The latest M4 MacBook Pro marks another substantial upgrade in Apple’s pro laptop lineup, bringing a blend of powerful performance and practical new features. I've used it over the past week, and here are my thoughts.
Over the past week, I’ve been using the 16-inch model equipped with the M4 Pro (14-core CPU, 20-core GPU, 48 GB RAM, 2 TB SSD, Nano-Texture Display, Space Black), putting it through a series of creative and everyday tasks to see how it compares to its predecessor—the M3 MacBook Pro. Here’s what I found after diving deep into its new capabilities.
Specifications and Configuration
The M4 MacBook Pro is available in 14-inch and 16-inch configurations, powered by the new M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips.
MacBook Pro with M4
- Chip: M4 with 10-core CPU (4 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores)
- GPU: 10-core GPU
- Memory: Starts with 16 GB, expandable to 32 GB; 120 GB/s memory bandwidth
- Ports: Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3, headphone jack, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
- Battery Life: Up to 24 hours
- External Display Support: Supports up to two high-resolution external displays
- Price: Starts at $1,599 ($1,499 for education)
MacBook Pro with M4 Pro
- Chip: M4 Pro with 14-core CPU (10 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores)
- GPU: Up to 20-core GPU
- Memory: Up to 64 GB, 273 GB/s memory bandwidth
- Ports: Three Thunderbolt 5 ports, HDMI, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3, headphone jack, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
- Battery Life: Up to 24 hours
- External Display Support: Supports up to four high-resolution external displays
- Price: Starts at $1,999 ($1,849 for education)
MacBook Pro with M4 Max
- Chip: M4 Max with 16-core CPU
- GPU: Up to 40-core GPU
- Memory: Up to 128 GB, 546 GB/s memory bandwidth
- Ports: Three Thunderbolt 5 ports, HDMI, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3, headphone jack, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
- Battery Life: Up to 24 hours
- External Display Support: Supports up to four high-resolution external displays
- Price: Starts at $2,499 ($2,299 for education)
Display
14-inch MacBook Pro
- Display size: 14.2 inches (diagonal)
- Resolution: 3024 x 1964 at 254 PPI
- Display type: Liquid Retina XDR
- Brightness:
- XDR brightness: 1000 nits sustained, 1600 nits peak (HDR only)
- SDR brightness: Up to 1000 nits (outdoor)
- Color: 1 billion colors, P3 wide color
- Adaptive refresh rate: ProMotion technology up to 120Hz
- Fixed refresh rates: 47.95Hz, 48.00Hz, 50.00Hz, 59.94Hz, 60.00Hz
- TrueTone technology
- Optional Nano-texture glass
16-inch MacBook Pro
- Display size: 16.2 inches (diagonal)
- Resolution: 3456 x 2234 at 254 PPI
- Display type: Liquid Retina XDR
- Brightness:
- XDR brightness: 1000 nits sustained, 1600 nits peak (HDR only)
- SDR brightness: Up to 1000 nits (outdoor)
- Color: 1 billion colors, P3 wide color
- Adaptive refresh rate: ProMotion technology up to 120Hz
- Fixed refresh rates: 47.95Hz, 48.00Hz, 50.00Hz, 59.94Hz, 60.00Hz
- TrueTone technology
- Optional Nano-texture glass
Additional Specs
- Storage Options: 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB, 8 TB SSD
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Camera: 12MP Center Stage camera
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Audio: Six-speaker system with Spatial Audio, three-microphone array with directional beamforming
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Colors: Available in Space Black and Silver
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Price: Starts at $1,599 (14-inch with M4)
Size and Weight
The 14-inch MacBook Pro weighs between 3.4 to 3.6 pounds depending on the configuration, while the 16-inch model weighs 4.7 pounds. Although both models feature a sleek and durable aluminum chassis, users should be aware of the increased weight that comes with the larger 16-inch model. This makes the 14-inch option a more portable choice for those frequently on the go, whereas the 16-inch version provides more screen real estate and battery life, but at the cost of added heft. That being said, the extra room is worth it for me.
Environmental Considerations and Recycled Materials
Apple has continued its commitment to reducing its environmental impact with the M4 MacBook Pro. The device is made from 100% recycled aluminum in the enclosure, with various other components—including rare earth elements in the magnets—also being sourced from recycled materials. Additionally, the MacBook Pro meets stringent energy efficiency standards and has been designed to reduce harmful substances, making it a greener choice for environmentally conscious users. The packaging is made from 100% fiber-based materials, aiming to minimize plastic usage. This commitment makes the M4 MacBook Pro not only powerful but also a step forward in sustainability.
Accessibility
When you first set up the Mac, you're presented with options to set up vision, hearing, mobility, speech. It's a fantastic and appreciated touch that makes sure your experience is customized to best fit your needs from the start.
Overall
Benchmarking: Performance Comparisons
Here are some comparisons when looking at previous models.
3D Rendering in Blender and Redshift
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In Blender, the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M4 chip achieves rendering times that are 10.9 times faster compared to the Intel Core i7-based 13-inch MacBook Pro and 3.4 times faster than the M1.
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In Redshift, the 16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Max renders 7.8 times faster compared to the Intel Core i9 model with Radeon Pro 5600M.
Photo Editing with Affinity Photo
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Editing performance with the M4 is up to 7.0 times faster compared to the baseline Intel Core i7 model and 1.7 times faster than the M1.
Productivity: Spreadsheet Calculation Performance in Excel
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The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 provides a 4.3 times faster performance than the Intel Core i7-based MacBook Pro and 1.7 times faster than the M1.
Video Processing in Topaz Video AI
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The 16-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro delivers video retiming speeds that are 21.0 times faster compared to the Intel Core i7 variant, 1.4 times faster than the M3 Pro, and 1.7 times faster than the M1 Pro.
Performance: Pushing the Limits
The standout feature of the M4 family is its performance, which Apple has improved with next-generation 3-nanometer technology. During my time using the M4 Pro, I found that it delivered exceptional responsiveness across a variety of demanding tasks. The thermal system worked well to manage heat, with the fans rarely spinning up even when working in Photoshop or rendering complex video scenes in Final Cut Pro.
Shown above are the Geekbench scores for my M4 Pro system; keep in mind this is the middle chip in the lineup in terms of performance, sandwiched between the M4 and M4 Max. For comparison, the M2 Ultra, the desktop-class chip that is two top-end-laptop M2 Max chips put together and was the flagship chip in the 2023 Mac Studio, scored 2,864 and 21,999, and I can attest that Mac Studio systems absolutely fly. That Apple has beat the scores of a flagship desktop chip in their middle-of-the-pack laptop chip just a year later and done so while increasing already class-leading battery life is, without exaggeration, remarkable.
Local AI image generation—running Stable Diffusion 3.5 with a custom LORA—was extraordinarily quick, with renders completing significantly faster than I'm used to. This is probably the most demanding task for my computers, and the new MacBook Pro showed the best performace yet. The performance boost also means tasks like applying filters in Photoshop or rendering timelines in Premiere Pro are completed with ease. It's about more than efficiency; it keeps you in the creative zone because the computer keeps up with you, no matter how hard you're pushing it. I threw the most demanding workflows I could imagine at the computer in both Photoshop and Premiere Pro, and it never broke a sweat.
I also tested its performance on data modeling and geospatial analysis, which pushed the CPU and GPU to their limits. The M4 Pro handled large datasets and complex calculations with excellent efficiency, making it a reliable tool for data scientists and researchers who need portable computational power. For those who require even more computational headroom, the M4 Max offers increased GPU power and memory bandwidth, delivering desktop-class performance that can handle the most intensive tasks without missing a beat.
Display: The New Nano-Texture Option
One of the new features that caught my attention was the Nano-texture display option, designed to significantly reduce glare without compromising on color accuracy. My workspace includes a large window behind me, and this feature dramatically cut down reflections while maintaining vivid colors, making it ideal for those who work in environments with bright light. Whether editing photos or watching HDR content, the Liquid Retina XDR display is a joy—with up to 1000 nits of brightness for SDR content and peaking at 1600 nits for HDR. It's pleasant to use no matter the lighting, especially when combined with TrueTone. And of course, the Retina resolution makes everything sharp as a tack.
Center Stage Camera and Audio
The MacBook Pro’s 12MP Center Stage camera is another highlight. In long video meetings, it did an excellent job keeping me in frame, even as I adjusted my seating position throughout the day. The Desk View feature is always handy for demonstrating ideas during calls or working out problems for students, adding versatility. Paired with the three-mic array, which has excellent background noise rejection (I no longer get air purifier complaints), this makes the MacBook Pro a solid choice for remote professionals.
The six-speaker sound system also holds its own, delivering crisp highs and full-bodied lows, and providing an immersive audio experience. Music playback and calls both sound fantastic, with Spatial Audio making video content richer. Of course, the laws of physics still apply, so don't expect something comparable to studio monitors, but that being said, these are some of loudest and highest fidelity speakers you'll hear in a laptop.
And speaking of high-level audio, the MacBook Pro also supports high-impedance headphones, making it a great choice for audio professionals who need accurate monitoring during editing. The inclusion of Spatial Audio and support for Dolby Atmos delivers an a fun and immersive experience when listening to music or watching movies, providing depth and clarity typically found in dedicated audio setups.
Connectivity: Thunderbolt 5 and Multi-Monitor Setups
The inclusion of Thunderbolt 5 on M4 Pro and M4 Max models is a welcome addition, tripling transfer speeds up to 120 Gb/s compared to the previous generation, especially as photo and video file sizes only continue to grow.
The SDXC card slot, HDMI port supporting up to 8K resolution, and MagSafe 3 port round out a versatile selection of connectivity options, all of which cater well to creative professionals who need flexibility. As a klutz who's constantly tripping over things and who has several similarly clumsy pets, I'll never not preach the benefits of MagSafe in averting disasters with cords.
The HDMI port now supports higher refresh rates for external displays, making it possible to connect an 8K display at 60 Hz or a 4K display at 240 Hz. For those using multiple external monitors, the M4 Max version supports up to four displays, which can be invaluable for professionals who need maximum screen real estate.
Storage: Speedy and Reliable
Storage is always a critical component for those working with large files, and I’m pleased to report that the internal SSD in the M4 Pro model I used was more than capable. The storage speeds are rapid, ensuring that even the largest raw files or 4K video clips load without delay. In day-to-day use, I never found storage to be a bottleneck, whether transferring files from an external drive or saving massive video projects.
For video editors, the ability to work on multiple streams of 4K or even 8K footage without the system choking is crucial, and the M4 Pro delivered flawlessly. As you can see in my test above, the SSD flies. The SSD also supports advanced encryption, which adds an extra layer of security for users handling sensitive projects.
For those who need even more space, the M4 Max configuration can be outfitted with up to 8 TB of SSD storage. This capacity is ideal for users managing large libraries of content, such as filmmakers or photographers who work with high-resolution media daily or away from home.
Magic Keyboard and Trackpad: No Surprises, All Excellence
Apple’s Magic Keyboard and Force Touch trackpad have been carried over from previous models without significant changes, which is a good thing. The keys provide comfortable travel and feedback, making extended typing sessions easy on the fingers. The trackpad is large and precise, with excellent palm rejection, and it remains one of the best implementations of a trackpad in any laptop. The inclusion of Touch ID is great, especially as more services begin to leverage it, making it easy to quickly log in, use a credit card, etc.
For creative professionals, the trackpad remains a fantastic tool for gestures, precise adjustments, and quick navigation through projects. The tactile feel and accuracy of the trackpad is excellent, especially for those who prefer not to use an external mouse. Additionally, the ambient light sensor adjusts keyboard brightness automatically, a nice touch.
Apple Intelligence: Smart, Practical Assistance
Apple Intelligence is a new addition that feels genuinely useful. I particularly enjoyed the notification summaries feature, which allowed me to quickly digest incoming messages without distraction. The integration of system-wide Writing Tools also proved handy for proofreading emails and other documents, streamlining my day-to-day workflow.
The newly redesigned Siri can now perform more system-wide tasks and can respond fluidly to both typed and spoken inputs. This flexibility is useful for those who prefer to switch between voice and text commands throughout the day, especially when multitasking.
Battery Life: Longer Lasting, Still Impressive
Battery life has also seen improvements, with Apple claiming up to 24 hours on a single charge. In my experience, this held true with normal use, which included photo editing, multiple video calls, web browsing, and some light coding work. The efficiency of the M4 chip really shines here. Fast charging allowed me to get back up to 50% in just over 30 minutes, which was particularly helpful on busy days.
Cooling: Quiet and Effective
The cooling system on the M4 MacBook Pro deserves special mention. Even during intense workflows, the fans rarely kicked in. When they did, they were impressively quiet. I spent hours working on photos, running data analysis tools, and running local AI models, and the thermal performance kept everything smooth without excessive noise. The efficiency of the M4 chip allows the laptop to remain cool and quiet during most tasks, which is a huge plus for anyone who works in environments where silence is key.
The larger chassis of the 16-inch model also contributes to better cooling efficiency. Heat dissipation is more effective, allowing for sustained performance over longer periods. This is particularly important for those who run computational-heavy software for hours at a time, ensuring the machine doesn’t throttle down its performance when you need it most.
Pricing and Availability
The M4 MacBook Pro starts at $1,599 for the 14-inch model with the base M4 chip, while the M4 Pro version begins at $1,999. The 16-inch models start at $2,499, and Apple continues to offer educational pricing for students and faculty, providing a good value for those eligible. Considering the array of features and the raw power on offer, these price points feel justified—though still premium. For those interested in upgrading, the configure-to-order options allow for up to 128 GB of unified memory and 8 TB of SSD storage.
The base M4 model is a more affordable entry point for users who do not need the extreme power of the M4 Pro or M4 Max. It’s suitable for students or professionals who want the build quality and reliability of a MacBook Pro without pushing their budget to the limits. And to be clear, the base M4 chip is still very capable.
Final Thoughts
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Performance: The M4 MacBook Pro is incredibly powerful, especially with the M4 Pro and M4 Max configurations. It outpaces previous models and provides excellent performance for demanding tasks like 3D rendering, video editing, and gaming.
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Display: The Liquid Retina XDR is stunning, and the Nano-texture option is genuinely useful. The ProMotion technology ensures a fluid experience during everyday tasks and creative work.
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Battery Life: The battery life is impressive, delivering up to 24 hours for regular usage, with support for fast charging via MagSafe 3.
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Thermal Efficiency: The cooling system is quiet and effective, even under heavy workloads, ensuring a smooth user experience.
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Build Quality and Longevity: The MacBook Pro is built to last, making the upfront cost worthwhile for many professionals seeking durability and long-term performance.
The new M4 MacBook Pro builds on the strengths of its predecessor while introducing practical new features like the Nano-texture display and Apple Intelligence. The performance improvements are real and substantial, particularly for those involved in heavy creative or AI-centric workflows. The enhanced connectivity, stunning display options, and the addition of Thunderbolt 5 make it a well-rounded device for professionals.
One often overlooked aspect of the MacBook Pro is its long-lasting reliability. Yes, the upfront cost is high, but these machines are built to comfortably last for several years, maintaining strong performance and consistent software support. For many users, the investment is justified by the extended lifespan, meaning that the total cost of ownership often ends up being more reasonable compared to less expensive alternatives that require more frequent upgrades.
For anyone coming from an Intel-based MacBook or even the early Apple silicon models, the M4 MacBook Pro is a significant leap forward—delivering on Apple’s promise of pro-level performance, refined design, and seamless user experience. Its combination of power, portability, and thoughtful features make it a top choice for professionals who need the best tool available to create, work, and innovate.
Purchase
The 2024 MacBook Pro is available for purchase in a variety of configuration in both 14-inch versions and 16-inch versions.
