Apple has unveiled the brand new 2021 MacBook Pro, which now comes in two sizes — 14-inch and 16-inch. The new model features big upgrades over the previous generation.
First up, let’s talk about the new M1 Pro and M1 Max chips. Compared to the M1 debuted last year, these two processors have 70% faster CPU performance. In terms of graphics, the M1 Pro’s GPU is 2x faster than the M1’s, while the M1 Max’s GPU is 4x faster than the M1’s GPU.
The 14-inch model gets the M1 Pro options by default, but you could configure it with the M1 Max. As for the 16-inch model, you get either the M1 Pro or M1 Max by default, then you can configure it further. With these new processors, the new MacBook Pro is capable of having up to 32GB of unified memory on the M1 Pro or 64GB on the M1 Max. Apple is now using even faster SSDs capable of up to 7.4GB/s read speeds, which can be configured from 512GB to 8TB.
The 2021 MacBook Pro now comes with two new displays. The 14-inch model sports a 14.2-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 3,024×1,964, while the 16-inch model has a 16.2-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 3,456×2,234. Both models feature mini-LED backlighting and a 120Hz refresh rate (Apple calls it ProMotion). This time around, Apple has shrunk the bezels but added a notch at the top, which houses the new 1080p FaceTime HD camera.
Apple has removed the Touch Bar on the new MacBook Pro, which is now being replaced by a standard row of function keys. The new keyboard is actually the same as the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID.
In terms of I/O ports, Apple has now added a full-size HDMI port and a full-size SDXC card slot together with the three USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports. There’s also a 3.5mm headphone jack with a more powerful amplifier for high impedance headphones. Apple has also brought back the MagSafe port, which now supports fast charging.
The new MacBook Pro also comes with better battery life. The 14-inch model delivers up to 17 hours of video playback, which is seven additional hours, while the 16-inch model gets up to a remarkable 21 hours of video playback.
To charge the laptop, you either get a 67W USB-C charger if you get a model with the 8-core CPU M1 Pro or a 96W USB-C charger if you get any of the other CPU models.
The new MacBook Pro models with M1 Pro and M1 Max are available to order soon on apple.com/my/store and in the Apple Store app, select Apple Store locations and Apple Authorized Resellers. The new 14-inch MacBook Pro model starts at RM8,799 and RM8,199 for education; the 16-inch MacBook Pro model starts at RM10,799 and RM9,999 for education.