Apple has just lifted the veil on the 2021 MacBook Pros. This new generation of high-end computers stands out thanks to two M1 Pro and Max chips developed by Apple, a new completely revised design with notch, MagSafe charging and a ProMotion screen . Here is all you need to know.
After the back-to-school conference dedicated to the iPhone 13, iPad mini and Apple Watch Series 7, Apple organized a second keynote to announce a new generation of MacBook Pro. With this new range, Apple continues to break free from Intel chips. Within computers, we first find two chips designed by Apple Silicon and based on the ARM architecture: the Apple M1 Pro and the Apple M1 Max.
These chips follow on from the M1 processor announced last year. Integrated into the Mac mini, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac and the latest iPad Pro, the M1 processor has managed to boost the autonomy of the brand’s devices. Thanks to this homemade chip, Apple has greatly improved its PCs and is counting on transform the test this year with two new processors oriented for professionals. “The MacBook Pro is designed for developers, photographers, filmmakers, 3D artists, scientists, music producers, and anyone who wants the world’s best laptop”, boasts Apple.
Apple M1 Pro, M1 Max, ProMotion mini-LED screen, MagSafe… the MacBook Pro gets a makeover, it’s about time!
The new MacBook Pro therefore stands out firstly thanks to the presence of a powerful processor. Engraved in 5nm, M1 Pro processor is 70% more powerful than M1 from last year. It is equipped with a 10-core CPU (8 for power and 2 economical cores) and a 16-core GPU. Thanks to this GPU, Apple promises graphics performance twice as high as on the M1.
The processor is optimized for ProRes, Apple’s demanding video code. “M1 Pro adds a ProRes accelerator in the media engine, delivering incredibly fast and power efficient video processing”, explains Apple. The chip promises a memory speed of up to 200 GB / s, which is 3 times more than the M1.
For his part, the M1 Max is even faster. It promises a memory speed of up to 400 GB / s. The 32-core GPU of the M1 Max chip promises 4 times higher graphics performance than the standard M1. For its part, the eight-core CPU offers an increase in performance compared to the M1 without consuming more autonomy. Dedicated to pros, the chip manages up to four external screens. In short, it’s a real rocket.
Apple declines the range of MacBook Pro in two models : a computer with a 14 inch screen and a computer with a 16 inch screen. The Silicon Valley giant is banking on a Liquid Retina XDR 120 Hz ProMotion display similar to that of the iPad Pro. For the first time, a MacBook offers a high refresh rate, which is ideal for gaming. As on the iPhone 13 Pro, this is an adaptive frequency.
Concretely, the frequency of the Liquid Retina XDR display adapts to what you are doing. If you watch a series or play a game, the frequency goes up. If you look at a photo or a PDG file, the frequency drops again to limit the impact of this technology on battery life. Apple also promises an autonomy of 21 hours, 17 hours of video playback on the 14 inch and 21 hours on the 16 inch The screen can go up to 1600 nits but the brightness is generally confined to 1000 nits.
Apple has also reviewed from top to bottom computer design. For the first time, Apple incorporates a notch on the computer screen. This notch, inherited from the iPhone, embeds the webcam. On the other hand, it does not contain the TrueDepth sensors intended for Face ID. MacBooks are again content witha TouchID sensor housed on the ignition button. This notch is not unnecessary. It allows Apple to reduce the top border by 60% and raise the MacOS taskbar to provide a larger display area. Apple claims that the borders have been reduced by 24%.
This generation signs abandonment of the famous TouchBar. Inaugurated in 2016, the Touch Bar is a tiny touch screen that provides quick access to common commands, especially on specialized software such as Photoshop or IAWriter. This touch bar has not met with user support. Faced with the opinion of users, Apple decided to bury the Touch Bar.
On the connectivity side, Apple relies on an HDMI port and an SD card reader in addition to the usual USB-C ports which are placed on the edge. Let us quote the entry on the scene of MagSafe magnetic refill. On the iPhone 12, this wireless search keeps the charger in place using magnets. On MacBooks, it takes the form of a magnetic cable that makes sure the PC won’t end up on the ground if someone gets tripped up in the machine cables. This system was integrated for years in Apple computers before being abandoned (to the chagrin of users). Note that it is still possible to recharge the machine via a Thunderbolt port.
On the audio side, Apple explains that it has greatly improved the speakers. MacBooks are also compatible with spatial audio. Finally, we will note the integration of a a 1080p webcam. For many years, the brand has confined itself to placing a 720p webcam on its MacBooks. The rise of teleworking and online conferences on Zoom has obviously pushed Apple to change its habits.
What price and what release date?
Apple will offer the MacBook Pro to a starting price of 2,249 euros for the 14 inch version. The edition with 16-inch screen is displayed at 2,749 euros. Depending on the configuration and the screen size chosen, the price obviously goes up. The 14-inch MacBook Pro with all the options goes up to 6,659 euros. The 16-inch model with full option climbs to 6,839 euros.
Computers will hit the market this October 26, 2021 but pre-orders are already open. What do you think of this new generation which brings a host of novelties? We await your opinion in the comments.