Apple has unveiled its 2024 MacBook Pro lineup, built on the latest M4 series processors — the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max. With substantial upgrades in memory, processing, and display technology, Apple’s new laptops aim to serve a wide range of users, from students and business owners to researchers, developers, and creative professionals. The new models also introduce Apple Intelligence, an on-device AI system designed to streamline everyday tasks.The new models introduce Apple Intelligence, an on-device AI system designed to simplify everyday tasks. There were doubts about Apple maintaining its exponential lead in the personal computing space with ARM-based silicon, considering Intel’s Lunar Lake and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite chipsets. However, it appears that Apple is not only holding its own but also pushing boundaries further. Here’s a look at what the 2024 MacBook Pro lineup offers and how it fits into Apple’s broader vision for computing.
The M4 Series: Apple’s Most Advanced Silicon to Date
The M4 family of chips brings several improvements in speed and energy efficiency, thanks to an advanced 3-nanometre design. Apple has tailored each chip to different levels of user needs:
• M4 Chip: The base M4 features a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, offering about 1.8 times the performance of the M1. This chip is intended for users who need reliable, fast performance without the extra power that high-end graphics or data-intensive tasks require. This chip, which debuted earlier this year with the iPad Pro, was featured in the new iMac and the entry-level Mac Mini earlier in the week.
• M4 Pro: For professionals needing more power, the M4 Pro includes a 14-core CPU and a 20-core GPU, with 273GB/s memory bandwidth for smooth handling of larger files and complex tasks. The addition of Thunderbolt 5, Apple’s latest high-speed connection, enables faster data transfers, a valuable feature for users handling large volumes of files or frequently connecting to high-speed storage or external displays. It debuted yesterday with the higher end Mac Mini.
• M4 Max: Designed for advanced users in creative or technical fields, the M4 Max offers a 16-core CPU and a 40-core GPU, and it can support up to 128GB of unified memory. With over 500GB/s memory bandwidth, the M4 Max is particularly suited for heavy-duty tasks like 3D rendering, video editing, and AI model training.
Apple Intelligence: On-Device AI for Everyday Tasks
Apple Intelligence is a new feature that integrates AI-driven tools directly onto the MacBook Pro, without relying on cloud processing. This includes system-wide “Writing Tools” that offer proofreading, summarising, and rephrasing functions within documents and apps. Apple also plans to add ChatGPT integration to Apple Intelligence by December, allowing users to interact with the model without switching between applications. Apple is emphasising on-device privacy with these features, which keeps data processing local to the machine.
Enhanced Display and Camera Features
The 2024 MacBook Pro models continue to refine Apple’s Liquid Retina XDR display. An optional nano-texture coating reduces glare, improving usability in bright environments. With up to 1,600 nits of brightness for HDR content, the screen is built for users needing detailed colour accuracy and sharp visuals, such as photographers and video editors.
Apple has also updated the MacBook Pro’s camera, adding a 12MP Centre Stage featurethat automatically keeps users in the frame during video calls. While these aren’t new technologies in the market, they add incremental improvements that can enhance remote work and collaborative tasks.
Expanded RAM Options for Pro-Level Workflows
In a move to accommodate heavier multitasking, Apple has increased RAM options across the lineup. The entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro now starts with 16GB of unified memory, while higher-end configurations allow for up to 128GB with the M4 Max. This expanded memory supports complex workflows, such as large file processing or running multiple applications simultaneously, providing smoother performance for users juggling intensive tasks.
Gaming Gains on macOS
Apple has also taken steps to expand gaming possibilities on macOS. The M4 series offers improved GPU performance and support for ray-tracing, a graphics technique that enhances lighting realism in games. Upcoming AAA titles, such as Assassin’s Creed Shadows, are expected to be compatible, representing Apple’s effort to make macOS more viable as a gaming platform. While it may not yet compete with Windows PCs optimised for gaming, it’s a notable shift for Apple, aiming to attract more game developers to the platform.
Productivity for Professional Workflows
The M4 series brings enhanced capabilities to traditional professional tasks:
• Video Editing: With dual ProRes accelerators in the M4 Max, Apple’s highest-tier chip enables faster real-time editing of 4K and 8K video. This capability is likely to appeal to video editors working on time-sensitive projects who need minimal delays in rendering or exporting files.
• Music Production: The M4 Pro and M4 Max provide lower latency, supporting the playback of complex audio projects with numerous tracks and effects. This could make these models more appealing to music producers who require smooth, real-time audio processing.
• AI and LLM Processing: The M4 family includes machine learning accelerators that enhance on-device AI processing. The improved Neural Engine is geared for users working with large language models (LLMs), such as those in data science or customer service fields, where fast, secure on-device processing is valuable.
MacBook Air Gets a Memory Boost
The MacBook Air, Apple’s most popular consumer laptop, now starts with 16GB of unified memory on its M2 and M3 models. Available from Rs 99,900, this bump in memory is aimed at general users who need enhanced multitasking performance without the price tag of the MacBook Pro.
Pricing and Availability in India
The 2024 MacBook Pro lineup is now available for pre-order in India, with delivery starting on 8th November 2024. Here’s the pricing:
• 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4: Rs 1,69,900 (Rs 1,59,900 for education)
• 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro: Rs 1,99,900 (Rs 1,84,900 for education)
• 16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Max: Rs 2,49,900 (Rs 2,29,900 for education)
The MacBook Air with M2 or M3 (16GB RAM) starts at Rs 99,900.
A Continued Focus on Environmental Goals
In line with its sustainability commitments, Apple has used 100 per cent recycled aluminium in the MacBook Pro’s enclosure and 100 per cent recycled rare earth elements in the magnets. Apple’s packaging is now fully fibre-based, moving closer to its goal of eliminating plastic from all packaging by 2025.
Apple’s 2024 MacBook Pro models offer significant performance updates for professionals, students, and general users. The M4 family of chips and Apple Intelligence reflect Apple’s commitment to refining its silicon and integrating AI features that are both practical and private. While these models won’t replace high-end gaming PCs, they are built to support a wide range of professional workflows, with added options for on-device processing of machine learning tasks.
