Apple Announces new MacBook Pro Range with M4 Chips Apple has officially announced its latest MacBook Pro lineup, powered by the all-new M4 family of chips, which includes the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max

Illustration of M4 Macs virtual machines showcasing seamless multitasking across multiple operating systems.
Apple MacBook Pro M4 | 16Gb RAM | 2024

These new models mark a significant leap forward in performance and capability for professional users. The updated MacBook Pro also introduces “Apple Intelligence,” a groundbreaking personal AI system designed to redefine how users work, create, and interact with their devices. This AI system offers new productivity tools, all while keeping user privacy at the forefront with advanced on-device processing.

M4 Chip

Three square images side by side on a black background, each featuring an Apple logo. The first reads "M4," the second "M4 Pro," and the third "M4 Max." Each has a gradient color - green, blue, and purple respectively.

The M4 family of chips, built on second-generation 3-nanometer technology, represents Apple’s most advanced chip lineup to date. The M4 chip offers superior single-threaded CPU performance, boasting the fastest CPU core in the world, along with enhanced multithreaded performance, making it ideal for demanding tasks like editing 4K video, working with large datasets, and running AI-based applications. In addition, the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips further enhance these capabilities with even more CPU and GPU cores, designed for professionals who need extreme power for creative, scientific, and technical work.

With the new architecture, these chips are optimized for AI workloads, making tasks involving machine learning, large language models (LLMs), and on-device AI processing faster and more efficient. The M4 Max, in particular, offers unprecedented performance with up to a 16-core CPU and a 40-core GPU, supported by over half a terabyte per second of memory bandwidth, enabling seamless multitasking and smooth handling of extremely complex projects.

Enhanced Connectivity

For the first time, MacBook Pro models with the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips feature Thunderbolt 5, which dramatically increases data transfer speeds—up to 120 Gb/s. This upgrade is perfect for professionals who work with high-resolution video, large datasets, or need to connect multiple peripherals. Thunderbolt 5 supports advanced external storage solutions, docking stations, and expansion chassis, making it easier for users to build high-performance workflows around their MacBook Pro. Additionally, all models include a range of ports, including HDMI (supporting up to 8K video), an SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3 charging, and Wi-Fi 6E, ensuring comprehensive connectivity for a wide range of professional needs.

Liquid Retina XDR

A sleek laptop is partially open against a black background. The screen emits a soft, colorful glow ranging from blue to pink, creating a gradient effect along the edge. The keyboard is barely visible beneath the thinly opened lid.

The new MacBook Pro continues to set the bar for display technology with its Liquid Retina XDR display. This advanced display offers up to 1000 nits of sustained brightness for SDR content and up to 1600 nits for HDR content, delivering unparalleled color accuracy and detail, which is critical for photographers, video editors, and graphic designers. Additionally, Apple has introduced a new nano-texture display option that significantly reduces glare, making the MacBook Pro ideal for use in bright environments or outdoors. This option, combined with the screen’s high dynamic range and exceptional brightness, provides users with a distraction-free viewing experience, enhancing productivity and creative precision.

Advanced Camera

The new 12MP Center Stage camera on the MacBook Pro makes video calls more engaging and productive. Center Stage technology automatically adjusts the frame to keep the user centered as they move around, ensuring that video calls remain smooth and professional. The camera also supports “Desk View,” which allows users to showcase their workspace during calls, making it easier to present documents or products in a virtual setting. Along with studio-quality microphones and a six-speaker sound system featuring Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos support, the MacBook Pro is designed to offer a top-tier audiovisual experience, making it perfect for video conferencing, content creation, and entertainment.

Apple Intelligence

A scientist in a lab coat types on a laptop displaying a graph. Another scientist in the background examines a sample under a microscope. The lab table is filled with test tubes and equipment.

One of the most significant innovations introduced with the new MacBook Pro is Apple Intelligence, a personal AI system that transforms how users interact with their devices. Available with macOS Sequoia, Apple Intelligence offers a range of productivity-enhancing features like Writing Tools, which help users rewrite, proofread, and summarize text across various apps and documents. The new Siri redesign allows users to move seamlessly between spoken and typed commands, making it easier to perform tasks, find information, and control the MacBook Pro.

Apple Intelligence also integrates generative AI models to help users create content in new ways. Features like Image Playground allow users to generate custom images on the fly, while Genmoji lets them create personalized emojis in seconds. This AI-driven system promises to enhance creativity and productivity, all while ensuring that privacy is maintained through on-device processing. For more complex AI tasks, Apple’s Private Cloud Compute offers access to server-based models while maintaining privacy protections like IP address masking.

Starting in December, Apple Intelligence will also integrate ChatGPT, allowing users to leverage the power of OpenAI’s generative AI for writing and research tasks without switching between applications. ChatGPT integration will also be free for users, with built-in privacy protections that ensure no data is stored without the user’s consent.

Battery Life

With the M4 family’s industry-leading performance per watt, the new MacBook Pro delivers up to 24 hours of battery life, the longest ever in a Mac. This leap in battery efficiency, combined with the powerful performance of the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips, allows professionals to tackle intensive workloads without worrying about recharging. Whether it’s editing high-resolution video, developing software, or working with large data sets, the new MacBook Pro can handle the most demanding tasks while maintaining exceptional energy efficiency.

Configurations and Pricing

The new 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M4 chip starts at $1,599, making it an ideal choice for students, entrepreneurs, and creators looking for a powerful, portable machine. It comes with 16GB of unified memory and three Thunderbolt 4 ports, and can be configured with up to 32GB of memory for even greater performance.

For more demanding professional workflows, the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro chip starts at $1,999, while the 16-inch model starts at $2,499. These models include Thunderbolt 5 ports, significantly enhanced memory bandwidth, and advanced CPU and GPU cores for tasks like 3D rendering, data modeling, and machine learning.

The high-end MacBook Pro with the M4 Max chip offers the ultimate in mobile performance, featuring up to a 16-core CPU and a 40-core GPU, with prices starting at $3,499 for the 16-inch model. With up to 128GB of unified memory and the ability to support multiple high-resolution external displays, it is the perfect machine for professionals working in fields like film production, scientific research, and software development.

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