Released at Apple’s October 2024 event, the MacBook Pro M4 has set a new benchmark in pro laptop performance. With groundbreaking advancements in its M4 chips and the longest-lasting battery in Mac history, this MacBook Pro promises power, efficiency, and privacy-first features. Discover why it’s the most compelling choice for professionals and creatives alike.
Introduction
The 2024 MacBook Pro, available in 14-inch and 16-inch models, is Apple’s flagship laptop, catering to the most demanding users. Crafted with Apple’s M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips, this generation emphasizes peak processing, on-device AI, and high-speed connectivity. As Apple continues to push the limits of laptop performance, the MacBook Pro M4 stands as a powerhouse with a high-class aluminum finish, robust machine learning capabilities, and seamless integration with macOS Sequoia. With extensive connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 5 and HDMI, this model is perfect for productivity, creative tasks, and complex workflows.
Key Highlights
- Revolutionary M4 Family Chips: Equipped with the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chip options, the MacBook Pro M4 offers an impressive leap in CPU and GPU speeds, with up to 3.5x faster performance than the M1 models. These chips feature hardware-accelerated ray tracing and advanced Apple Intelligence for privacy-first AI on-device.
- Stunning Liquid Retina XDR Display: With 1,600 nits peak HDR brightness, the Liquid Retina XDR display provides sharp and vibrant visuals, maintaining clarity even in bright outdoor settings.
- Unmatched Battery Life: Up to 24 hours on a single charge for the 16-inch model, with fast-charge capabilities that boost battery to 50% in just 30 minutes.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Thunderbolt 5 ports offer speeds up to 120Gb/s, allowing for multi-monitor setups and high-speed peripheral connections. HDMI 2.1 supports 8K resolution, catering to modern creative needs.
- Superior Sound and Camera Quality: The six-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio and the 12MP Center Stage camera provide a premium video call experience.
The Detailed Specification
| Feature | 14-inch Model | 16-inch Model |
|---|---|---|
| Chip Options | M4, M4 Pro, M4 Max | M4 Pro, M4 Max |
| CPU/GPU | Up to 12-core CPU, 20-core GPU | Up to 16-core CPU, 40-core GPU |
| Neural Engine | 16-core | 16-core |
| Memory Bandwidth | Up to 410GB/s (M4 Max) | Up to 546GB/s (M4 Max) |
| Display | 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR, 3024×1964 pixels, 254 ppi, 1000 nits sustained, 1600 nits peak brightness | 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR, 3456×2234 pixels, 254 ppi, 1000 nits sustained, 1600 nits peak brightness |
| Refresh Rate | ProMotion up to 120Hz | ProMotion up to 120Hz |
| Storage | 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB SSD (up to 8TB with M4 Max) | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB SSD |
| Unified Memory | Configurable up to 48GB (M4 Max) | Configurable up to 128GB (M4 Max) |
| Battery Life | Up to 22 hours video playback, 14 hours web browsing, 72.4-watt-hour battery | Up to 24 hours video playback, 17 hours web browsing, 100-watt-hour battery |
| Charging | 70W USB-C Power Adapter (M4), 96W for M4 Pro, Fast-charge capable | 140W USB-C Power Adapter, Fast-charge capable |
| Ports | 3x Thunderbolt 5, HDMI 2.1, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3, headphone jack | 3x Thunderbolt 5, HDMI 2.1, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3, headphone jack |
| External Display Support | Up to 2 displays at 6K 60Hz (M4), up to 4 displays at 6K (M4 Max) | Up to 3 displays at 6K 60Hz + 1 display at 8K 60Hz (M4 Max) |
| Camera | 12MP Center Stage, 1080p HD video recording | 12MP Center Stage, 1080p HD video recording |
| Audio System | Six-speaker system with force-cancelling woofers, Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos | Six-speaker system with force-cancelling woofers, Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos |
| Microphone Array | Studio-quality three-mic array with directional beamforming | Studio-quality three-mic array with directional beamforming |
| Wi-Fi and Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 12.31 x 8.71 x 0.61 inches (31.26 x 22.12 x 1.55 cm) | 14.01 x 9.77 x 0.66 inches (35.57 x 24.81 x 1.68 cm) |
| Weight | Starting at 3.4 lbs (1.55 kg) | Starting at 4.7 lbs (2.14 kg) |
| Operating System | macOS Sequoia | macOS Sequoia |
| Sustainability | 100% recycled aluminum enclosure, ENERGY STAR® certified, fiber-based packaging | 100% recycled aluminum enclosure, ENERGY STAR® certified, fiber-based packaging |
Comparison Highlights: Apple MacBook Pro M4 2024 (14-inch vs. 16-inch)
- Chip Options and Performance:
- Both models offer the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chip options, with up to a 16-core CPU and 40-core GPU in the M4 Max variant.
- The 16-inch model has slightly higher memory bandwidth, with the M4 Max supporting up to 546GB/s, compared to 410GB/s in the 14-inch model. This provides a small performance edge in data-intensive tasks on the larger model.
- Display Size and Quality:
- The 14-inch model has a 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, while the 16-inch model features a larger 16.2-inch display. Both displays offer a resolution of 254 pixels per inch, HDR brightness of up to 1,600 nits, and support ProMotion technology for adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz.
- Both models deliver exceptional color accuracy and brightness, ideal for creative professionals. However, the larger screen on the 16-inch model provides more workspace, benefiting those who need more screen real estate.
- Unified Memory Capacity:
- The 14-inch model can be configured with up to 48GB of unified memory with the M4 Max, whereas the 16-inch model supports up to 128GB with the same chip.
- This expanded memory option on the 16-inch is ideal for users working with highly complex projects in fields like 3D rendering, video editing, and machine learning.
- Battery Life:
- The 16-inch model has a larger 100-watt-hour battery, offering up to 24 hours of video playback and 17 hours of web browsing, making it one of the longest-lasting MacBooks available.
- In comparison, the 14-inch model has a 72.4-watt-hour battery, providing up to 22 hours of video playback and 14 hours of web browsing. While slightly less than the 16-inch, the 14-inch model’s battery life is still substantial, especially considering its compact size.
- Port Configuration:
- Both models include three Thunderbolt 5 ports, HDMI 2.1, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3 charging port, and a high-impedance headphone jack.
- The Thunderbolt 5 capability provides faster data transfer rates (up to 120Gb/s), and HDMI 2.1 supports up to 8K external displays, making both models suitable for high-performance peripherals and multiple external displays.
- External Display Support:
- The 14-inch model (with M4 Max) can drive up to 4 external displays, while the 16-inch model supports up to 3 displays at 6K and an additional 8K display. This makes the 16-inch model more versatile for multi-display setups, useful for professional workflows.
- Audio and Camera:
- Both models are equipped with a six-speaker system featuring force-cancelling woofers, Spatial Audio, and Dolby Atmos support, delivering immersive sound.
- Both models include a 12MP Center Stage camera for enhanced video quality in virtual meetings and an array of studio-quality microphones with directional beamforming for clear audio capture.
- Weight and Portability:
- The 14-inch model starts at 3.4 lbs (1.55 kg), making it more portable and convenient for users who need power on the go.
- The 16-inch model, while slightly heavier at 4.7 lbs (2.14 kg), provides a larger screen and battery, which may appeal to users who prioritize workspace over portability.
- Sustainability:
- Both models feature environmentally conscious design, including 100% recycled aluminum enclosures and ENERGY STAR® certification, supporting Apple’s commitment to reducing environmental impact.
Comparison Summary
The 14-inch MacBook Pro M4 is compact, highly portable, and still powerful, making it ideal for professionals needing mobility without compromising on performance. The 16-inch MacBook Pro M4 offers expanded memory options, superior battery life, and a larger screen, suiting those in creative and technical fields who benefit from a spacious workspace and longer usage periods without recharging. Both models deliver exceptional performance, but the 16-inch is better suited for power users with heavy, multi-display workflows.
Limitations
While the MacBook Pro M4 is a marvel in design and performance, it’s not without limits. Its high performance requires significant power, which, despite excellent battery life, can drain faster under intense multi-tasking. Additionally, the device’s sleek, all-aluminum build can show fingerprints, and its robust capabilities come with a premium price tag.
Use Cases
The MacBook Pro M4 is ideal for:
- Creative Professionals: Photographers, videographers, and designers benefit from the high-resolution display, fast memory, and optimized macOS.
- Developers: The M4 chips are perfect for handling complex coding environments, virtual machines, and AI/ML applications.
- Business Executives: With its professional look, strong security features, and comprehensive connectivity options, it’s a robust tool for any high-stakes environment.
Who Is Right For?
This MacBook is right for anyone looking for uncompromised performance in a portable form factor. It’s best suited for professionals who need fast processing, high-quality displays, and extensive connectivity. Students and light users may find other Apple options more budget-friendly, but for power users, the MacBook Pro M4 is unmatched.
Conclusion
The Apple MacBook Pro M4 2024 redefines what a laptop can achieve with top-tier processing, exceptional battery life, and an industry-leading display. Whether you’re editing videos, rendering 3D graphics, or running complex simulations, this MacBook Pro is designed to deliver, making it the ultimate choice for those who need a blend of power, privacy, and innovation.