In a first, Apple rolled out three new chips at once — the M3, M3 Pro and M3 Max — during its Halloween-themed Scary Fast event Monday. The new Apple processors power updated 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.
The company also utilized a cool-looking space black aluminum finish for the first time on M3 Pro and M3 Max models. The laptops promise to hit speedy new benchmarks.
“Tonight we’re doing something we haven’t done before, as we bring our latest technologies to a broader set of users more rapidly than ever,” said Johny Srouji, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware technologies. “We’re launching the next generation of Apple silicon for the Mac by releasing three great new chips at the same time.”
Scary Fast event: M3 chip powers 3 speedy new 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models
The release of the new 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with blazing-fast M3 chips comes as a bit of a surprise, as some rumors on the run-up to the event predicted their release in early 2024. After all, the last versions with M2 chips just came out in January.
Others saw evidence they might appear. But when the October event became a reality with Apple’s Scary Fast invitation, rumors reset to include more Macs beyond a new 24-inch iMac. And so now we have not only an M3 14-inch MacBook Pro that apparently replaces the 13-inch MacBook Pro, we also have powerful new 14- and 16-inch versions with M3 Pro and M3 Max chips.
“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,” he added.
3 levels of MacBook Pro with M3 chips
Photo: Apple
The basic new MacBook Pro is a 14-inch model with the M3 chip. “Perfect for aspiring creatives, students, and entrepreneurs, it now starts at $1,599,” Apple said.
The other 14-inch and the 16-inch MacBook Pro models sport either the M3 Pro chip, which is great for people like coders, or the M3 Max chip, which serves those with the most demanding needs for computing power. Both add new options for more unified memory. In fact, the M3 Max models can go up to 128MB.
“With a monster GPU and a powerful CPU, along with support for up to 128GB of unified memory, MacBook Pro with M3 Max enables extreme workflows and multitasking across pro apps for users like machine learning programmers, 3D artists, and video editors,” Apple said.
What’s more, M3 Pro and M3 Max models come in the new space black color, a dark aluminum finish.
Plus the great features you know and love, with longer battery life
Photo: Apple
And the new MacBook Pro models carry on with the great features previous versions brought. As Apple put it:
All MacBook Pro models feature a brilliant Liquid Retina XDR display with 20 percent brighter SDR content, a built-in 1080p camera, an immersive six-speaker sound system, and a wide array of connectivity options.
Still, you can expect strong battery life across the board with the new machines:
With up to 22 hours of battery life, the lineup offers the ultimate in pro portability, delivering the same performance whether plugged in or on battery, so users can take their workflows anywhere.
Pricing and availability
Orders start Monday for all the new laptops, with shipping starting November 7, Apple said. The base M3 MacBook Pro at $1,599 ($1,499 for education). M3 Pro starts at $1,999 ($1,849 for education). M3 Max starts at $2,499 ($2,299 for education).
Where to buy: Apple
Source: Apple
