Apple Announces New MacBook Pros and iMac with M3 Series Chips

This Halloween, Apple stepped out of character and dropped an unusual nighttime livestream the evening of October 30th, 2023 at 8PM EST. The livestream was dubbed the “Scary Fast” event, and the primary focus was to announce three new M3 chips, alongside updated devices featuring the new chips.

MacBook Pro 14”

Apple has a few new offerings in one of the world’s most popular laptops: the MacBook Pro. This 14” version of the MacBook Pro has been refreshed to include the new M3 chip.

First, the higher-end version of the 14” MacBook Pro comes with either the new M3 Pro chip or the even more powerful M3 Max. The computer can be configured with up to 128GB of RAM, and has an 18-hour battery life and six-speaker sound system. The M3 Pro and M3 Max chip 14” MacBook Pros also come in black, which is a new look for Apple’s MacBook Pro.

Additionally, for those looking for more of an entry-level MacBook Pro, Apple has just released a more affordable 14-inch MacBook Pro. This version comes with the base model of the M3 chip, which is still incredibly powerful. This new 14-inch entry-level MacBook Pro is the replacement for the 13-inch M2 chip MacBook Pro, and claims to offer 60 percent faster performance.

Also, the touch bar that this MacBook Pro is known for is now being discontinued — a sign that Apple is moving on from its highly controversial touch bar.

This entry-level 14” MacBook Pro comes with 8GB of RAM, available in silver or space gray. It can be configured with up to 24GB of RAM for consumers who need more than the standard 8GB. This is something to consider if you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford one of the M3 Pro or M3 Max chips in the upgraded 14” MacBook Pro.

Who Should Try the MacBook Pro 14″?

The 14” M3 Pro and M3 Max MacBook Pro are going to be a hit among creators. Considering it’s capable of supporting 128GB of RAM, this should give just about any creator more than enough power to efficiently do the task at hand. For any creator who wants a compact laptop that is loaded to the brim with power, look no further than the 14” MacBook Pro with the M3 Pro or M3 Max chip.

On the other hand, the 14” M3 MacBook Pro is really designed for the consumer who doesn’t have substantial processing needs. With only 8GB of RAM, most creators will struggle to find enough processing power for video, photo, and audio editing. This MacBook really is a step-up for the consumer who needs more than what the MacBook Air can offer, but still serve the purpose of web browsing, email, and light tasks.

MacBook Pro 16”

The new MacBook Pro 16” also includes the brand-new M3 chips. However, unlike the 14”, which can take the M3, M3 Pro, or M3 Max, the 16” only takes the more powerful of the two chips — the M3 Pro or M3 Max.

The new 16” MacBook Pro can be configured with up to 128GB of RAM, up to 22 hours of battery life, and a six-speaker sound system. Sound familiar? The MacBook Pro 16” can be configured exactly the same as the 14”, and seemingly does not boast any special upgrade over the 14” other than battery life and screen size.

Who Should Try the MacBook Pro 16″?

Ultimately, this is another excellent choice for creators. Even the base model 16” MacBook Pro will suit most needs. If you absolutely must have the best battery life, you will get slightly more battery on the 16-inch than you would on the 14-inch.

Another reason for creators to spring to the 16-inch is the obvious: screen size. More screen size means less crowding on your screen. Video timelines can be displayed larger, photos can be edited at a bigger size, and you can multi-task far better. If you’re due for an upgrade to your laptop, or you’re ready to switch over from a desktop workspace, the 16” MacBook Pro with the new M3 Pro or M3 Max is certainly a great choice.

24-Inch iMac

You can expect a “huge leap in performance in a remarkably thin design” in the brand new iMacs, according to Apple. The new 24-inch iMac comes in seven colors and features the new M3 chip. These new iMacs are configurable with up to 24GB of RAM, which is plenty for many creative tasks like photo and video editing.

The 24-inch LED-backlit 4.5k display is also excellent for image and video viewing and editing. Everything combined, Apple claims that the new iMac is twice as fast as the older iMac with an M1 chip, and you can expect better performance all around.

Who Should Try the 24-Inch iMac?

The new 24-inch iMac is another excellent choice for creators. Depending on your usage, you may need more or less RAM, but the maximum of 24GB should be sufficient for almost any creator. While an iMac is more restrictive than a laptop when it comes to the places you can use it, it does serve the purpose of having a larger screen, which can make all the difference when it comes to photo, video, or audio editing.

Additionally, multitasking is easy on a screen this size, so you can easily respond to emails while editing your footage. Finally, there really is an iMac for everyone with seven different colors that include silver, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and green. The duotone color configuration looks great and the tilting screen is perfect for a variety of different spaces for individuals of different heights. If you need a desktop computer that can help you create photos, video, or audio, the iMac with the brand-new M3 chip promises to be faster than ever before.

Final Thoughts

The new M3 chips are certain to improve MacBook Pro and iMac products under the hood. While you might not see the new chip, you’ll certainly feel the faster speeds in all aspects, especially as a creator. The new 14” MacBook Pro, 16” MacBook Pro, and iMac with the M3 chips are available for preorder now, so don’t wait if you’re overdue for an upgrade to your computer.