Apple’s new MacBook Pro laptops are powered by M3 chips
by Thoughtfox staff
Bringing more power, efficiency, and versatility to its users, Apple has just unveiled its MacBook Pro lineup featuring a brand-new family of M3 chips. Built using cutting-edge 3-nanometer technology, the M3 chip family (including the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max) significantly enhances graphics capabilities and memory management—promising a performance boost—according to Apple’s press release dated October 30, 2023.
John Ternus, Apple's Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, noted in his statement (included in the press release) that ‘for those upgrading from an Intel-based MacBook Pro,’ this new lineup is ‘a game-changing experience in every way.’
Apple’s new space black laptops with the M3 chip family (Screenshot from Apple press release dated October 30, 2023)
The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 is tailored for everyday users; it comes with a starting price of $1,599 and promises improved performance in rendering, code compilation, and spreadsheet tasks. (Rendering refers to how a digital image or a 3D model is finalized using computer software.)
For users with more demanding workflows, the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Pro offer a significant boost in performance. These models, Apple claims, are up to 40% faster in applications like Adobe Photoshop and DNA sequencing, making them ideal for coders, creatives, and researchers.
The 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max are designed for users with extreme demands—‘such as machine learning programmers, 3D artists, and video editors.’ Apple claims that they are up to 11 times faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Pro model and support up to 128GB of unified memory.
These models use macOS Sonoma as the operating system, which enhances user experience with desktop widgets, iPhone widget integration via Continuity, improved video conferencing tools (Presenter Overlay, Reactions), separate browsing profiles in Safari, web app access, and stunning screen savers. The macOS Sonoma optimizes Apple silicon with responsive ‘Screen Sharing’ and ‘Game Mode’ for better gaming.
All the MacBook Pro models feature a Liquid Retina XDR display, a built-in 1080p camera, an immersive six-speaker sound system, and up to 22 hours of battery life.
Apple is touting this new MacBook Pro lineup with M3 chips as a testament to its commitment to innovation and sustainability. With sleek new space black models that minimize fingerprints and have a strong environmental focus, the company aims to provide users with the best in class and a laptop that's built to last. ‘The enclosure is created from a custom alloy that uses 100 percent recycled aluminum and is incredibly durable,’ the press release points out, adding the following:
MacBook Pro also uses 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in all magnets, and 100 percent recycled tin soldering and gold plating in multiple printed circuit boards. MacBook Pro is also free of numerous harmful substances such as beryllium, brominated flame retardants, and mercury, and 100 percent of the wood fiber in the packaging is recycled or comes from responsibly managed forests.
The company plans to make its ‘entire manufacturing supply chain and all product life cycles’ carbon-neutral by 2030.
Apple also has a trade-in programme in place, whereby ‘customers can trade in their current computer and get credit toward a new Mac’—and they can check ahead their existing device’s worth on this URL: apple.com/shop/trade-in
The M3 chip family represents the future of Apple's laptops.
Orders for these new MacBook Pro laptops started on October 30, with availability beginning on November 7.
Reference: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2023/10/apple-unveils-new-macbook-pro-featuring-m3-chips/