Apple's new M4 MacBook Pros offer more power, more ports, and a fresh look

The M4 MacBook Pro era has indeed arrived, and Apple’s latest updates take their high-performance laptops to new heights with upgraded processors and more versatile features. Launched with a straightforward press release, the new 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros bring two powerhouse chips to the table: the M4 Pro and M4 Max. These chips significantly boost the CPU and GPU, enhancing both single-core performance and multi-threaded tasks, with Apple claiming industry-leading speed in both areas.

The new M4 Pro chip delivers about 20-25% more speed than the previous M3 version, while the M4 Max offers even higher GPU capabilities—perfect for intensive tasks in video editing or 3D rendering, a clear nod to creative professionals who require high performance for their workflows.

A graphic shows the M4 family of Apple silicon chips: M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max. — Image: Apple

The refreshed MacBook Pros also offer design and utility upgrades, making them more competitive. The 14-inch model now starts at 16GB RAM instead of 8GB, with an option to configure up to 32GB, while the M4 Pro and M4 Max options start with 24GB and go up to 48GB. Apple has added three Thunderbolt 5 ports on each MacBook model (Apple’s Thunderbolt 5 Pro cable is now available), offering enhanced data transfer speeds and the flexibility of connecting more external displays or other peripherals.

A close-up of the keyboard on Apple's M4 MacBook Pro and its Thunderbolt 5 ports with plugged-in peripherals. — Image: Apple

Wi-Fi 7 support is also a key addition, bringing faster speeds and reducing network congestion—ideal for users working in collaborative or busy environments. And for a sleek, refreshed look, the new lineup comes in Space Black, adding a sophisticated touch that previously wasn’t available on all models.

A look at the front and the back of the Apple's M4 MacBook Pro in Space Black and Silver. — Image: Apple

The improvements in machine learning tasks and AI processing should mesh well with Apple’s latest software push, Apple Intelligence. Although this software will run on Macs dating back to the M1 generation, the enhanced memory and processing capabilities of the M4 lineup should mean faster and more efficient handling of future AI and machine-learning updates.

Set to launch on November 8, Apple’s latest MacBook Pros are available for pre-order now, starting at $1,599 for the base 14-inch model and reaching $2,499 for the fully loaded 16-inch variant. These upgrades bring a much-needed refinement to Apple’s MacBook Pro lineup, particularly for users balancing intensive professional use with general functionality.