As predicted, Apple’s latest laptops featuring the newest M1 Pro and M1 Max processors were introduced during the presentation. After introducing its first CPU for office computers, Apple spends the second year with this new generation of MacBook Pro.
The reintroduction of the MagSafe socket and a larger screen
With a more angular and bulkier form, the Californian maker gives its computers a welcome fresh push. Even before we open the gadget, we can notice the reintroduction of the MagSafe connector for the power supply, which will allow even the most awkward users to insert their feet into the socket without putting their laptop at risk. The brand also has an HDMI port, an SD slot, and two USB-C Thunderbolt connections for rapid data transfer.
Apple proposes two screen sizes: 14,2 and 16,2 inches, with 3024 x 1964 pixels and 3456 x 2234 pixels, respectively. To maximize the display space, Apple has lowered the screen borders to their smallest possible size and even removed the term “MacBook Pro” from the bottom of the screen, which is now etched underneath the device.
Like the iPad Pro introduced earlier this year, the maker used a Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display. By turning on just the regions necessary for the display, these new displays should provide improved contrast. They also have ProMotion technology, which allows for a refresh rate of 120 frames per second.
A webcam (now in 1080p) remains at the top of the slab, but Apple has opted to place it in a notch, similar to the iPhone, but without a face recognition system. The suitable old Touch ID sensor always stays loyal to the workstation to log in on his laptop and access his workplace. The Touch Bar vanishes, giving way to the good old, more traditional function keys. According to the company, the audio has finally been enhanced with 80 percent more bass.
An M1X CPU with excellent performance potential
The SoC M1 Pro and M1 Max are placed behind the M1 processor, designed for consumer computers. The M1 Max processor offers a 70% increase in power over the preceding M1 chip and four times quicker processing. These two processors will have ten CPU cores (compared to eight on the M1) and 16 or 32 GPU cores, depending on whether we pick the M1 Pro or M1 Max version.
Storage starts at 512 GB and may be increased to 1 TB for the most powerful computers. The system comes with 16 GB of unified memory as standard, with 32 and 64 GB variants. Apple has chosen Wi-Fi 6, which is now standard throughout the Mac line, for connectivity.
In video playback, the autonomy is ultimately revealed at 17 hours for the 14-inch model and up to 21 hours for the 16-inch, or 10 hours more than the 16-inch MacBook Pro with Intel CPU. The base version of the 14-inch MacBook Pro will be available starting October 26 for €2,249 (incl. taxes). The 16-inch variant will be available on the same day for €2,749. Today is the first day of pre-orders.
