Apple has recently introduced the updated MacBook Pro 14 with the new M4 processor, which has aroused great interest among brand fans and experts. The company met expectations by introducing many significant improvements. Customers just have to patiently wait for the MacBook release dates and decide whether they need this upgrade at all.
Let’s analyze the main differences between the new models with the M4 chip.
What is the M4 MacBook Pro?
The M4 MacBook Pro is the revolution in the world of Apple laptops. The M4 chip is at the heart of the new MacBook Pro series. It can be of the same cost, but it truly far surpasses the M3 version in performance, productivity, image, and efficiency. The M4 chip comes in three versions:
- The base M4
- M4 Pro
- M4 Max
Each of these models has high processing speeds that are essential for work and entertainment. The performance of each variant should be examined in detail:
- M4. 10 CPU cores and 10 GPU cores, 32GB RAM support, 120GB/s bandwidth. There is also the ability to connect two external displays and four Thunderbolt 4 ports.
- M4 Pro. Up to 14 CPU cores and 20 GPU cores, 64GB of RAM and a memory bandwidth of 273GB/s. That’s a 75% increase over the M3 Pro.
- M4 Max. A powerful model with 16 CPU cores and 40 GPU cores, 128GB of RAM, and a memory bandwidth of 546GB/s. This variant is aimed at those who need the highest performance for video processing, working with graphics, gaming.
The M4 chip improves both overall system performance and multitasking efficiency. This is especially noticeable when working with 3D graphics and video processing, where resources must be allocated as efficiently as possible.
The next version is the MacBook Pro with a 14-core M4 Pro and a 20-core GPU, which is twice as powerful as the M4, as mentioned by Apple. Thanks to the updated chip, the laptop received a 75% increase in memory bandwidth compared to previous generations and twice as much as any AI chip for PCs. So, when does the new macbook pro come out?
When is the M4 MacBook Pro Coming Out?
There will most likely be no traditional presentation, as the company presented the new iPad mini 7 in a press release, and the same situation may happen with the Mac.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the new MacBook Pro M4 and Mac Mini will be unveiled on November 1, which is a bit later than previously expected, with the latest preliminary forecasts pointing to an October launch. At the same time, the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro are not expected to have any major design changes, while the Mac Mini is rumored to have the biggest redesign in a decade.
The MacBook Pro with M4 Pro is ideal for researchers, developers, and creative professionals like UX/UI designers or animators, delivering impressive productivity gains. The new Mac is currently available in Space Black and Silver colors.
Apple M4 MacBook Price
Basic configurations for MacBook Pro with M4 start at the same prices relevant for the original M3 model: $1599 for the 14” model and $2499 for the 16” model.
However, customizations can increase the cost of both MacBook Pro 14 inch and 16 inch respectively, including the new nanotextured display option, which costs an additional $150. In particular, configurations with a nano-textured display and other optional extras can reach as high as $7,049, while prices for similar M3 configurations are capped at $6,899.
| Model/price | MacBook Pro M4 14″ | MacBook Pro M3 14″ | MacBook Pro M4 16″ | MacBook Pro M3 16″ |
| Basic | From $1599 | From $1599 | From $2499 | From $2499 |
| Customized | Up to $7049 | Up to $6899 | Up to $7349 | Up to $7199 |
It’s worth mentioning that the price of MacBook Pro M4 is determined by high-quality design, the usage of exclusive components and durable materials, as well as integration with the Apple ecosystem.
If you’re looking for maximum performance, improved battery life, a bright display, and advanced features like Center Stage and Thunderbolt 5, the MacBook Pro with M4 chip is a great choice. This model is ideal for both work and creativity.
Apple M4 MacBook Pro Features
The MacBook Pro will come in a basic configuration with the new M4 SoC chip. Not much is known about these chips yet, but if the performance of the 10-core M4 sets the tone, then the M4 Pro and M4 Max will undoubtedly be competitive with top processors.
The base models of Mac Pro laptop and Mac Mini will be equipped with twice the amount of RAM. Both devices are expected to come with 16 GB of RAM as standard instead of the 8 GB that many have criticized for a long time. Perhaps, Apple has finally decided to give its users more features for the same money.
Nano-textured display
Glossy screens have slightly deeper contrast, but some users don’t worry about glare. They don’t text in a dark room with a reference monitor, preferring to work in places with sometimes non-perfect lighting conditions. The convenience of the nano-texture beats any minor advantages of a glossy display. At $150, it’s a useful upgrade for visual professionals. That’s why graphic designers expect the new MacBook Pro release date so much!
The new 12-megapixel Center Stage camera will improve the user experience during calls by keeping them in the center of the frame. A system of six studio-quality speakers and microphones will also come in handy.
When the light is bright around, the MacBook Pro M4 laptops can display SDR content with up to 1000 nits and HDR content with a maximum brightness of 1600 nits.
Moreover, the MacBook Pro M4 has a peak brightness of 1600 bolts for HDR content and 1000 bolts for outdoor SDR. In the M3, SDR content was limited to 600 bolts, making working on the laptop more challenging in bright environments. The new display delivers color accuracy and clarity even in intense lighting conditions, adding convenience for designers and photographers.
Wi-Fi 7 support
Apple is likely to add support for Wi-Fi 7 to the new MacBook Pro on the M4 chip, just as it did with the iPhone 16 line. It means, in particular, the exceptional internet speed of up to 46 Gbps. Can you imagine that? It is five times faster than Wi-Fi 6E (9 Gbps). Wi-Fi 7 also operates on 320 MHz channels and supports the 6 GHz band. This fact allows users to decrease interference and signal load.
Eco-friendly approach
Apple Inc. is well-known worldwide for its eco-friendly, organic position and support of the environment. With the new series of legendary MacBook Pro, the corporation continues its commitment to minimizing its potentially adverse environmental impact. The brand new, upgraded laptop consists of 100% recycled aluminum in the foundation (body). Other components are also derived from recycled materials.
In addition, the M4 MacBook Pro meets strict energy efficiency standards and has been designed with reduced emissions in mind. The packaging is made of 100% fiber materials, which aims to minimize the use of plastic. This is a solid step forward in sustainability. Customers will definitely appreciate the green solutions from the company!
Three Thunderbolt ports on all models
According to packaging and unboxing leaks, the base M4 MacBook Pro will have three Thunderbolt ports on all models. Previously, the base M3 MacBook Pro model only had two Thunderbolt ports on the left side. You’ll feel this benefit to the max when connecting external hard drives, high-resolution monitors, or data devices.
Updated webcam with Center Stage
Apple engineers have equipped their new ‘child’ with a 12-megapixel camera with Center Stage. What does it mean for MacBook Pro M4? This feature automatically keeps the user in the center of the frame during video calls. This is a convenient innovation for those who often participate in online conferences via Skype, Zoom, Slack, or else. The camera has also been improved for low-light conditions.
Design and color
In terms of design, the 14-inch MacBook Pro retains the slim display bezels and minimalist look of the entire MacBook Pro lineup. Both models seem the same size and weight with, perhaps, the only difference in color. For Apple users, colors are especially important as they are about style.
The MacBook Pro M4 is available in two classic colors that make them look rather fashionable. Those are Silver and Space Black. Some may lack radical solutions like pink or blue, but it’s not the case for the laptop that will most probably be usually used as the business device.
Unlike the previous M3 where Space Gray color was available for the base model, users can now choose between the two options regardless of configuration. This expansion in the color palette is a nice bonus and an opportunity to choose the model that best suits one’s tastes in color.
Due to its readiness for sale prior to the M3 Pro and M3 Max variants, the previous base model MacBook Pro on M3 was probably offered in Space Gray. The M3 MacBook Pro ran on an older version of macOS Ventura, while the M3 Pro and M3 Max were already running the latest macOS Sonoma.
Apple Intelligence
Apple said that Apple Intelligence appeared in macOS Sequoia 15.1, but only in English. The main goal of this smart tool is to change the way users work for better. Apple Intelligence may, for example, significantly improve interaction between users. At the same time, it guarantees full privacy protection and data security. In fact, M4 is designed for Apple Intelligence.
The smart system assists with writing and crafting. It is especially helpful for people who wish to express themselves but are not sure how. With evolutionary privacy protections, you can be confident that no one can access your data!
Longer battery life span
One of the main aspects that Apple has improved in the M4 is battery life. The new MacBook Pro M4 promises up to 24 hours of battery life for the 16-inch model, whereas the M3 had a maximum of 22 hours. While the difference may seem insignificant on paper, in practice it could provide extra hours for those who don’t have the ability to charge the laptop during the day.
In the case of heavy workloads such as video editing or graphics processing, the extra hours of battery life allows you to work longer without having to take breaks to recharge.
The M3 Pro model currently starts with 18GB of combined memory, and the M3 Max with 36GB. While there is no exact confirmation, the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips will likely have more memory as well. Perhaps 24 GB for the M4 Pro and 48 GB for the M4 Max.
In any case, the new products are likely to be a great success in the market, given Apple’s reputation. We just have to wait for the official M4 MacBook Pro release date and launch, as well as first feedback and reactions worldwide. We’ll soon see how the new MacBook Pro and Mac Mini will change the way modern computers are designed.
FAQ
What is the starting price for the M4 MacBook Pro?
The base version of the MacBook Pro M4 with 14-inch display starts at $1599, which is the same price as the initial configuration of the MacBook Pro M3. However, the M4 Pro and M4 Max models in top configurations (e.g., with Nano-texture) can cost up to $7049, while the maximum price for the M3 models was limited to $6899.
When is the Macbook Pro M4 release date?
Apple has introduced the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max processors for better performance and support for Apple Intelligence. The new laptops are already available for pre-order, and sales will start on November 8, 2024. The laptops are available in black and gray colors.
What new features will the M4 MacBook Pro have?
A new MacBook laptop can boast such add-ons and improvements as Liquid Retina XDR display, a minimum of 16 GB of unified RAM, webcam with center stage, etc. These devices also received other improvements, such as Thunderbolt 5.
In general, the future MacBook Pro lineup is not expected to undergo any significant changes in functionality, except for the M4 chips. Of course, the company is increasingly developing OLED display technology, but MacBook Pro models are not likely to have such displays until 2026.
