The MacBook Pro received a major makeover in 2021, featuring state-of-the-art Apple Silicon, an abundance of ports, a top-notch 1080p camera, and a bulkier frame to accommodate these new additions. It was a significant departure from Apple’s traditional approach. The newer M2 Pro and M2 Max chips, which provide more power and longer battery life, have been incorporated into the latest MacBook Pro models, which are offered in both 14-inch and 16-inch sizes, and still possess the exceptional characteristics of their predecessors.
The MacBook Pro is still considered a top-performing ultrabook that offers stunning Mini-LED screens, exceptional speakers, and advanced functionality suited for professionals. Nevertheless, enhancing the device’s power with high-end features such as increased storage and RAM will cost more than the base models. Additionally, it’s important to note that the present MacBook Pro design restricts internal upgrades. If you plan to utilize the M2 Max’s full capability of up to 96GB of RAM, be prepared to pay a substantial amount during purchase.
The design of the new laptops is different from the previous Intel-based models, which had a tapered style. The laptops will also feature an updated front-facing camera, which is accommodated in a cut-out on the screen.
The MagSafe connector, introduced in the 2021 Apple MacBook Pro laptops, will be retained in the 2023 models. MagSafe is a unique power connection that allows for easy cable detachment and quicker charging. The laptops will also keep an SD card slot, which is especially useful for those who work with photography.
The M2 chipset comes with an 8-core CPU, while the M2 Pro and M2 Max models come with a 12-core CPU. The M2 chipset has a GPU with ten cores for handling graphics, while the M2 Pro and M2 Max models can handle up to 38 cores. Additionally, the M2 chipset can accommodate up to 24GB of system memory, whereas the M2 Pro and M2 Max models can handle up to 96GB, but at an extra expense. The additional cores in the new models can potentially result in substantial processing power.
Our opinion of the Touch Bar could be more robust, as it has yet to achieve its potential fully. However, we have an excellent appreciation for ports. Although MacBook users have become accustomed to carrying numerous adapters, the convenience of easily inserting an SD card into the SDXC card reader or connecting a monitor to the HDMI port cannot be overstated. The presence of accessible ports on the device provides an effortless and straightforward user experience.
The new MacBook Pro maintains the same layout as previous models when the lid is opened. The keyboard is between speakers on both sides and has 78 black keys, including 12 full-height function keys and four inverted-T arrow keys. A Touch ID key is located on a black background, which creates an eye-catching visual effect similar to the 2021 models. Despite having the same keyboard layout as the MacBook Air (M2, 2022), the black background and aluminum highlights between the keys produce a unique visual contrast.
The new MacBook Pro retains the center notch at the top of the display that houses a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, similar to the MacBook Air. Face ID is still unavailable, but the design of the notch is unobtrusive, and the integrated camera offers satisfactory image quality, eliminating the need for an external camera. Continuity Camera is also supported by macOS Ventura, enabling you to use your iPhone instead. The display has slimmer bezels than the MacBook Air, allowing for more screen space in a compact form factor, regardless of the model size.
Although the MacBook Air’s brightness is adequate for regular usage, the MacBook Pro’s higher brightness level is more effective at reducing reflections and providing a better visual experience in bright conditions. During a review conducted in extremely cold weather with a temperature of -5 degrees, the MacBook Pro performed well against the glaring winter sun and frost reflections without any issues.
The MacBook Pro’s display brightness is advantageous at low levels, like during overnight flights when you need to work without disturbing fellow passengers. The display offers enough illumination for working, even at the lowest brightness setting, without causing any discomfort. Moreover, the low brightness mode is beneficial for conserving battery life.