Introducing the Entry-Level 14-Inch MacBook Pro with M4 Chip
Apple has unveiled its new 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models at a revamped event format, breaking up its traditional Keynote into multiple segments for a Mac Week
that keeps the spotlight on these highly anticipated updates over several days.
Apple is launching a new 14-inch MacBook Pro that comes equipped with the M4 chip. This new model features a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, starting with 16 GB of unified memory at the base model (a significant improvement from the 8 GB in the M3 models), and is priced at 100 euros less, at 1899 euros. It also starts with a 512 GB SSD, and is upgradeable to 32 GB of RAM (for an additional 460 euros), a better deal than last year where the same price only allowed an upgrade to 24 GB. For a 2 TB SSD, it’s still an additional 690 euros.
Here are all the available configurations for the MacBook Pro M4, offered only in 14 inches, not 16 inches:
– CPU 10 cores, GPU 10 cores, 16 GB RAM, SSD 512 GB: 1899 euros
– CPU 10 cores, GPU 10 cores, 16 GB RAM, SSD 1 TB: 2129 euros
– CPU 10 cores, GPU 10 cores, 24 GB RAM, SSD 1 TB: 2129 euros
M4 Pro and M4 Max Models: More Power and Memory
For those seeking higher performance, the 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models will also be available with the new M4 Pro and M4 Max chips. The Pro version starts with a 12-core CPU and 16-core GPU, and goes up to a 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU, both with 24 GB of unified memory. The M4 Pro chip sees an improvement with up to 10 Performance cores and 4 Efficiency cores, versus 6 Performance and 6 Efficiency cores on the M3 Pro, while the M4 Max remains ahead with up to 16 CPU cores. Prices have also dropped by 100 euros for the M4 Pro and 150 euros for the M4 Max.
Here are all the available configurations for the MacBook Pro M4 Pro:
– 14 Inches, CPU 12 cores, GPU 16 cores, 24 GB RAM, SSD 512 GB: 2399 euros
– 14 Inches, CPU 14 cores, GPU 20 cores, 24 GB RAM, SSD 1 TB: 2899 euros
– 16 Inches, CPU 14 cores, GPU 20 cores, 24 GB RAM, SSD 512 GB: 2399 euros
– 16 Inches, CPU 14 cores, GPU 20 cores, 48 GB RAM, SSD 512 GB: 3359 euros
As for the Max model, it reaches new heights with a 40-core GPU and up to 128 GB of memory. Notably, the bandwidth of 546 GB/s for the largest M4 Max configuration (with 16 CPU cores) is unprecedented for the general public, except for the Ultra chip.
Here are all the available configurations for the MacBook Pro M4 Max:
– 14 Inches, CPU 12 cores, GPU 32 cores, 36 GB RAM, SSD 1 TB: 3799 euros
– 16 Inches, CPU 14 cores, GPU 32 cores, 36 GB RAM, SSD 1 TB: 4099 euros
– 16 Inches, CPU 16 cores, GPU 40 cores, 48 GB RAM, SSD 1 TB: 4699 euros
It’s worth noting that this 16-inch MacBook M4 Max will cost you 8549 euros if you opt for all the upgrades, including an 8 TB SSD! That’s truly dream-worthy.
Battery Life, Connectivity, and Display
The option for a nano-textured
glass is available on all models for an additional 170 euros. The brightness of the displays has also been significantly improved, increasing from 600 nits in the M3 generation to 1000 nits in the M4 models, which is quite noticeable. Battery life has reportedly increased by two hours, going from 24 hours to 22 hours. We’ll have an opportunity to test this in detail. The base M4 model supports two external monitors in addition to the integrated display. The webcam also manages, as on the iMac M4, the Center Stage
function and gains the Desk View
feature.
The Wi-Fi remains, as on the iMac M4 and Mac mini M4, Wi-Fi 6E, unfortunately. As for Thunderbolt, it upgrades to Thunderbolt 5 across nearly the entire range, except for the basic M4 models which stick with Thunderbolt 4, alas.
An SDXC card reader is still present on all models in the lineup, which videographers and photographers will appreciate.
A Space Black Color Option for All Models
The MacBook Pro M4 models now all feature the new Space Black color option, available across all configurations, even on the basic M4. This shade, darker than Space Gray, features a fingerprint-resistant finish, essential given how prone the Midnight MacBook Air M3 models are to fingerprints. The classic Silver color remains available for purists.
Pricing and Availability
We are once again looking at an update without major surprises, much like the update from the MacBook Pro M3 to the MacBook Pro M2. The power increase in the M4 chips is still a welcome improvement, as is the standard provision of 16 GB of RAM in the entry-level model, which is certainly a minimum for a computer intended for professional use.
The MacBook Pro M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max models are available for pre-order now, with delivery expected on Friday, November 8.
What’s Next?
This should conclude this week of announcements surrounding the M4 chip, with, let’s remember, a minimally refreshed iMac M4 also equipped with 16 GB of RAM as standard, new shades among the seven colors offered, and accessories, mice, and keyboards now in USB-C. Not to forget the Mac mini M4 announced yesterday, also featuring 16 GB of RAM in its most accessible version, in a much more compact format than the previous Mac mini. Unfortunately, these two devices also missed out on Wi-Fi 7.
All that’s left is to wait for the update of the MacBook Air models, which should also be equipped with the M4 chip and are expected to arrive early in 2025… unless Apple has a mega-surprise up its sleeve and wakes up all the newsrooms around the world with an earlier update (honestly, it’s unlikely, but follow us on social media just in case)!