14- and 16-Inch MacBook Pro

The 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models offer the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips for a high level of performance, with mini-LED displays, MagSafe fast charging, a range of ports, and more.

Announced in January 2023, the MacBook Pro is brand new. The previous MacBook Pro models with chips from the M1 family were released in October 2021, but before that, Apple updated the MacBook Pro roughly annually. It is unlikely that there will be a new model anytime soon, and there are no rumors about new models with M3 Pro and M3 Max chips, so now is a very good time to buy a MacBook Pro.

Priced starting at $1,999 for the 14-inch model, the MacBook Pro offers a range of high-end features. If you don't need such a high level of performance, a wide range of ports, or features like the mini-LED display, there is the 13-inch M2 MacBook Pro for $1,299.

• M2 MacBook Pro vs. 14- and 16-Inch MacBook Pro Buyer's Guide
• 2021 vs. 2023 MacBook Pro Buyer's Guide
• 14-Inch vs. 16-Inch MacBook Pro Buyer's Guide: Six Key Differences

If you're considering a MacBook Pro, we have a dedicated Deals guide that lists the best prices and discounts that we've seen this month.

Apple in January 2023 overhauled the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, adding next-generation M2 Pro and M2 Max chips, increased maximum memory, longer battery life, HDMI 2.1 with 8K display support, faster Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3 support.

The 2023 MacBook Pro models have received no design changes and continue to come in 14.2-inch and 16.2-inch size options with mini-LED displays. Changes are all internal, focused primarily around the updated M-series chips.

Apple's new M2 Pro chip offers up to a 12-core CPU and up to a 19-core GPU, while the M2 Max chip offers a 12-core CPU and up to a 38-core GPU. The CPU in both chips includes eight performance cores and four efficiency cores, although the scaled-down M2 Pro in the base model of the 14-inch MacBook Pro comes with six performance cores and four efficiency cores.

The M2 Pro supports up to 32GB unified memory, while the M2 Max supports up to 96GB unified memory, an improvement over the prior 64GB maximum with the M1 Max. The M2 Pro features 200GB/s unified memory bandwidth, while the M2 Max features 400GB/s unified memory bandwidth.

The M2 Pro's GPU speeds are up to 30 percent faster than the M1 Pro for improvements in image processing performance gaming, while the M2 Max GPU speeds are up to 30 percent faster than the M1 Max. The M2 Pro and M2 Max continue to feature a 16-core Neural Engine.

The 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models feature a Liquid Retina XDR display, which is a mini-LED display with up to 1000 nits sustained brightness, 1600 nits peak brightness, and a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio. The 14-inch MacBook Pro has a resolution of 3024-by-1964 at 254 pixels per inch, and the 16-inch model has a resolution of 3456-by-2234 at 254 pixels per inch.

There are slim 3.5mm bezels at the sides and the top, and the top of the display also features a notch design that houses a 1080p webcam. Both displays come equipped with ProMotion technology, which supports adaptive refresh rates ranging from 24Hz to 120Hz. Other display technologies include P3 Wide color for true-to-life colors and True Tone, which shifts the white balance of the display to match the lighting in the room.

Design wise, the M2 MacBook Pro models are identical to the prior-generation M1 MacBook Pro models, with silver and space gray color options available. There's an all-black keyboard with a full-sized row of function keys, along with a Touch ID button with a circular fingerprint sensor. Touch ID is used unlock the Mac, authenticate purchases, and replace passwords. Below the keyboard, there's a large Force Touch trackpad.

Apple is using the same rearchitected thermal design that provides sustained performance while keeping the machine cool and quiet even with the more powerful M2 Pro and M2 Max chips.

There are multiple ports included with both MacBook Pro models, including an SDXC card slot, an HDMI 2.1 port, three USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack with support for high-impedance headphones, and a MagSafe 3 port that enables a fast charging feature providing a 50 percent charge within 30 minutes. New this year is the HDMI 2.1 port that provides support for 8K displays up to 60Hz and 4K displays up to 240Hz.

The 16-inch MacBook Pro uses a 140W power adapter while the 14-inch models ship with either 67W or 96W power adapter depending on CPU configuration, and both machines can charge over either USB-C or MagSafe.

There are fast SSDs inside the MacBook Pro models, which are configurable with up to 8TB storage space in both models.

Thanks to the new M2 Pro and M2 Max chips, the MacBook Pro models feature even longer battery life. The 14-inch MacBook Pro lasts for up to 18 hours when watching movies and up to 12 hours when browsing the web. The 16-inch MacBook Pro lasts for up to 22 hours when watching movies and 15 hours when browsing the web.

Other features include Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 support, with Wi-Fi 6E offering faster wireless connectivity and lower latency through the 6GHz band. The MacBook Pro models also include a six-speaker sound system with two tweeters, four force-cancelling woofers, and wide stereo sound.

The 14-inch MacBook Pro is priced starting at $1,999, while the 16-inch MacBook Pro is priced starting at $2,499, with pricing unchanged compared to the prior-generation machines.

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The 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models can be ordered from Apple's online store or bought in-store. Both stock configurations and build-to-order upgrades are available. The 14-inch MacBook Pro is priced starting at $1,999, while the 16-inch MacBook Pro is priced starting at $2,499.

Pre-orders began on January 17, with the new machines shipping out to customers and available in stores starting January 24 in many countries. Select other countries in the Asia-Pacific region will see a launch on February 3.

• 14-Inch vs. 16-Inch MacBook Pro Buyer's Guide: Six Key Differences
• MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro Buyer's Guide

Reviewers were largely impressed with the M2 Pro and M2 Max MacBook Pro models. The Verge' said that the 16-inch model offers the "best combination of performance and efficiency" in a high-end laptop, while CNET praised the faster Wi-Fi 6E performance.

Engadget was impressed with the battery life compared to the prior-generation model and even got an extra three hours, but Ars Technica said that the new MacBook Pro models are overkill for most customers.

Overall, these are an excellent upgrade if you have an Intel MacBook Pro, but if you already have an M1 Pro or M1 Max MacBook Pro, it is not worth updating as new features are all internal and are limited primarily to the new chips with no changes to the keyboard, trackpad, or display.

For more reviewer opinions on the MacBook Pro, we have a dedicated review roundup.

Apple in 2021 overhauled the MacBook Pro inside and out, refining the well-known aluminum unibody design with a flatter shape and a reduced curve at the bottom. With the 2023 refresh, Apple has not introduced any design changes, and the MacBook Pro models appear identical to the 2021 models.

Apple offers the MacBook Pro in silver and space gray aluminum color options, and it can be purchased in 14- and 16-inch sizes. There are slim bezels at the top and the sides, a notch at the top for the camera, a keyboard that's all black, a large trackpad, and additional ports at the left and right sides. There continues to be a large Force Touch trackpad, and there are two speaker grilles at the sides of the keyboard.

The 14-inch model measures in at 12.31 inches (31.26 cm) long, 8.71 inches (22.12 cm) wide, and 0.61 inches (1.55 cm) thick, and it weighs in at 3.5 pounds (1.60 kg). The 16-inch model measures in at 14.01 inches (35.57 cm) long, 9.77 inches (24.81 cm) wide, and 0.66 inches (1.68 cm) thick. It weighs in at 4.7 pounds (2.15 kg). It's worth noting that machines with the M2 Max chip are just a bit heavier than machines with the M2 Pro chip because of the size of the chip.

Internally, the design of the MacBook Pro maximizes internal space and is machined around an advanced thermal system that optimizes air movement to cut down on how often the fans activate. The MacBook Pro machines are designed to provide high performance while remaining cool and quiet, and for most everyday tasks, the fans do not turn on.

Both MacBook Pro models are equipped with a "Liquid Retina XDR (Extreme Dynamic Range) display," which uses the same mini-LED technology introduced in the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. The 16-inch MacBook Pro features a 16.2-inch display with a 3456-by-2234 native resolution at 254 pixels per inch.

The 14-inch MacBook Pro includes a 14.2-inch display with a 3024-by-1964 native resolution at 254 pixels per inch. Aside from differences in size and the resulting difference in resolution, the displays of the 14- and 16-inch models are identical.

Both are using mini-LED technology with 1000 nits sustained brightness and 1600 nits peak brightness, with a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1. The displays offer support for a billion colors, along with P3 Wide color for bright, true-to-life colors. There have been no display updates with the 2023 MacBook Pro refresh.

According to Apple, users can expect HDR content to come to life with more detail in shadows, brilliant highlights, deeper blacks, and more vivid colors than were previously available. This is enabled through the 10,000 mini-LEDs that are grouped into individually controlled local dimming zones.

When displaying SDR content, the display can deliver a peak brightness of 500 nits. The display's 1600 nits peak brightness capability is reserved for HDR content only.

True Tone, a feature that is designed to match the white balance of the display to the ambient lighting in the room, is supported. Apple devices have used True Tone for years, and it is designed to make viewing a Mac's screen easier on the eyes because it takes into account outside lighting and color temperature.

The MacBook Pro models support ProMotion technology for adaptive refresh rates ranging from 24Hz to 120Hz. When viewing a static webpage that doesn't require a high refresh rate, the MacBook Pro's display adopts a lower refresh rate to preserve battery life, but when gaming, scrolling, or doing other activities where a higher refresh rate is needed for smoother content, the higher frame rates kick in.

The 2023 MacBook Pro features the same all-black keyboard base that was used in the 2021 MacBook Pro models. There is a full-sized row of function keys along with a large Escape key on the left side. The right side features a Touch ID key that features a circular Touch ID fingerprint reader.

Apple used arrow keys in the traditional inverted T-arrangement, and this is a scissor switch keyboard that is more durable than the butterfly keyboard that Apple used in some prior MacBook Pro models. It holds up better to crumbs, dust, and debris, which could cause failure with the older MacBook Pro keyboards.

All of the keys are backlit and adjust based on the lighting in the room thanks to an ambient light sensor.

Below the keyboard, there's a large Force Touch trackpad that is unchanged from prior models. The Force Touch trackpad has no traditional buttons and is powered by a set of Force Sensors, allowing users to press anywhere on the trackpad to get the same response. A Taptic Engine powered by magnets provides users with tactile feedback when using the trackpad, replacing the feel of a physical button press.

The Force Touch trackpad supports a light press, which is used as a regular click, along with a deeper press or "force click" as a separate gesture that does things like offer up definitions for a highlighted word.

Like the 2021 MacBook Pro models, the 2023 MacBook Pro models feature a selection of different port options for connecting displays and peripherals, and charging.

Both the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models include a UHS-II SDXC card slot, an HDMI 2.1 port that supports a 4K display at up to 240Hz or an 8K display at up to 60Hz, a 3.5mm headphone jack with added support for high-impedance headphones, and three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports that support speeds of up to 40Gb/s in addition to serving as a DisplayPort and allowing for charging.

There is also a dedicated MagSafe port and an accompanying braided MagSafe cable for charging. MagSafe offers a breakaway design that allows the cable to easily disconnect if it's pulled, preventing damage to the port or machine.

The MagSafe port also offers faster charging on the 16-inch machine, but both machines can charge over MagSafe or the included Thunderbolt ports.

Apple designed two Apple silicon chips for the 2023 MacBook Pro models, the M2 Pro and the M2 Max, both of which are more powerful versions of the M2 chip that Apple introduced in 2022. Built on 5-nanometer architecture, the two chips "take the breakthrough power-efficient performance of Apple silicon to new heights," according to Apple.

The M2 Pro features up to a either a 10-core or 12-core CPU and 19-core GPU, while the M2 Max includes a 12-core CPU and up to a 38-core GPU. The 12-core CPU features eight high-performance cores and four high-efficiency cores, two more than the prior-generation 10-core M1 Pro and M1 Max chips. The 10-core M2 Pro CPU scales down to six high-performance cores and four high-efficiency cores and is available only in the 14-inch MacBook Pro.

The M2 Pro has 40 billion transistors, almost 20 percent more than the M1 Pro. It offers 200GB/s unified memory bandwidth, similar to the M1 Pro, and supports up to 32GB unified memory.

With the 12-core CPU, the M2 Pro offers multithreaded CPU performance that is up to 20 percent faster than the 10-core CPU in the M1 Pro, and the 19-core GPU is up to 30 percent faster than the M1 Pro. There's also a larger L2 cache.

The M2 Max features 67 billion transistors, 10 billion more than the M1 Max chip. It has 400GB/s of unified memory bandwidth, and supports up to 96GB of unified memory, up from 64GB in the prior-generation version.

While the M2 Max features the same 12-core CPU available with the M2 Pro, it offers up to a 38-core GPU. The prior-generation M1 Max was limited to a 32-core GPU, and with the upgrade plus a larger L2 cache, graphic speeds are up to 30 percent faster than the M1 Max.

Geekbench results for the M2 Pro and M2 Max suggest that the new chips do indeed offer up to 30 percent faster GPU performance compared to the prior-generation M1 Pro and M1 Max MacBook Pro models. The M2 Max earned a Metal score of 86,805, while the M2 Pro earned a Metal score of 52,691. Comparatively, the M1 Max earned a Metal score of 64,708, while the M1 Pro earned a Metal score of 39,758.

Media Engine

Apple added a media engine to the two Apple silicon chips to speed up video processing while preserving battery life. The M2 Pro offers dedicated acceleration for the ProRes video codec, along with video encode/decode engines and hardware accelerated support for H.264, HEVC, ProRes, and ProRes Raw.

The M2 Max has the same capabilities, but it includes two video encode engines and two ProRes encode and decode engines for even faster performance for pro tasks.

Memory

The M2 Pro and M2 Max use a system-on-a-chip architecture with unified memory and unmatched power efficiency. The M2 Pro supports up to 32GB unified memory, and the M2 Max supports up to 96GB unified memory, though base models ship with 16GB and 32GB, respectively. Apple's Pro chip also provides 200GB/s memory bandwidth, while the Max chip delivers up to 400GB/s.

Custom Technologies

There's a 16-core Neural Engine built into the M2 Pro and Max chips that handles machine learning acceleration and boosts camera performance alongside the custom image signal processor, plus there's a display engine that can drive multiple external displays.

The M2 Pro supports up to two external displays at up to 6K resolution at 60Hz, one display at 8K resolution at 60Hz, or one 4K display at 240Hz. The M2 Max supports up to three external displays with up to 6K resolution and one external display with up to 4K resolution at 60Hz.

Alternatively, it supports up to two 6K 60Hz displays and one 8K display at 60Hz, or one 4K display at 240Hz.

There are additional integrated Thunderbolt controllers for more I/O bandwidth, and a built-in Secure Enclave provides features like hardware-verified secure-boot and runtime anti-exploitation features.

High Power Mode

The 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M2 Max chip have a "High Power" mode that's designed for intensive, sustained workloads. In this mode, performance is optimized for system-intensive tasks, which can result in louder fan noise.

High Power Mode can be enabled in System Settings under Battery > Power Adapter > Energy Mode when connected to a power source or under Battery > Battery > Energy Mode when running on battery.

Fine print in System Preferences indicates that High Power Mode may result in louder fan noise, suggesting that the feature allows the M2 Max chip to run hotter and ramps up fan speeds to accommodate this.

Apple says that High Power Mode is designed to maximize performance during intensive, sustained workloads, providing users with "extreme performance" for tasks like color grading 8K ProRes video.

Thermal Design

Apple has revised the thermal architecture inside the new MacBook Pro models, as the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips have a smaller footprint due to changes to the memory modules. Apple is using four smaller memory modules rather than two larger modules, perhaps due to supply chain issues.

The new MacBook Pro models feature a smaller heatsink because of the changes to chip size, but it is not known if this impacts thermal efficiency.

Speakers

There's a high-fidelity six-speaker sound system in the MacBook Pro that includes two tweeters and four force-cancelling woofers for 80 percent more bass. Apple says it is the best audio system in a notebook.

The speaker system supports wide stereo sound, and the MacBook Pro offers support for spatial audio when playing music or video with Dolby Atmos on the built-in speakers. When connected to the AirPods 3, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max, dynamic head tracking is supported.

There's also a three-microphone array that supports a high signal-to-noise ratio with a 60 percent lower noise floor that can capture even subtle sounds. Directional beamforming allows for crisp, clear voice sound.

SSDs

The MacBook Pro models feature SSDs with up to 8TB of storage space available. The SSDs support speeds up to 7.4GB/s.

Camera

There is a 1080p camera in the MacBook Pro, which is bolstered by the image signal processor built into the M2 Pro and Max. The image signal processor makes sure images are sharp, and allows for natural-looking skin tones, and there's also the option to use an iPhone as a webcam with macOS Ventura.

Wireless Connectivity

The MacBook Pro supports 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E connectivity and Bluetooth 5.3, the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth protocols. Wi-Fi 6E supports the 6GHz band offered by compatible routers for more bandwidth and less latency. Wi-Fi 6E is only useful when paired with a Wi-Fi 6E router, but it is a technology that is becoming more widespread.

Bluetooth 5.3 offers less interference, lower power consumption, improved encryption, a better experience for those who use Bluetooth for connecting things like hearing aids, and improved throughput.

Both MacBook Pro models offer impressive battery life compared to older Intel counterparts.

The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M2 Pro/Max chip offers up to 18 hours of movie playback with the Apple TV app and up to 12 hours of wireless web browsing, one hour more than the prior-generation models.

The 16-inch MacBook Pro offers up to 22 hours of movie playback and 15 hours of wireless web browsing, extending battery life by an hour compared to the M1 Pro/Max models.

Apple's 14-inch MacBook Pro is equipped with a 70-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery, and the 16-inch model includes a 100-watt-hour battery as that is the maximum size allowable on airlines.

The 16-inch MacBook Pro uses a 140W power adapter, while the 14-inch model uses a 67W power adapter for the 10-core machine and a 96W power adapter for the 12-core machines. All models can charge over Thunderbolt/USB-C or MagSafe and ship with their respective power adapters and a USB-C to MagSafe cable.

The 12-core 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models are capable of charging from zero to 50 percent within 30 minutes through a new fast charge feature. The 14-inch model can fast charge over Thunderbolt/USB-C or MagSafe with the 96W power adapter, while the 16-inch model needs the MagSafe connection for fast charging because of the limitations of USB-C.

There are three stock configurations of the 14-inch MacBook Pro and three stock configurations of the 16-inch MacBook Pro.

14-Inch MacBook Pro

• $1,999 - M2 Pro with 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 16GB memory, 512GB SSD.
• $2,499 - M2 Pro with 12-core CPU, 19-core GPU, 16GB memory, 1TB SSD.
• $3,099 - M2 Max with 12-core CPU, 30-core GPU, 32GB memory, 1TB SSD.

16-Inch MacBook Pro

• $2,499 - M2 Pro with 12-core CPU, 19-core GPU, 16GB memory, 512GB SSD.
• $2,699 - M2 Pro with 12-core CPU, 19-core GPU, 16GB memory, 1TB SSD.
• $3,499 - M2 Max with 12-core CPU, 38-core GPU, 32GB memory, 1TB SSD.

Build to Order Options

In most of the MacBook Pro models, the M2 Pro chip can be upgraded, and there are also upgrades for the SSD and the memory. Options per model and pricing are available below.

Base Model 14-Inch MacBook Pro Upgrade Options

• M2 Pro with 12-core CPU and 19-core GPU - +$300
• M2 Max with 12-core CPU and 30-core GPU - +$500
• M2 Max with 12-core CPU and 38-core GPU - +$700
• 32GB Memory - +$400
• 64GB Memory (requires M2 Max) - +$800
• 96GB Memory (requires M2 Max) - +$1,200
• 1TB SSD - +$200
• 2TB SSD - +$600
• 4TB SSD - +$1,200
• 8TB SSD - +$2,400
• 96W Power Adapter - +$20

Middle Tier 14-Inch MacBook Pro Upgrade Options

• M2 Max with 12-core CPU and 30-core GPU - +$200
• M2 Max with 12-core CPU and 38-core GPU - +$400
• 32GB Memory - +$400
• 64GB Memory (requires M2 Max) - +$800
• 96GB Memory (requires M2 Max) - +$1,200
• 2TB SSD - +$400
• 4TB SSD - +$1,000
• 8TB SSD - +$2,200

High-End 14-Inch MacBook Pro Upgrade Options

• M2 Max with 12-core CPU and 38-core GPU - +$200
• 32GB Memory - +$400
• 64GB Memory - +$400
• 96GB Memory (requires M2 Max with 38-core GPU) - +$800
• 2TB SSD - +$400
• 4TB SSD - +$1,000
• 8TB SSD - +$2,200

Base Model 16-Inch MacBook Pro Upgrade Options

• M2 Max with 12-core CPU and 30-core GPU - +$200
• M2 Max with 12-core CPU and 38-core GPU - +$400
• 32GB Memory - +$400
• 64GB Memory (requires M2 Max) - +$800
• 96GB Memory (requires M2 Max) - +$1,200
• 1TB SSD - +$200
• 2TB SSD - +$600
• 4TB SSD - +$1,200
• 8TB SSD - +$2,400

Middle Tier 16-Inch MacBook Pro Upgrade Options

• M2 Max with 12-core CPU and 30-core GPU - +$200
• M2 Max with 12-core CPU and 38-core GPU - +$400
• 32GB Memory - +$400
• 64GB Memory (requires M2 Max) - +$800
• 96GB Memory (requires M2 Max) - +$1,200
• 2TB SSD - +$400
• 4TB SSD - +$1,000
• 8TB SSD - +$2,200

High-End MacBook Pro Upgrade Options

• 64GB Memory - +$400
• 96GB Memory - +$800
• 2TB SSD - +$400
• 4TB SSD - +$1,000
• 8TB SSD - +$2,200

The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro are middle-tier and high-end options that are being sold alongside the more affordable 13-inch MacBook Pro, which is equipped with an M2 chip. Priced starting at $1,299, the M2 MacBook Pro features a standard 13-inch display and a lower-power M2 chip, plus it uses the old MacBook Pro design.

Those who do not need the power of the 14- and 16-inch machines and want something that's more affordable should check out the 13-inch M2 MacBook Pro. More about the 13-inch MacBook Pro can be found in our roundup.

MacBook Pro models that are set to launch in 2024 will have updated 3-nanometer M3 Pro and M3 Max chips, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The 3nm technology will offer improved performance and better power efficiency compared to the current chips manufactured on a 5-nanometer process.

MacBook Pro models with the M3 Pro and M3 Max chips are expected to go into mass production in the first half of 2024.

Future Updates

Apple is said to be working on an all-display foldable notebook in the MacBook family, which could measure in at around 20 inches. According to display analyst Ross Young, this device would be a new product category for Apple, providing a notebook with a full-size on-screen keyboard when folded, and functionality as a standard monitor when unfolded and paired wth an external keyboard. Such a device is not coming in the near future and is likely to launch later than 2025, perhaps in 2026 or 2027.

Apple is also exploring touchscreen Mac options, and a MacBook Pro with an OLED display and touchscreen could come out as soon as 2025. Apple engineers are said to be "actively engaged in the project," and Apple is seriously considering a touchscreen Mac option. Such a device would continue to offer a traditional laptop design with trackpad and keyboard, but the screen would be touch capable, similar to an iPad.

The 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models are not expected to be upgraded with OLED display technology until 2026, according to display analyst Ross Young, which would mean Apple would not use OLED technology for a touchscreen Mac if such a machine does indeed come out in 2025.

Apple is rumored to be working on Face ID for the Mac, and it's likely that the MacBook Pro will be one of the first Macs to get Face ID. We don't know when this is coming, but 2021 rumors said it could be added to the Mac line in a "couple of years."