After the iMac M4 and the Mac mini M4 and M4 Pro, here are the new MacBook Pro M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max. With yet another increase in RAM as standard, increased power and… falling prices!
Never two in three! Looks like the popular saying was tailor-made for Apple as it continues its string of announcements for the third day in a row this week. After the new iMac M4 presented on Monday (read our article) and the Mac mini M4 and M4 Pro revealed on Tuesday (read our article), here comes the turn of the MacBook Pro M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max.
As with the two previous ranges, it is John Ternus, vice-president in charge of hardware engineering in Cupertino, who presents the new laptops from Apple’s professional range to us in an ultra-paced video sequence. As with those they replace, the new MacBook Pros are based on three different versions of the latest “in-house” processors, in ascending order of power: M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max. We saw the first appear on the iPad Pro in spring 2024 then on the iMac M4 and the second with the Mac mini M4 Pro. And so it is with the MacBook Pro that the brand new M4 Max makes its appearance. With once again an impressive jump in the number of integrated computing cores depending on the model chosen.
MacBook Pro M4: more cores, more RAM
The new processors are obviously the major novelty of this 2024 range. Compared to the M3s of the previous range, they have a greater number of CPU computing cores and their GPU graphics. The M4, for example, goes from 8 to 10 CPU cores. And the M4 Pro has 11 to 12 CPU cores and 14 to 16 GPU cores, compared to the M3 Pro. Apple generally proclaims a performance gain varying from 70% to 350% depending on the model, compared to equivalent M1 versions. Please note, there are also several models of each version of the M4 Pro and M4 Max processor. With each time a difference in power naturally linked to the number of cores but also to price (see at the end of the article). Here is a small summary table to make it easier to compare them.
M4 | M4 Pro | M4 Max | |
CPU cores | 10 | 12 or 14 | 14 or 16 |
GPU cores | 10 | 16 or 20 | 32 or 40 |
Neural Engine Cores | 16 | 16 | 16 |
We note that the number of Neural Engines computing cores remains the same on all models. Remember that they are specifically intended for Artificial Intelligence functions, including the new Apple Intelligence functions integrated into the system which began to appear, only in English for the moment, with version 15.1 of macOS Sequoia. The arrival of Apple Intelligence in French is planned for April 2025.
The exterior design remains identical and offered in two screen sizes 14 and 16 inches, knowing that the large screen model is only available in M4 Pro or M4 Max version. Note that as with the iMac M4 announced Monday and the Mac mini M4 announced yesterday, the entry-level MacBook Pro M4 is finally equipped with 16 GB of memory as standard. This isn’t luxury and the MacBook Pro M3’s 8GB limitation was even more surprising, to say the least, for a self-proclaimed professional machine.
Other good news is that the standard RAM allocation also increases for the M4 Pro models, going from 18 to 24 GB respectively. The M4 Max remains at 36 GB as standard, which is already comfortable.
MacBook Pro M4: an improved screen and webcam
In addition to the new, more powerful processors, the new MacBook Pro 2024 also integrates a brand new 12 Mpxl webcam which advantageously replaces the previous one which offered a maximum resolution of 1080p. In addition to better image quality, it is also compatible with the centered frame function which automatically keeps the person or people in front of the camera in the image. Better yet, this webcam is also compatible with DeskView mode which allows you to show the surface of the table or desk on which the MacBook Pro is placed to, for example, demonstrate an object to your correspondent(s).
Another surprise in this new batch of professional laptops is that you can choose a nano-textured anti-reflective treatment for all models, for the sum of 170 euros. This technique, which was inaugurated on the very expensive 32-inch large screen Pro .
MacBook Pro M4: still impressive battery life
The autonomy of the new MacBook M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max has increased to reach a maximum of 24 hours compared to 22 on the previous range. With the same differences between each version of processors. Up to 24 hours of battery life for the 14-inch MacBook Pro M4, “only” 20 hours for the M4 Pro and M4 Max with 14-inch screen, going up to a maximum of 24 hours for the M4 Pro and M4 Max equipped with a 16-inch screen.
Note that these are the figures estimated by Apple, essentially using uninterrupted video playback via the Apple TV application as a test reference. MacBook Pros last about 6 to 7 hours less in the wireless web browsing test. The fact remains that these are machines that easily last the day, which allows you to leave home without the charger and return in the evening with a good margin of safety. And, unlike almost all Windows laptops, the computing power of MacBook Pros of all models is identical whether they are connected to the mains or not. Apple still has a clear lead in terms of autonomy with its portable Macs.
MacBook Pro M4: richer connectivity
As with the Mac mini announced yesterday, Thunderbolt 5 and its transfer rate of 120 Gbit/s max is appearing on the M4 Pro and M4 Max models. The MacBook Pro M4 must therefore always make do, so to speak, with Thunderbolt 4, limited to 40 Gbit/s which, that said, is suitable in the vast majority of cases. The two higher-end models remain equipped with 4 UBS-C / Thunderbolt 5 ports, but the entry-level model goes from two to three USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 sockets. An appreciable progress. All models are also equipped with the MagSafe 3 charging socket, which therefore leaves all the USB-C format sockets available for connecting peripherals. If necessary, it is still possible to charge the MacBook Pro via one of the USB-C sockets.
All MacBook Pro M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max models are also equipped with an SDXC memory card reader and an HDMI version 2.1 socket. The entry-level MacBook Pro is now capable of driving two external displays, like the M4 Pro, and you can connect up to four external displays to an M4 Max MacBook Pro. All models also have a mini-jack headphone jack.
MacBook Pro M4: prices and availability
As surprising as it may seem, especially at Apple, the arrival of these new, more powerful processors is accompanied by a drop in prices! This is particularly appreciable for the entry-level MacBook Pro M4 which goes from 1999 to 1899 euros by now packing 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB for the previous version, and still with 512 GB SSD storage. The model is therefore very balanced and benefits from all the advantages of the Pro range such as the mini-LED XDR screen with variable refresh rate up to 120 Hz and much better contrast than the screen of a MacBook Air. Not to mention it has an additional USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 jack.
The MacBook M4 Pro also loses 100 euros, while the M4 Max loses 200 euros, respectively to 2399 euros and 3799 euros for 14 inches, to go to 2899 euros and 4699 euros with a 16 inch screen. Which always makes them expensive machines naturally. Not to mention that, as we are used to, prices reach stratospheric heights as soon as we add options to increase RAM and/or storage. Here is a price list to get an idea.
- 14-inch MacBook Pro – M4 (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU) – 16 GB RAM – 512 GB SSD: 1,899 euros
- 14-inch MacBook Pro – M4 (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU) – 16 GB RAM – 1 TB SSD: 2,129 euros
- 14-inch MacBook Pro – M4 (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU) – 24 GB RAM – 1 TB SSD: 2,359 euros
- 14-inch MacBook Pro – M4 Pro (12-core CPU, 16-core GPU) – 24 GB RAM – 512 GB SSD: 2,399 euros
- 14-inch MacBook Pro – M4 Pro (12-core CPU, 16-core GPU) – 24 GB RAM – 1 TB SSD: 2,629 euros
- 14-inch MacBook Pro – M4 Pro (12-core CPU, 16-core GPU) – 48 GB RAM – 1 TB SSD: 3,089 euros
- 14-inch MacBook Pro – M4 Max (14-core CPU, 32-core GPU) – 36 GB RAM – 1 TB SSD: 3,799 euros
- 14-inch MacBook Pro – M4 Max (14-core CPU, 32-core GPU) – 36 GB RAM – 2 TB SSD: 4,259 euros
- 14-inch MacBook Pro – M4 Max (16-core CPU, 40-core GPU) – 48 GB RAM – 2 TB SSD: 4,834 euros
- 16-inch MacBook Pro – M4 Pro (14-core CPU, 20-core GPU) – 24 GB RAM – 512 GB SSD: 2,899 euros
- 16-inch MacBook Pro – M4 Pro (14-core CPU, 20-core GPU) – 48 GB RAM – 512 GB SSD: 3,359 euros
- 16-inch MacBook Pro – M4 Max (14-core CPU, 32-core GPU) – 36 GB RAM – 1 TB SSD: 4,099 euros
- 16-inch MacBook Pro – M4 Max (14-core CPU, 32-core GPU) – 36 GB RAM – 2 TB SSD: 4,559 euros
- 16-inch MacBook Pro – M4 Max (16-core CPU, 40-core GPU) – 48 GB RAM – 2 TB SSD: 5,159 euros
The most impatient can order all MacBook Pro M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max today and they will be delivered from November 8.
Last surprise, Apple took the opportunity to also announce that MacBook Airs would now be equipped with 16 RAM as standard for the same price. Clearly, this is the minimum to make the most of Apple Intelligence tools, available now in the United States and next spring here.