Apple has recently introduced upgraded models of the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with the new M3 Pro and M3 Max chips, bringing significant boosts in performance and capabilities. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at the 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max specifically, covering its pricing, specs, performance, hardware, and other key details.
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Overview and Pricing
The 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max starts at a base price of $2,499. Here are the key details on pricing:
- Base model with M3 Max chip (12-core CPU, 30-core GPU), 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD storage: $2,499
- Upgrade to 1TB SSD storage: +$400
- Upgrade to 32GB RAM: +$400
- Upgrade to 64GB RAM: +$800
- Upgrade to 96GB RAM: +$1,200
- Upgrade to M3 Max chip (12-core CPU, 38-core GPU): +$300
- Max out with 128GB RAM, 8TB SSD: $5,899
The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 starts at a lower $1,999 price point. Overall, the 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max offers a premium high-end configuration with top-notch performance capabilities.
M3 Pro and M3 Max Chips
The M3 Pro and M3 Max chips are the latest generation of Apple’s custom silicon for the Mac, building on the success of the M1 and M2. Here are the key details on these new chips:
M3 Pro
- 12-core CPU with 8 high-performance cores and 4 high-efficiency cores
- Up to 19-core GPU
- 200GB/s memory bandwidth
- 35% faster CPU versus M2 Pro
- Up to 30% faster graphics versus M2 Pro
M3 Max
- 12-core CPU
- Up to 38-core GPU
- 400GB/s memory bandwidth
- 20% faster CPU versus M2 Max
- Up to 30% faster graphics versus M2 Max
The M3 Max offers a significant boost over the already powerful M1 Max chip from two years ago:
- Up to 96GB of unified memory versus 64GB max on M1 Max
- 80% faster CPU performance versus M1 Max
- 60% faster integrated graphics versus M1 Max
Performance and Capabilities
With the combination of the M3 Max chip and its advanced thermal system, the 16-inch MacBook Pro is able to sustain incredibly fast performance for demanding workloads like 3D modeling, video editing, visual effects, music production and more.
Here are some of the key performance capabilities:
- Up to 6x faster ProRes transcode versus the fastest Intel-based MacBook Pro
- Up to 2.5x faster AI performance with Core ML versus M1 Max
- Up to 9.8x faster 4K render in Resolve versus previous-gen 16-inch MacBook Pro
- Up to 7.5x faster 3D title render in Cinema 4D versus previous-gen
- Up to 3.7x faster compile build in Xcode versus previous-gen
The M3 Max supports up to 128GB of unified memory, allowing giant project files with multiple pro apps and plugins to be handled with ease. This level of memory was previously only available on desktop workstations.
Display and Design
The 16-inch MacBook Pro design remains largely unchanged compared to previous models. Key display and design features include:
- 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with 1,000 sustained nits peak brightness, 1,600 nits peak brightness, 1 million:1 contrast ratio, 1080p FaceTime HD camera
- Nearly 20 percent larger screen area versus previous 15-inch models, while similar size overall
- Six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers, wide stereo sound
- Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3 port
- 140W USB-C power adapter included
- Available in Silver and Space Gray
- 0.66 inch (16.8 mm) thin, 4.7 pounds (2.15 kg)
Battery Life
Apple estimates the battery life of the 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max as follows:
- Up to 22 hours Apple TV app movie playback
- Up to 14 hours wireless web browsing
- Up to 11 hours video conferencing or playback in Apple Music
- Up to 15 hours Safari web use or Excel spreadsheet work
The 70-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery capacity is unchanged versus prior models. In practice, battery life can vary considerably depending on usage such as screen brightness, which apps are running, and more. The M3 Max configuration may see slightly less battery life than M3 Pro models as the maxed out GPU cores require more power. But overall battery life remains excellent.
Other Hardware and Features
Here are some other hardware details and features of the 16-inch M3 Max MacBook Pro:
- 1080p FaceTime HD camera with computational video for sharper video quality
- Six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers for fuller sound
- 802.11ax WiFi 6 wireless networking
- Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology
- 720p FaceTime HD camera on the front notch
- Ambient light sensor to dynamically adjust brightness
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Touch ID sensor and Touch Bar interface
- Backlit Magic Keyboard with 65 (US) or 69 (ISO) keys
- Force Touch trackpad for precise cursor control
- Support for up to two external displays up to 6K resolution
Environmental Sustainability
Apple has designed the MacBook Pro with the following features to reduce its environmental impact:
- 100% recycled rare earth elements in all magnets
- 100% recycled tin in the solder of main logic board
- 35% or more recycled plastic in multiple components
- Packaging made with 100% recycled fiber
The 16-inch MacBook Pro remains certified for ENERGY STAR and EPEAT Gold. Apple aims to be 100% carbon neutral across its entire supply chain and products by 2030.
Configuration Options
The 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max allows for extensive configuration options to match your performance needs and budget:
Processor:
- M3 Pro chip with 12-core CPU and up to 19-core GPU
- M3 Max chip with 12-core CPU and up to 38-core GPU (+$300)
Memory:
- 16GB unified memory (default)
- 32GB unified memory (+$400)
- 64GB unified memory (+$800)
- 96GB unified memory (+$1,200)
- 128GB unified memory (+$2,400)
Storage:
- 512GB SSD (default)
- 1TB SSD (+$400)
- 2TB SSD (+$800)
- 4TB SSD (+$1,200)
- 8TB SSD (+$2,400)
Graphics:
- M3 Pro chip with up to 19-core GPU (default)
- M3 Max chip with up to 38-core GPU (+$300)
So in summary, the 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max allows for extensive customization to fit your needs – going up to 128GB RAM and 8TB storage if you want a true portable workstation.
Summary of Key Details
To recap the key details on the new 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max:
- Starts at $2,499, maxes out at $5,899 fully loaded
- Up to 2.5x faster performance versus M1 Max
- M3 Pro chip with 12-core CPU and up to 19-core GPU
- M3 Max chip with 12-core CPU and up to 38-core GPU
- Up to 128GB of unified memory
- Up to 8TB of SSD storage
- 16.2-inch mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR display
- Up to 22 hours battery life
- Extensive configuration options for performance needs
- High-end pro laptop with desktop-class capabilities
The 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max sets a new bar for performance and capabilities in a pro notebook. With the power of Apple silicon, it brings workstation-class performance engineered into a portable design. For demanding creative pros and developers, it represents the ultimate pro laptop with desktop-class performance.