Apple unveiled updates to the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro alongside its high-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, which now feature the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips. The 14-inch base model gets Apple’s MacBook M4 chip, a minimum of at least 16GB RAM (instead of the previous standard capacity of only 8 GB), and another Thunderbolt port; it is being offered in Space Black.
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More About the Apple Base 14-Inch M4 MacBook Pro
The base model with the M4 chip now includes a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, along with a 16-core Neural Engine for advanced machine learning. The device will be powered by a 10-core CPU comprised of four performance cores and six efficiency cores. Additionally, the memory bandwidth for this model has been increased to 120 GB/s, compared to 100 GB/s previously.
This year earlier, Apple unveiled the M4 chip on the iPad Pro and recently with the iMac as well as the Mac mini. Geekbench 6 results show the M4 is up to 25% faster than the M3, which suggests a similar performance boost in M4-equipped Macs. The entry-level 14-inch model now also starts with 16GB RAM, a jump from 8GB, and can be configured up to 32GB, an increase from the previous 24GB limit. Storage options remain at 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB.
As for connectivity, the three Thunderbolt 4 ports on this new entry-level model (up from two Thunderbolt 3) can be used to power up to two external 6K displays. It also now offers a nano-texture display for improved glare reduction and standard brightness boosted to 1,000 nits. The base model includes a 12-megapixel camera with Center Stage and Desk View for a more engaging video experience. Battery life has been extended to 24 hours for video streaming, a new high for Mac.
The Space Black finish, previously exclusive to the M3 Pro and M3 Max models, is now available on the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro, along with the Silver option. Although the design remains mostly unchanged, it maintains Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, HDMI, and an SD card slot. Pre-orders are available now, with the MacBook Pro set to launch on Friday, November 8, at a starting price of $1,599 in the U.S.
FAQs
What’s new in the base 14-inch MacBook Pro?
The base model now features the M4 chip, starts with 16GB of RAM, includes three Thunderbolt 4 ports, supports up to two 6K displays, and offers a Space Black color option.
When will the new MacBook Pro be available?
Pre-orders are open now, and the MacBook Pro officially launches on November 8.
