(Daily Point) – In a surprising move, Apple hosted its “Scary Fast” October event, a clever play on Halloween, to unveil an array of thrilling new products.
Departing from its usual 1 pm keynote schedule, the event kicked off at 8 pm, adding an element of suspense to the proceedings. Let’s dive into the spine-tingling hardware offerings that Apple revealed as we approach the end of 2023.
New MacBook Pro Models Powered by 3nm M3 Processors
The highlight of the event was Apple’s introduction of the cutting-edge 3-nanometer M3 chip family for the MacBook Pro. This new lineup includes the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max processors, featuring a state-of-the-art GPU architecture with hardware-accelerated mesh shading, ray tracing (as seen on the A17 Pro), and Dynamic Caching.
One standout feature is Dynamic Memory, which dynamically allocates local memory in real-time to meet the specific needs of running applications. Apple claims that the M3 GPUs deliver a remarkable 2.5x performance boost compared to the previous M2 family.
Additionally, the performance cores in these processors are up to 30 percent faster, while the efficiency cores show a substantial 50 percent improvement over the M2 Pro and M2 Pro Max. The neural engine also receives a significant boost, with a 60 percent increase in performance compared to the M1 family.
New CPU Lineup for MacBook Pros
- M3: This model comes with an 8-core CPU (4 performance, 3 efficiency), a 10-core GPU, and support for up to 24GB of unified memory.
- M3 Pro: It boasts a 12-core CPU (6 performance, 6 efficiency), an 18-core GPU, and support for up to 36GB of unified memory.
- M3 Max: This powerhouse features a 16-core CPU (12 performance, 4 efficiency), a 40-core GPU, and support for an impressive 128GB of unified memory.
The base model of the 14-inch MacBook Pro now features the M3 processor, replacing the previous M1 Pro and M2 Pro options. Customers also have the option to choose the M3 Pro and M3 Max for the 14-inch MacBook Pro. Meanwhile, the 16-inch MacBook Pro is exclusively available in M3 Pro and M3 Max configurations.
Exceptional Battery Life and Display
Apple boasts an impressive battery life of up to 22 hours for the new MacBook Pros. These laptops are equipped with an upgraded Liquid Retina XDR Display, delivering a maximum HDR brightness of 1600 nits, ensuring a breathtaking visual experience.
New Color Option
For those with an eye for aesthetics, Apple has introduced a striking new color option for the M3 Pro and M3 Max models: Space Black. This sleek dark aluminum finish departs from the traditional Silver and Space Grey, and Apple claims it incorporates a “breakthrough” anodization method to resist fingerprints.
Pricing and Availability
The 14-inch MacBook Pro, now featuring the M3 processor, starts at a competitive $1,599, a change from the previous starting price of $1,999 with the M2 Pro.
The 16-inch MacBook Pro, available in M3 Pro and M3 Max configurations, starts at $2,499. All these new MacBook Pro models are available for order immediately, with the M3 Max versions set to ship in November.
As a side note, the lower price point of the M3-based MacBook Pro appears to be replacing the “old” 13-inch MacBook Pro in Apple’s lineup, making it an even more compelling choice for those seeking high-performance laptops.
