Apple Unveils Updated MacBook Pros With New M3 Chips
Blog created using AI and edited by humans from MacBreak Weekly Episode #893
At Apple's October 'Scary Fast' event, the company unveiled its next-generation M3 chips, updated MacBook Pro laptops, and a new 24-inch iMac. MacBreak Weekly hosts Leo Laporte, Andy Ihnatko, Alex Lindsay, and Jason Snell dove into the announcements from the event with a focus on the company's M3 chips.
The M3 chips come in three variations - the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max. Laporte noted that this allows Apple to better differentiate between the needs of various types of Pro users. Snell explained that the Max chip is where Apple focused on pushing performance, while the Pro chip is now more of a mid-range offering.
According to Apple's benchmarks, the new chips offer significant gains over previous generations. However, the hosts agreed that the comparisons to older Intel-based Macs were likely aimed at convincing users of those machines to upgrade.
A new 'Dynamic Caching' technology was also highlighted as one of the ways Apple achieved more GPU performance from the M3 chips. Both Lindsay and Snell explain that this technology essentially allows the chips to utilize memory caches more efficiently, dynamically allocating resources based on workload. Lindsay explained how this enables lower latency and greater overall performance, while mentioning that no current GPU does something like this.
The hosts were enthusiastic about the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models powered by this latest silicon. With the new range, Apple has essentially replaced the lower-end 13-inch MacBook Pro going forward. Snell felt this larger but more affordable entry point makes the MacBook Pro line more enticing for potential buyers.
One of the big surprises from Apple's event was the introduction of a new 'Space Black' color option for the MacBook Pro. However, Snell, who got to see the new models in person, cautioned that it is not actually black but rather a very dark gray finish that has an anodization seal to heavily reduce any fingerprint marks that the M2 Air's Midnight Blue finish had.
Laporte pointed out that the Space Black color is only available for the more expensive configurations with the M3 Pro and M3 Max chip options. He speculated that this could make it something of a status symbol for buyers.
Overall, Laporte, Ihnatko, Lindsay, and Snell were very impressed with the new lineup of M3 chips and the power and efficiency gains Apple seemed to have achieved with them.
Download the episode and subscribe to MacBreak Weekly here: MacBreak Weekly Episode #893
