Apple today announced the updated 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro at its “Scary Fast” event alongside the 24-inch iMac with M3. Powered by the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chip variants, the new models support up to 128GB of RAM and include features like Dynamic Caching and ray tracing.
14 and 16-inch M3 MacBook Pro unveiled in new space black color
“There is nothing quite like MacBook Pro. With the remarkable power-efficient performance of Apple silicon, up to 22 hours of battery life, a stunning Liquid Retina XDR display, and advanced connectivity, MacBook Pro empowers users to do their life’s best work,” said John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering. “With the next generation of M3 chips, we’re raising the bar yet again for what a pro laptop can do. We’re excited to bring MacBook Pro and its best-in-class capabilities to the broadest set of users yet, and for those upgrading from an Intel-based MacBook Pro, it’s a game-changing experience in every way.”
M3 chip and performance
The updated 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models are now equipped with the M3 chipset, presenting a substantial leap in performance compared to their M2 predecessors. The M3 series retains the core elements of the previous generation while significantly enhancing its overall performance.
The M3 chips incorporate Dynamic Caching into their GPU architecture, optimizing local memory use in real-time. This advancement notably enhances GPU performance, especially in demanding professional applications and gaming. The next-gen GPU introduces hardware-accelerated mesh shading and ray tracing, marking the first time Mac devices have supported ray tracing technology. This advancement enables games to render highly precise shadows and reflections, creating more immersive and realistic gaming environments.
Tailored for users tackling more demanding tasks such as coding, creative endeavors, and research, the 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Pro offers even greater performance and expanded unified memory support. With up to a 40% boost in speed compared to the previous 16-inch model, this Pro version caters to intricate and resource-intensive workflows.
Meanwhile, the 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max is a professional powerhouse designed for users engaging in extreme workflows, including machine learning programming, 3D design, and video editing. Boasting a robust GPU and powerful CPU, and supporting up to 128GB of unified memory, this model facilitates seamless multitasking across various pro apps.
Display and finish
Retaining their sizes of 14.2 and 16.2 inches, the MacBook Pro displays come with a brilliant Liquid Retina XDR display. These high-resolution screens support Wide Color (P3), True Tone, ProMotion, and up to 1,600 nits of brightness for SDR content. The quality aligns with Apple’s Studio Display.
Apple’s introduction of space black in the M3 Pro and M3 Max models offers an aesthetically pleasing and professional dark aluminum finish. This visually striking finish significantly reduces fingerprints, providing an elegant look for the most demanding users.
Storage, 1080p FaceTime HD camera and speakers
Storage options for the new MacBook Pros start at 512GB and scale up to an impressive 8TB in capacity. Additionally, the models feature a 1080p FaceTime HD camera with an embedded image signal processor in the Apple Silicon chip, ensuring improved image quality and performance.
The latest MacBook Pro models retain sought-after features such as Touch ID security on the Magic Keyboard, a six-speaker system with force-canceling woofers and Dolby Atmos support, and varying battery capacities of 70-watt-hour and 100-watt-hour, dependent on the model’s physical size.
Pricing and availability
The latest MacBook Pro models are now available for purchase starting today, October 30, through Apple’s online store and the Apple Store app across 27 countries and regions, including the U.S. Shipments will commence, and these models will also be accessible at Apple Store outlets and authorized resellers beginning November 7.
The 14-inch MacBook Pro featuring M3 begins at $1,599 (U.S.), priced at $1,499 (U.S.) for educational purposes. Additionally, the 14-inch MacBook Pro equipped with M3 Pro starts at $1,999 (U.S.) or $1,849 (U.S.) for educational purchases, while the 16-inch MacBook Pro is available from $2,499 (U.S.) or $2,299 (U.S.) for education.
