Apple’s latest MacBook Pro features the powerful M4 chip, offering significant improvements in performance and capabilities. The new MacBook Pro M4 lineup includes models with up to 16-core CPU, 40-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine configurations, providing exceptional computing power for professional tasks.
The base model starts at $1,599 and comes with a 14-inch display, making it more accessible than previous Pro models. Professional users can choose between the M4 Pro and M4 Max variants, with memory options reaching up to 48GB of unified RAM.
The 16-inch MacBook Pro maintains its position as the flagship model, featuring the same M4 chip options but with a larger screen and enhanced thermal capabilities. Both sizes come in Space Black and Silver finishes, maintaining Apple’s premium design standards.
Apple Macbook Pro M4 Lineup
Apple’s 2024 MacBook Pro lineup introduces the M4 series of chips, delivering significant performance enhancements and efficiency improvements. Available in 14-inch and 16-inch models, these laptops cater to a wide range of professional needs.
Processor Options:
- M4 Chip: Features a 10-core CPU (4 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores) and a 10-core GPU, suitable for general professional use.
- M4 Pro Chip: Offers a 14-core CPU (10 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores) and a 20-core GPU, providing enhanced performance for more demanding tasks.
- M4 Max Chip: Equipped with a 16-core CPU (12 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores) and up to a 40-core GPU, designed for intensive workloads such as 3D rendering and high-resolution video editing.
Memory and Storage:
- Unified Memory (RAM): Starts at 16GB for the base M4 model, with options up to 128GB on M4 Max configurations, facilitating smooth multitasking and handling of large datasets.
- Storage Options: Solid-state drives (SSD) ranging from 512GB to 8TB, ensuring fast data access and ample space for projects.
Display:
- Liquid Retina XDR: The 14.2-inch (3024 x 1964 pixels) and 16.2-inch (3456 x 2234 pixels) displays offer exceptional brightness and color accuracy, with a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate for smooth visuals.
- Nano-Texture Glass Option: Reduces glare for improved visibility in various lighting conditions.
Battery Life:
- Extended Usage: Up to 24 hours of video playback, making it the longest-lasting battery in a Mac, suitable for professionals on the go.
Connectivity:
- Ports: Includes three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, an SDXC card slot, and a MagSafe 3 charging port, accommodating a variety of peripherals and displays.
- Wireless: Supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for fast and reliable wireless connections.
Additional Features:
- Camera and Audio: A 12MP Center Stage front-facing camera ensures clear video calls, while a six-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio delivers immersive sound.
- Build and Design: Constructed with a premium aluminum chassis, the MacBook Pro is available in silver and space black finishes.
These specifications position the M4 MacBook Pro as a powerful and versatile tool for professionals seeking top-tier performance and reliability in their computing devices.
Key Takeaways
- The M4 MacBook Pro offers up to 40-core GPU performance for demanding professional workloads
- Memory configurations now support up to 48GB of unified RAM across various models
- New models start at a lower price point while maintaining professional-grade capabilities
Design and Build
The M4 MacBook Pro maintains Apple’s premium design standards with precision engineering and high-quality materials. The device balances professional aesthetics with practical durability.
Material and Finish
The MacBook Pro comes in two colors – Space Black and Silver. The Space Black finish uses an advanced anodization process that resists fingerprints.
The aluminum unibody construction provides excellent rigidity while keeping weight minimal. Apple machines each chassis from a single block of metal for superior structural integrity.
The keyboard features black anodized aluminum keys set against the metal deck. The Function row includes full-height keys for improved tactile feedback.
Portability and Weight
The 14-inch model weighs 3.4 pounds while the 16-inch version weighs 4.7 pounds. Both sizes are slim at 0.61 inches thick.
The compact power adapter supports fast charging through MagSafe 3, delivering 50% battery in 30 minutes.
Port selection includes HDMI, SDXC card slot, and three Thunderbolt 4 ports for versatile connectivity without dongles.
Display Quality
The Liquid Retina XDR display offers 1,600 nits peak HDR brightness for stunning contrast. The standard SDR brightness reaches 500 nits.
ProMotion technology enables adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz for smooth motion. The screen supports the P3 wide color gamut and True Tone technology.
The native resolution is 3024 x 1964 on the 14-inch model and 3456 x 2234 on the 16-inch version. Both screens achieve a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio.
An optional nano-texture glass coating reduces glare in bright environments while preserving color accuracy and contrast.
Technical Specifications
The 2024 MacBook Pro lineup features significant performance upgrades with the M4 chip series, enhanced memory configurations, and expanded external display support. The models offer multiple configuration options to match different professional workflows.
Processor and Performance
The M4 Pro and M4 Max chips power the latest MacBook Pro models with varying CPU configurations. The base M4 Pro includes a 14-core CPU with 10 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores.
Higher-end configurations feature an M4 Max with up to 16 CPU cores. The Neural Engine remains consistent at 16 cores across all models.
Each chip supports hardware acceleration for video codecs including H.264, HEVC, and ProRes RAW.
The dedicated media engine enables simultaneous ProRes streams for professional video editing workflows.
Graphics and Video Support
The GPU configurations scale from 20 cores in the base M4 Pro to 40 cores in the top M4 Max model.
The systems support multiple external displays:
- Up to 2 external displays with M4 Pro
- Up to 4 external displays with M4 Max
- HDMI 2.1 output with 8K resolution support
- DisplayPort over USB-C/Thunderbolt
Video processing capabilities include:
- Hardware-accelerated ProRes encode/decode
- AV1 decode support
- Multiple simultaneous 8K streams
Memory and Storage
The unified memory configurations start at 16GB and scale up based on the chosen chip:
- M4 Pro: Up to 48GB
- M4 Max: Up to 36GB base, expandable further
Storage options include:
- 512GB base SSD
- 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and 8TB configurations
- High-speed NVMe technology
Connectivity and Expansion
Modern connectivity options include:
- 3 Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 ports
- HDMI 2.1 port
- SDXC card slot
- MagSafe 3 charging port
Wireless capabilities:
- Wi-Fi 6E support
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Extended range antenna system
The ports deliver up to 40Gbps data transfer speeds and support charging through any USB-C port.
