In a press conference held at the Steve Jobs Theater on Wednesday, Apple revealed its new MacBook Pro with M1 and M1 Max processors. The company also unveiled a new lineup of screens that will be available this October.
The “macbook pro 16 m1” is a laptop that Apple has released. The laptop comes with a new M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, which are said to be more efficient than the previous generation. However, the MacBook Pro comes at a cost of not being able to use older processors from previous generations.
Apple in the year 2021: Didn’t we say that? Please accept my apologies. We believe that full-size ports and MagSafe chargers are essential for laptops. And what exactly is a Touch Bar?
Yes, there is a complete keyboard with physical keys. Instead of a Touch Bar, there are full-size function keys. A slot for SD cards. An HDMI port is available. A MagSafe charging port that is magnetic. They’ve all returned!
This isn’t merely a return to the beginning. With new Apple M1 Pro and M1 Max are two different models of the M1. CPUs, the entirely redesigned laptops—available next week for $1,999 in both 14.2- and 16.2-inch screen sizes—promise significant performance and battery life improvements. They have enhanced 1080p webcams and new high-contrast, high-resolution monitors.
I’ll be reviewing the new computers shortly, but for now, here are some of the coolest new MacBook Pro features:
Apple preserved the strong USB-C Thunderbolt 4 connectors while bringing back the SD card reader and HDMI port.
Photo courtesy of Apple
MagSafe and ports
Should we forgive Apple for the bank loans we’ve had to take out in the previous several years to purchase numerous SD-card, HDMI, and USB-C dongles? Certainly not. Should we, however, be overjoyed about the reappearance of the SD-card and HDMI ports? Abso-freakin’-lutely. Many professionals still use them, and many Windows PCs have retained them throughout time, even as USB-C ports have been added.
With the reinstatement of Apple’s MagSafe detachable power cable, there’s a lower risk of cable-tripping mishaps.
Photo courtesy of Apple
Three USB-C ports (with Thunderbolt 4) are available on the latest MacBook Pro models for connecting additional devices. While you can still charge the laptops using those connections (which is useful when you’re attached to an external display), chances are you’ll want to have the new MagSafe 3 charger in your bag. It’s magnetically attached to the laptop, much like the original MacBook MagSafe charger. Your laptop does not fall to the ground if it is knocked out; it just detaches. Apple also claims that the new charger can charge up to 50 percent quicker in 30 minutes.
Keyboard
The Touch Bar has been replaced with a new row of full-size function keys.
Photo courtesy of Apple
Apple believed that the Touch Bar, which is a touch-screen strip above the number row, would serve as a viable replacement for conventional function buttons, providing dynamic shortcuts depending on the program you were using. Instead, it got in the way more than the middle-seat armrest on an aircraft. Siri, you won’t be able to assist me! I simply want to turn down the noise!
The typical function row is back on these new MacBook Pro models, and it’s bigger than ever, including volume, screen brightness, and other features you’re used to. To swiftly and securely open your laptop without a password, a Touch ID fingerprint sensor remains in the upper right hand corner of the keyboard.
Display and Webcam
There’s a new 1080p webcam in the display’s notch, but no Face ID.
Photo courtesy of Apple
I thought Apple would include Face ID face recognition in its high-end laptops when I first noticed the iPhone-like display notch at the top, encircling the camera. That section, though, is dedicated to a new 1080p webcam, which Apple claims doubles the quality and enhances low-light performance. I’m excited to try it out since I’ve had bad luck with built-in laptop cameras.
The laptops’ new Liquid Retina XDR screens, which are brighter and have refresh rates up to 120 hertz, making everything from browsing to watching movies look smoother, are the primary attraction. Hertz is incredible, as John Mellencamp put it.
M1 Pro and M1 Max
The most powerful new MacBook Pro models are capable of feeding footage to three Apple Pro Display XDR displays as well as a 4K television.
Photo courtesy of Apple
To be fair, due of the M1 processor within last year’s 13-inch MacBook Pro, I learned to live without the ports—and even cohabit with the Touch Bar—over the last year. Apple was able to make computers that were faster, quieter, and cooler by substituting its own processor for Intel’s. In addition, in my regular usage, the battery lasts at least six to eight hours.
That performance has been boosted with the new MacBook Pros. The two machines come with faster versions of the M1 chip: the M1 Pro, which is better and faster, and the M1 Max, which is even better and quicker. At its presentation, Apple displayed more charts and graphs than a quarterly profits report to demonstrate the advances in raw processing and graphics capabilities. Furthermore, the M1 Pro processor supports up to 32 GB of memory, while the M1 Max supports up to 64 GB. The present M1 chip has a maximum memory capacity of 16GB.
The claimed battery life is also outstanding. The 14-inch model can play video for 17 hours, while the 16-inch model can play for 21 hours, according to the manufacturer. It has the “longest battery life ever on a Mac laptop,” according to Apple.
Is it all I’ve wished for in recent years? It seems to be so, but I’ll have to put it to the test, particularly the camera, battery, and performance promises. My dog can now go dig up my dongle collection in the backyard. He’ll be overjoyed.
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Joanna Stern can be reached at joanna.stern@wsj.com.
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