inch model, which was the last laptop with Touch Bar, has finally disappeared from the pool of MacBook Pro variants (a pity, because I can personally relate to those who lack this “feature”).
Let’s get back to the update. Externally, the laptops have not changed (except for one small thing that we’ll leave for last), the main improvements have been made to the processors.
For the first time since the MacBook Pro 14, this model can be purchased not only with the higher-end M3 Pro and M3 Max processors, but also with the “entry-level” M3 version. Such variants also have 8 GB of RAM, when previously the minimum was 16 (yes, it’s 2023, the MacBook Pro has received an 8 GB RAM option, you’re not imagining things). This model should outperform the MBP 13 with M2 by 40% and the M1 by 60%.
Choosing the MBP 14 with the “older” M3 Pro processor, the user will also receive 18, not 16 GB of RAM, and the M3 Max comes with 36 GB at once.
The base version of the MBP 14 has only one cooler for active cooling, while the more expensive M3 Pro and M3 Max variants have two. In addition, only two Thunderbolt 4 connectors were left on the case of this model, when in other cases there are three.
Larger 16-inch laptop models will offer at least M3 Pro and 18 GB of RAM. The maximum amount of RAM will obviously depend on the type of processor, where the most expensive models can now “fit” 128 GB (as in Mac Studio or Mac Pro, and in all size options). Now, depending on the specific model, the minimum storage capacity will be from 512 GB to one TB, and the maximum will be from two to eight TB.
As for the performance of the 16-inch versions, the company notes that they are 20% faster than the M2 Pro models, and 40% faster than the M1 Pro models. Interestingly, for the M3 Max, the measurements have changed: these new MBP 16s will be twice as fast as the M2 Max models, and 2.5 times faster than the M1 Max. (Note that Apple specifies specific image processing tasks for each of the comparisons.)
During the presentation, the MacBook Pro with Intel was also mentioned a couple of times. And here, Apple notes an 11-fold increase in performance compared to the fastest Intel model, adding another 11 hours of battery life and virtually silent operation.
Among other details, the new models in both sizes have brighter displays (600 cd/m² for typical operation, not 500; peak brightness remains at 1600 cd/m²). Also, while retaining the same size and shape, the new models are slightly lighter. Communications were not updated, leaving support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
Only the 14-inch models with M3 Pro and M3 Max batteries have added capacity, which now have 72.4 Wh. The M3 version remained with 70, as well as the 16-inch versions have not changed – 100 Wh. So, depending on the model, the MBP 14 will be able to play videos through the Apple TV app for 18 to 22 hours (the predecessor did not offer more than 18 hours), and the MBP 16 has not changed its performance – 22 hours of video streaming.
At the same time, the MBP 14 has slightly changed the minimum power of the bundled power supply, which is now 70 watts instead of 67. However, for fast charging, you will need 96 W, which is supplied with the “older” models (or sold separately). And MBP 16 still comes with a 140-watt power supply, which is what you need for fast charging.
And to make the new models look “truly Pro,” as attentive readers have already noticed, the versions with M3 Pro and M3 Max processors will now be available in black – Space Black, which replaced Space Gray (which was left for the 14-inch M3 model). They will come with matching black charging cables (Apple had different views on the color of the cables before).
The price level has decreased accordingly for the MBP 14, as there is now a version with M3, which starts at $1,599 in the United States. The price tag for the M3 Pro variant starts at $1,999, and the M3 Max starts at $3,199. Larger models with M3 Pro still start at $2,499, and with M3 Max – from $3,499. Pre-orders are already open, and the laptops will start shipping on November 7 (M3 Max will be delayed but should be available in November).
Apple has invited selected media representatives to a separate show, from which the first videos demonstrating the new models have already begun to appear. However, more details are still to be expected with the first full-fledged reviews.
Full recording of the Scary Fast presentation:
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