Apple unveiled the 2021 MacBook Pro today. A 16-inch variant, as well as a new 14-inch model, are available with a variety of modifications, from the design to new M1 Pro and M1 Max chipsets.
The new MacBook Pro has a unique appearance that is reminiscent of the previous plastic MacBooks due to the curved metal casing. The MacBook Pro returns to its predecessor’s curved form, while the iPhone and iPad return to their predecessor’s flat edges.
The new MacBook Pro features a redesigned keyboard with a black backdrop. The new model does away with the polarising Touch Bar in favour of a conventional row of function buttons that are now full-sized to match Apple’s wireless keyboard.
The updated model has two new screens. The 16.2-inch IPS LCD has a resolution of 3456×2234. The 14-inch model features a 14.2-inch IPS LCD with 3024×1964. Both versions include 10,000 mini-LED backlighting for fine local dimming and contrast. In addition, both versions have 120Hz refresh rates, 1600 nits peak brightness, and 1000 nits continuous brightness. They both support HDR.
Apple has also reduced the panel’s bezels and created a notch for the new 1080p FaceTime HD camera. MacOS has been upgraded to support the new notch, which now neatly fits inside the top menu bar. The notch is larger than it needs to be right now, presumably for future Face ID support.
The new MacBook Pro also has a new sound system with two tweeters and four force-canceling woofers. The speakers now support Dolby Atmos spatial audio. The new machine also has “studio-quality” microphones with a lower noise floor.
Apple’s new M1 Pro and M1 Max SoCs power the new MacBook Pro. The 14-inch device comes with M1 Pro choices by default, but you may upgrade to M1 Max via Apple’s website. The bigger 16-inch variant comes pre-configured with either M1 Pro or M1 Max, but you may customize it further on Apple’s website.
With these new CPUs, the MacBook Pro may have up to 32GB or 64GB of unified memory. Because it’s unified memory, it’s accessible for both the system and graphics.
Apple now uses faster SSDs capable of up to 7.4GB/s read rates. These range from 512GB to 8TB.
Apple’s latest pro laptop features improved connectivity. The previous version of MacBook Pro’s port choices were widely criticized, which the current model tries to address. The three USB-C Thunderbolt 4 connections now include a full-size HDMI connector and a full-size SDXC card slot. An extra 3.5mm headphone jack for high-impedance headphones is available. Finally, Apple has brought back the MagSafe connector, which can now be used to rapidly charge your new MacBook Pro.
The M1 Pro MacBook Pro can handle up to two 6K Pro Monitor XDR simultaneously, while the M1 Max can support three 6K Pro Display XDR plus a 4K display.
New MacBook Pro offers better battery life. The 16-inch model can play video for 21 hours and surf the web for 14 hours. The 14-inch model can watch videos for 17 hours and surf the web for 11 hours.
The new model comes with a 67W USB-C charger for the 8-core CPU M1 Pro and a 96W USB-C charger for the remaining CPU versions. A 2m USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable is provided.
Both the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros start at Rs.2,39,900/-. They are available for pre-order on Apple’s online store today and will be delivered on Tuesday, October 26.
