Expert’s Rating
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
This is a laptop that gets it all proper , from the design , ports , and display to the power of the chip shot inside and the shelling lifespan . There ’s something very satisfying when using a large peter , and that ’s the feeling you get when using a MacBook Pro .
Best Prices Today: Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro (M3 Max, 2023)
Based onApple ’s recent quarterly results , Mac cut-rate sale are not where Apple would wish them to be . You ’d think that with the success of the M - series chip rollout , MacBooks would be aviate off the shelves , but they ’re not .
There are a mess of reasons why hoi polloi are n’t buying , but the production and the technology behind the latest Macs are not the problem . The M - series MacBook Pro rollout has been successful from an carrying into action stand , but there still are scores of people using Intel - based MacBooks . Apple makes high - quality products that merely last a prospicient time , and it ’s easy to hold up on to an old MacBook just a petty while longer .
Apple has now unblock the M3 series of chips , which are feature in the MacBook Pro . It ’s the third generation of the chip and the redesigned laptop computer , and with this tone ending , Apple is hoping the third metre is the appealingness that will persuade customers to commit in a fresh MacBook .
The 16-inch MacBook Pro with an M3 Max chip is available in the new Space Black finish.
With this laptop , they just might . The raw Space Black refinement is tempting , the bright video display is eye - opening , and the performance is very solid . It all combine to make a sorcerous MacBook Pro that is so very hard to hold out .
The 16 - column inch MacBook Pro with an M3 Max chip is uncommitted in the novel Space Black stopping point .
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The 16-inch MacBook Pro with an M3 Max chip is available in the new Space Black finish.
Specifications
Apple offers the 14 - inch MacBook Pro with a base M3 chip . Then , Apple offers both the 14- and 16 - in MacBook Pro with M3 Pro or M3 Max chips . We go intogreater detail about the differences between the three chip in our guide to the M3 .
The 16 - inch MacBook Pro in this revue is the most expensive standard configuration in Apple ’s card . It can be customized with more memory and a larger SSD , which will lift the price . Our review social unit has the following specifications :
Performance
Except for a couple of other features ( see the “ contrive and build ” and “ Display and talker ” surgical incision below ) , this MacBook Pro update is all about the M3 . Our benchmarks look at the M3 Max ’s functioning and how it compares to other older mack .
After a couple of generation of M - series chips , Apple has proven that a chip ’s public presentation is mostly reproducible regardless of the descriptor . For example , an M2 ’s general public presentation is the same whether it ’s in a background Mac mini or a laptop MacBook Pro . So the charts below focus on liken the results against other chips instead of other Macs . ( The specific model is called out in certain instances , specially in graphics - oriented trial where throttling can occur . )
Geekbench 6 benchmarks
Geekbench 6is an indicator of general , overall public presentation . In its Multi - Core tests , the M3 Max MacBook Pro posted a significant 43 percent betterment over the M2 Max it interchange . That ’s more than the typical 15 to 20 pct boost we ’ve come across from generation to multiplication , though the M3 Max does have more two processor cores ( and two more performance substance ) than the M2 Max . In unmarried - inwardness tests , the M3 Max showed a more modest 11 percent hike .
The M2 Ultra ’s Multi - Core performance keep up with the M3 Max , but the Ultra is not available in a laptop computer , it ’s only in the Mac Studio and Mac Pro . But it ’s a good point of reference and possibly even a prevue of what to expect from the M3 Ultra .
The Intel - base laptop in the chart is Apple ’s fastest ( and last ) Core i9 MacBook Pro , free in 2019 . It gets completely blasted by the M3 Max MacBook Pro . If you ’re still using this or an former Intel laptop computer , imagine how much more productive you’re able to be if you upgrade .
The 16-inch MacBook Pro with an M3 Max chip is available in the new Space Black finish.
Cinebench 2024 benchmarks
We ’ve used Cinebench R23 in late review , but Maxonretooled its benchmarkto include GPU examination . Our record of resultant with the newCinebench 2024is uncompleted , however , so we admit whatever we can in our comparability .
The effect in the chart ( and all the benchmarks in this review ) were performed on the M3 Max MacBook Pro inHigh Power Mode , a scene usable only on the 14- and 16 - in MacBook Pros with Max - level chips . This mood make the cooling fans hunt down faster so the chip can practice more power to get top performance . High Power Mode is activated in the Battery System context and can be used while the major power transcriber is not plug in .
High Power Mode does make a conflict , but our testing in Cinebench 2024 showed only small gain . Our scores were 2 - 3 percent faster in High Power Mode than at the default automatonlike setting where macOS equilibrize power uptake and performance . The deficiency of significant difference is due to the benchmark tool simply not being strenuous enough and not a flaw of the Mac .
Depending on the lighting in the space you’re in, the MacBook Pro’s Space Black finish appears lighter or darker.
Cinebench R23 benchmarks
The sr. Cinebench R23 bench mark isolates CPU performance and not the GPU . Here we see a walloping 62 pct increase in the MacBook Pro ’s M3 Max over the M2 Max in a Mac Studio . The welfare of more CPU performance inwardness is shown here .
HandBrake 1.6 video encode
We used HandBrake to encode theTears of Steelvideo from 4 super acid to a 1080p H.265 file . When doing the encoding completely in software using the H.265 ( x265 ) television encoder , the M3 Max displays a pregnant 33 percent speed advance over the M2 Max . With HandBrake ’s H.265 ( VideoToolBox ) encoder , the app takes advantage of uncommitted ironware acceleration , so here the M3 Max had a 33 percent improvement .
iMovie 4K video benchmarks
In our iMovie 4 K video benchmark , we export a 10 - minute 4 kibibyte video at two configurations . Our examination found that the M3 Max MacBook Pro had a very small improvement over the M2 Max in the Mac Studio . This test uses the video recording encoders on the scrap , but the chokepoint is the SSD , which explain why the results are so like .
Blackmagic Disk Test
The write hurrying between the Max Saratoga chip newfangled and quondam are relatively the same , but the read speed of our MacBook Pro was about 10 percent slower than the rest of the sphere , even while testing in High Power Mode . It ’s a curious result , but you probably wo n’t remark the difference in genuine life , unless you ’re working with mammoth file .
Geekbench 6 Compute benchmarks
Geekbench ’s Compute benchmark tests GPU carrying out using Metal or OpenCL genus Apis . In both of these tests , the M3 Max and its 40 - core GPU were 7 percent faster than the M2 Max and its 38 - core GPU . The cost increase is more significant between the M3 Max and the M1 Max ’s 32 - core GPU , where the M3 Max was 29 per centum faster with both Metal and OpenCL .
Videogame benchmarks
ascent of the Tomb RaiderandCivilization VIare older secret plan write for Intel and not optimized for Apple ’s Metal graphics API . Still , the M3 Max ( as well as the new macOS Sonoma Game Mode ) helps ameliorate operation . However , the MacBook Pro ’s cooling fans kicked in and were very active during these benchmarks , which meant that the performance was in all probability throttled to sustain a right operating temperature . The M2 Max in Mac Studio has a very big caloric system of rules to keep it cool .
As in the16 - inch M2 Pro MacBook Pro review , I ran several other computer graphic benchmark to gauge the performance of the M3 Max , which now features ironware - accelerate beam tracing and engagement blending . The GPU is also adequate to of what Apple calls Dynamic Caching , where the GPU can optimize the amount of memory it is using . The resultant role of the bench mark below are compare to MacBook Pros with M2 Pro and M1 Pro chips . Most of these tests are available as M - Series aboriginal or Universal apps . Here ’s a tilt of the examination .
Design and build
I ’m about to take a deep dive into the MacBook Pro ’s colour , which may seem like a trivial pursuit to a lot of people ( particularly PCstans ) , but Apple and its customers know that color choices play a huge role in creating a premium ware . Apple does an excellent job with its colors and finishes and the excellence continues with Space Black , a new selection for the MacBook Pro .
Depending on the inflammation in the outer space you ’re in , the MacBook Pro ’s Space Black last appear light or darker .
Space Black is n’t really black ; it ’s a deep , dark gray . If you ’re intimate with hexadecimal color , then Space Black is a cheeseparing match forhex # 414a4c , which is often refer to as Outer Space . Space Black does come out light when a direct illumination is upon it and in exposure . It ’s much darker than Space Gray , which is no longer available for the M3 Pro or M3 Max MacBook Pro . Your choice are Silver or Space Black .
MacBook Pro colors: Space Black (left), Space Gray (middle), Silver (right).
When Apple unveiled Space Black during the Scary Fast outcome , my straightaway response was , “ desire . ” But then upon seeing it in post - event video and then up tight in somebody , my ebullience wan a bit . I wantedblack , as close tohex # 000000as potential , but the realness is that it ’s not possible to do that with anodized atomic number 13 .
( I realise that hex colors do not directly correlate to the MacBook colors , but I ’m using them as a way to quantify the laptop computer colors , instead of using vague written descriptions . )
MacBook Pro vividness : Space Black ( left ) , Space Gray ( middle ) , Silver ( flop ) .
The 2023 MacBook Pro in Silver (middle), Space Black (center), and Space Gray (right)
In my meter with the new MacBook Pro , my enthusiasm for Space Black has grown . The colour is more telling when the laptop is open than when it ’s closed . There ’s almost no contrast between the black keyboard and the Space Black body , even with the backlighting turned up to the max . It ’s a different aesthetic from Silver and Space Gray , one that I welcome very much .
Does anyone remember Apple ’s last truly disgraceful laptop ? It was the2008 13 - inch MacBook , and it was made back when Apple used plastic cases for its non - pro MacBook line – and Apple actually point more for the black option than the lily-white one . It looked cool until you match it , and then the eubstance would be coated in fingerprints . Apple seems to remember that , too , so with the Space Black MacBook Pro , the troupe created , “ a discovery chemistry that form an anodization Navy SEAL ” and trim down the fingerprint effect . In my brusk meter with the laptop computer , the seal seems to figure out . fingerprint do n’t seem on the laptop computer when my hands are clean , and if they do appear , they ’re promiscuous to wipe aside ( unlike with the 2008 MacBook ) .
There ’s one major caveat to Space Black and that it ’s not available with the home M3 14 - inch MacBook Pro – your pick are atomic number 47 and Space Gray . There does n’t seem to be any actual rationality for this , other than to lure customers to step up to at least an M3 Pro model . So , in a way , you do have to compensate more for fatal , just like in 2008 . Apple might conclude that Space Black is a reinforcement for pay for a high - end model . disregarding , if you spot a Space Black MacBook Pro in the wild , you now bang that it ’s at least an M3 Pro manikin .
The Space Black MacBook Pro comes with a braided, black MagSafe cable.
As for the intention of the laptop , it has n’t changed since the M - series 14- and 16 - column inch MacBook Pro was introduced in 2021 . It still has a sturdy aluminum body , rounded corner that are blue-blooded on the men , four rubber feet on the bottom , and a calendered Apple logo . There ’s no need to mess up with winner .
The 2023 MacBook Pro in Silver ( middle ) , Space Black ( center ) , and Space Gray ( right )
The 16 - inch MacBook Pro weigh closely to five dog pound . Combine that with the 0.66 by 14.01 by 9.77 - inch ( 1.68 by 35.57 by 24.81 - centimeter ) size when closed , and it is too unwieldy for some exploiter . Those who invest in the 16 - in simulation need the larger screen door and see the physical burden involved . For others , the weight and size of the 14 - inch MacBook Pro is much more manageable .
Ports and connectivity
Apple declare oneself the same port as it has before . The M3 Pro and Max models include :
Apple does not include any Thunderbolt or USB - C cable to connect devices . If you do demand to buy cable length , make certain you ’re buying the proper ace . For example , if you ’re using a Thunderbolt machine , you need a Thunderbolt cable , which can also be used with USB - vitamin C devices . There are USB - C - only cable useable that are much more affordable than Thunderbolt line , but they do n’t brook Thunderbolt and its speed .
When Apple issue the 14- and 16 - inch M2 Pro / Max MacBook Pro last January , it made a major change to the HDMI interface , upgrading it from HDMI 2.0 to 2.1 . This was an important upgrade because it expanded the MacBook Pro ’s power to plump for outside showing . That HDMI 2.1 documentation continues with the M3 model .
As for wireless connectivity , the MacBook Pro include Wi - Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 . I ’m not able-bodied to track off cellular connectivity from my MacBook Pro regard list with this laptop dismissal , and believably never will .
Display and speakers
The Liquid Retina XDR ( mini - LED ) show that Apple has been using has get a tweak . When in Standard Dynamic Range ( SDR ) modality ( which unremarkably means under general use ) , the display is capable of a maximal brightness of 600 nits , a boost from 500 nits in the last two generations of MacBook Pro . It ’s quite a detectable difference of opinion and that special brightness is handy specially if you happen to be in a cheery area for on - location work .
The residual of the display ’s stipulation remain the same as before : 1,000 nit XDR ( Extreme Dynamic Range ) brightness ( corroborate full - screen 1,600 nit peak with High Dynamic Range ( HDR ) content only ) , 1,000,000:1 line ratio , support for one billion colors and the P3 colour gamut . The display also hasTrue Toneand supports ProMotion , which adjusts the refresh charge per unit up to 120Hz , base on what ’s on the screen . The display has always been impressive and it look as fantastical as ever .
The notch at the center top of the exhibit houses the FaceTime Camera . There ’s beenspeculation that Apple is going to finally change the notch into a Dynamic Island , like that found on the iPhone , but the current mountain pass is actually located in excess screen distance , so it does n’t contravene on the facet proportion of workspace below it . It would seem like a Dynamic Island would infringe , but I ’m suppose based on nothing , really .
We have a separate clause that details theexternal showing documentation for the M3 , M3 Pro , and M3 Max MacBook Pros .
The six - speaker and force out - cancel woofer system is loud and thunderous . When I forget that the volume is up and euphony plays unexpectedly , it makes me jump in my chair . There ’s financial backing for Spatial Audio on euphony or video recording with Dolby Atmos to raise the entertainment experience . For recording sound , the MacBook Pro has a three - mic raiment that works well , but it does n’t beat a quality external USB - C or Bluetooth mic . The 3.5 millimeter audio laborer supports gamy - resistivity headphones .
Camera
I nitpicked about the 1080p FaceTime television camera on theM1 Pro MacBook Proand theM2 Pro MacBook Proand nothing has change on Apple ’s part with the M3 Pro / Max MacBook Pro . It ’s the same 1080p FaceTime tv camera and it ’s much better than the 720p camera that Apple used in its laptops for way too long . Overall , the 1080p FaceTime is … fine . It ’s a skillful camera and you wo n’t be embarrassed by the calibre while television conferencing .
But as I ’ve said in past inspection , the MacBook Pro deserves a 12MP radical - Wide tv camera with a 122 - academic degree bailiwick of purview , an ƒ/2.4 aperture , HDR for photos , 1080p HD video recording transcription , and support for Center Stage . I mean , that camera is on the 10th - gen iPad . Apple has to find a way to make it slender so it can match on the MacBook Pro . Until that happens , user can always resort to using theiPhone as a front - face photographic camera via Continuity Camera .
The Space Black MacBook Pro come with a braided , black-market MagSafe cable television .
Battery life & charging
The M3 Max MacBook Pro has the same 100 - watt - minute atomic number 3 - polymer battery and 22 - hr bombardment life story with “ Apple TV app movie playback ” as it did with the M2 Max MacBook Pro . I test the battery life by flirt a video on a continuous grummet at full screen door with the show set to 150 nit , which is a little dimmer than Apple examination . The battery tend out 27 hour later , just as it did with the M2 Max MacBook Pro . Sure , you ’ll get a trivial shorter battery life if you ’re doing more strenuous tasks , like Indian file render , playing video game , etc . , but you ’ll go a long way before you need to secure in .
Apple admit a 140 - W USB - C power adapter with a MagSafe cable . When you use the 140 - watt adaptor with the 16 - inch MacBook Pro , fast chargingfills the battery up to 50 percent in 30 minutes . Also , the let in MagSafe line is lace and colored to couple the MacBook Pro – yes , that means a Space Black theoretical account total with a black MagSafe cable .
If you need portable power back up , checko out our reviews of thebest MacBook superpower bank .
Keyboard and trackpad
Apple has not changed the keyboard and trackpad since the M1 Pro / Max MacBook Pro . The keyboard is backlit and the Function keys are full - sized . A Touch ID button is place in the upper right box . The trackpad is large and responsive .
Price & availability
The 16 - in MacBook Pro in this review is usable for $ 3,999/£4,099 . To bring the price down , you may opt for a M3 Max configuration with few CPU and/or GPU cores , and a small amount of computer memory and SSD entrepot , which brings the price down . To lour the price even more , you may switch the chip to an M3 Pro or get the little 14 - in theoretical account .
Apple is taking orders now with shipments starting on November 11 . If you have n’t placed your edict now , your ship date will likely be in late November or December .
Should you buy the M3 Max MacBook Pro?
Three generations into the M - series chip , and the MacBook Pro proceed its get ahead shipway . This is a laptop that gets it all right , from the excogitation , ports , and display to the power of the crisp inside and the battery life . There ’s something very satisfying when using a great tool , and that ’s the feeling you get when using a MacBook Pro .
That being pronounce , if you invested in an M2 Max MacBook Pro , there ’s no need to upgrade – you’ve already got a great laptop . After all , you have n’t even had the laptop for a twelvemonth , and the speed difference is n’t enough to make a big change in your productiveness . Nothing else about the laptop has deepen , except for the SDR brightness and the Space Black option – which , admittedly , are tempting .
If you have an M1 Pro or Max MacBook Pro , the consideration ask more view . The speed conflict is much more detectable and can be treasure . To serve offset the cost , see what you may get in theApple Trade - In program . Macworld ’s Michael Simon got$900 for his 14 - in M1 Pro MacBook Pro , which is a middling secure deal .
If you ’re still truck along with an Intel - based MacBook Pro , now is the time to upgrade . If the main understanding why you ’ve waited is that software developer have n’t made an M - serial publication native or aUniversal reading of the apps you apply , well , it ’s been over three years since the M1 was enter . If they have n’t made one now , they never will – that ’s fine because Rosetta2 , the emulation engine that runs Intel - native apps on M - serial check , execute well and you wo n’t mark a performance strike .
If there ’s some other yield that prevents your must - have app from running on an M - series Mac , moot finding a young app , because the operation gains are so tremendous that you ’re really miss out if you bewilder with Intel . Make the change . You ’ll be better for it .
