Apple MacBook Pro (2025)

Apple’s New MacBook Pro Lineup

The new MacBook Pro lineup, featuring the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips, is generating significant excitement due to its groundbreaking performance and innovative features. The M4 family of chips, built on second-generation 3-nanometer technology, promises unparalleled speed and efficiency, making these laptops ideal for demanding professional tasks. The introduction of Apple Intelligence, a personal AI system, further enhances productivity and user experience.

Approximate Cost

• • 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4: Starts at $1,599
  • 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro: Starts at $1,999
  • 16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro: Starts at $2,499
  • 16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Max: Starts at $3,499

Apple’s new MacBook Pro lineup features the powerful M4 family of chips:

• • M4 Chip: The base M4 chip includes a 10-core CPU (4 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores) and a 10-core GPU. It offers up to 1.8x faster performance compared to the M1 chip, making it ideal for tasks like photo editing and 3D rendering.
  • M4 Pro Chip: This chip features a 14-core CPU (10 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores) and up to a 20-core GPU. It provides a significant boost in multi-core performance and is up to 3x faster than the M1 Pro.
  • M4 Max Chip: Designed for the most demanding workflows, the M4 Max includes a 16-core CPU and up to a 40-core GPU. It supports up to 128GB of unified memory and offers up to 3.5x the performance of the M1 Max.

CPU – Performance vs. Intel i9:

• • Single-Core Performance: The M4 chip excels in single-core performance, often outperforming Intel’s top processors like the Core i9-14900K. For example, in Geekbench 6, the M4 achieves a single-core score of around 3,849, compared to the Core i9-14900K’s 3,171.
  • Multi-Core Performance: While the M4 is strong in multi-core tasks, Intel’s Core i9-14900K, with its 24 cores, generally leads in multi-core benchmarks. The Core i9-14900K scores significantly higher in multi-core tests like Cinebench R23.

GPU – Performance vs. Nvidia RTX 4090:

• • Compute Performance: The M4 Max GPU (40-core) achieves around 18.4 TFLOPS, while the RTX 4090 reaches up to 82.6 TFLOPS. This makes the RTX 4090 significantly more powerful in raw compute performance.
  • Benchmark Scores: In Geekbench 6 Compute tests, the M4 Max scores around 192,812, whereas the RTX 4090 scores approximately 317,379. The M4 Ultra is expected to surpass the RTX 4090 in some benchmarks, with projected scores around 330,000.

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Network/Peripheral connections

The new MacBook Pro models are highly compatible with a wide range of peripherals and software. They support up to three Thunderbolt 4 ports & three Thunderbolt 5 on M4 Pro and M4 Max models, HDMI, SDXC card slots, and MagSafe 3 for charging. They also feature Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for robust wireless connectivity.

Thunderbolt 4 – 3 qty USB-C ports, data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps, They also support USB4, DisplayPort, and PCIe, making them a one-cable solution for multiple types of connections. These ports can support up to two 4K displays or one 8K display

Thunderbolt 5 – 3 qty USB4 ports. data transfer speeds of up to 80 Gbp. Backward compatible with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, and USB-C devices, ensuring that existing peripherals can still be used. These ports can support up to three 4K displays at 144Hz, or two 6K or 8K displays.

• 14-inch MacBook Pro
• • • • M4 Chip:
        • Ports: Three Thunderbolt 4 ports
        • Other Connectivity: HDMI, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
      • M4 Pro Chip:
        • Ports: Three Thunderbolt 4 ports
        • Other Connectivity: HDMI, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
• 16-inch MacBook Pro
• • • • M4 Pro Chip:
        • Ports: Three Thunderbolt 4 ports
        • Other Connectivity: HDMI, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
      • M4 Max Chip:
        • Ports: Three Thunderbolt 5 ports
        • Other Connectivity: HDMI, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3

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Review

The new MacBook Pro lineup is a powerhouse, offering significant improvements over its predecessors. The M4 chips deliver outstanding performance, making these laptops ideal for professionals who need to handle demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and software development. The Liquid Retina XDR display is stunning, providing vibrant colors and high brightness levels, which are perfect for creative work. The integration of Apple Intelligence adds a new layer of productivity, with features like advanced machine learning and on-device AI processing. However, the high price point and expensive upgrade options may deter some buyers. Additionally, while the design remains sleek and functional, it lacks significant changes from previous models. Overall, the new MacBook Pro is an excellent choice for those who need top-tier performance and are willing to invest in a premium device.

Typical accessories designed & available to complement the new MacBook Pro models

• Magic Mouse

The Magic Mouse is known for its sleek design and multi-touch surface, allowing users to perform intuitive gestures like swiping between web pages and scrolling through documents. The latest version now features USB-C for charging, replacing the previous Lightning port. This update makes it more convenient to charge and use with modern devices. The Magic Mouse is available in both white and black, and it offers a smooth, responsive experience for everyday tasks.

• Magic Trackpad

The Magic Trackpad provides a larger surface area compared to the Magic Mouse, making it ideal for users who prefer using gestures for navigation and control. It supports Force Touch, allowing for pressure-sensitive clicks and additional functionality based on the amount of pressure applied. The new USB-C version ensures faster charging and compatibility with the latest Mac models. The Magic Trackpad is also available in white and black, offering a seamless and precise input experience.

• Magic Keyboard

The Magic Keyboard comes in several variants, including a version with Touch ID for secure authentication and a numeric keypad for extended functionality. The latest models now feature USB-C for charging, enhancing compatibility with modern devices. The Magic Keyboard is designed for comfort and precision, with a low-profile design and scissor mechanism for stable key presses. It is available in both white and black, providing a stylish and efficient typing experience.

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Reasons to Buy

1. Performance: The M4 chips offer exceptional speed and efficiency.
2. Battery Life: Up to 24 hours of battery life.
3. Display: Liquid Retina XDR display with up to 1000 nits of brightness.
4. Portability: Lightweight and portable design.
5. Connectivity: Thunderbolt 5, HDMI, and SDXC card slots.
6. AI Integration: Apple Intelligence enhances productivity.
7. Build Quality: Premium aluminum chassis.
8. Audio: Six-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio.
9. Camera: 12MP Center Stage camera for better video calls.
10. Sustainability: Made from recycled materials.

Reasons Not to Buy

1. Price: High starting prices may be prohibitive.
2. Limited Upgrades: RAM and SSD upgrades are expensive.
3. No Wi-Fi 7: Lacks the latest Wi-Fi standard.
4. Design: Minimal design changes from previous models.
5. Compatibility: Some older peripherals may not be supported.

Competitor Comparison

1. Dell XPS 15: The Dell XPS 15 is a strong competitor, offering a similar high-resolution display and powerful performance with Intel’s latest processors. However, the MacBook Pro’s M4 chips provide better energy efficiency and longer battery life. The XPS 15 also lacks the seamless integration with macOS and Apple’s ecosystem.
2. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio: This device offers a unique design with a flexible hinge that allows it to switch between laptop and tablet modes. While it provides good performance with Intel and NVIDIA hardware, it doesn’t match the MacBook Pro’s battery life or the advanced AI capabilities of Apple Intelligence.
3. HP Spectre x360 16: Known for its sleek design and convertible form factor, the HP Spectre x360 16 is another competitor. It offers strong performance and a beautiful OLED display. However, the MacBook Pro’s M4 chips and superior build quality give it an edge in terms of overall performance and durability.

Unknown Unique Features of the New MacBook Pro Series

1. Apple Intelligence Integration: The new MacBook Pro models come with Apple Intelligence, a personal AI system that enhances productivity by learning user habits and optimizing workflows. This system can automate routine tasks, provide intelligent suggestions, and improve overall efficiency.
2. Desk View Mode: Enabled by the 12MP Center Stage camera, Desk View mode allows users to show a top-down view of their desk during video calls. This feature is particularly useful for presentations, demonstrations, and collaborative work.
3. Nano-Texture Display Option: The nano-texture display significantly reduces glare and reflections, making it easier to work in bright environments. This option enhances the viewing experience without compromising image quality.
4. Enhanced Thermal Management: The new MacBook Pro models feature an advanced thermal management system that includes larger heat sinks and improved airflow. This system ensures that the laptops remain cool and perform optimally even under heavy workloads.
5. Extended Battery Life: With up to 24 hours of battery life, the new MacBook Pro models offer the longest battery life ever in a Mac. This extended battery life is achieved through the efficiency of the M4 chips and optimized power management.
6. Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking: The six-speaker sound system supports Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, providing an immersive audio experience. This feature adjusts the sound based on the user’s head movements, making it ideal for watching movies and listening to music.
7. ProRes Video Editing: The M4 Max chip includes two ProRes accelerators, enabling smooth and efficient editing of high-resolution video content. This feature is particularly beneficial for video professionals who work with 4K and 8K footage.
8. Support for Multiple External Displays: The new MacBook Pro models can support up to four external displays with the M4 Max chip, making them ideal for users who need extensive screen real estate for multitasking and professional work.
9. Advanced Security Features: The new MacBook Pro includes enhanced security features such as hardware-verified secure boot, automatic high-performance encryption, and runtime protections to safeguard user data and privacy.
10. Customizable Keyboard Shortcuts: Users can now customize keyboard shortcuts to streamline their workflows. This feature allows for greater personalization and efficiency, catering to the specific needs of different users.

These unique features make the new MacBook Pro a versatile and powerful tool for a wide range of professional and personal applications.

Bottom Line

The new MacBook Pro models come with several features that might not be immediately obvious but significantly enhance the user experience. The nano-texture display option is a standout, reducing glare and reflections to provide a clearer view in various lighting conditions. This is particularly beneficial for users who work in bright environments or outdoors. The 12MP Center Stage camera not only improves video call quality but also introduces Desk View, a feature that offers a top-down view of your desk during calls, making it easier to share physical documents or demonstrate tasks. Additionally, the integration of Apple Intelligence brings advanced AI-driven capabilities that streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and offer personalized user experiences. These features collectively make the new MacBook Pro a versatile and powerful tool for both professional and personal use.