Apple’s M2 Pro and Max Chips Come To 2023 MacBook Pro Lineup

Ever since Apple unveiled the M2 processor at WWDC ’22, we knew that it was just a matter of time before the company would introduce more powerful chips in the M2 family. The timing of this latest announcement does feel a bit weird, but nevertheless, we’re finally getting M2 Pro and M2 Max-powered MacBook Pro models.

Related Reading

What’s New With The 2023 MacBook Pro

With the 2021 MacBook Pro models, this marked the first major redesign to come to the lineup in years. Apple listened to what its customers wanted, ditching the “Thunderbolt-only” design in favor of providing some commonly-used ports. Now that the 2023 MacBook Pro models have been announced, it should come as little surprise that the same overall design is being used, with the bigger story being found in what’s under the hood.

There are still two different size options, as you can opt for either a 14-inch or 16-inch model. And while some of us were hoping to see the Midnight color from the MacBook Air make its way to the MacBook Pro, that’s not the case. Instead, you’ll be able to choose either Space Gray or Silver, just like the 2021 iteration.

The smaller of the two MacBook Pro models feature a 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, while the larger model sports a 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display. The Touch ID sensor also returns, doubling as a power button in the top right corner of the keyboard deck.

Meanwhile, battery life has also been improved with the M2 Pro and M2 Max 2022 MacBook Pro models. The 14-inch version is now rated to last for up to 18 hours on a single charge (up from 17 hours), while the 16-inch model is rated for up to 22 hours (up from 21 hours.)

Powered by M2 Pro and M2 Max

Without a major redesign in the cards, the major changes for the 2022 MacBook Pro models come via the all-new M2 Pro and M2 Max processors. On paper, it doesn’t seem like there’s much of an upgrade over the previous M1 Pro and M1 Max chips. However, Apple states that the opposite is true as the M2 Pro is said to be up to 40% faster when processing images in Photoshop compared to the M1 Pro.

Meanwhile, the M2 Max is capable of performing 30% faster when color grading in DaVinci Resolve compared to the M1 Max. And the overall package that the M2 Max offers is said to provide 20% better performance compared to its predecessor while featuring “a more powerful media engine”.

Keeping with the performance trend, part of the gains Apple has been able to achieve is thanks to the two additional CPU cores, along with six additional GPU cores. With the M2 Max chip, you’ll be able to get a combination of up to a 12-core CPU and 38-core GPU. While the storage options remain the same across the board, Apple has also made it possible to get up to 96GB of RAM (unified memory), at a cost, of course.

While port selection remains the same compared to the M1 Pro and M1 Max MacBook Pro models, there are some subtle differences. For one, the 2022 MacBook Pro models are equipped with an HDMI 2.1 port along with Wi-Fi 6E support. The previous models “only” featured HDMI 2.0 and Wi-Fi 6 support.

Thanks to the move to HDMI 2.1, this brings support for displays with up to an 8K resolution at 60Hz and 4K displays with a refresh rate of up to 240Hz. Additionally, you’ll be able to connect your M2 Pro 2022 MacBook Pro with up to two external displays, while the M2 Max 2022 MacBook Pro supports up to four external displays.

Available Configurations

• 14-inch, 2023 MacBook Pro
  • Apple M2 Pro
    • 10-core CPU / 16-core GPU / 16-core Neural Engine
    • 16GB / 32GB unified memory (RAM)
    • 1TB / 2TB / 4TB / 8TB of storage
    • Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, headphone jack, MagSafe 3
    • 67W USB-C Power Adapter
  • Apple M2 Pro
    • 12-core CPU / 19-core GPU / 16-core Neural Engine
    • 16GB / 32GB unified memory (RAM)
    • 512GB / 1TB / 2TB / 4TB / 8TB of storage
    • Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, headphone jack, MagSafe 3
    • 96W USB-C Power Adapter
  • Apple M2 Max
    • 12-core CPU / 30-core GPU / 16-core Neural Engine
    • 32GB / 64GB unified memory (RAM)
    • 1TB / 2TB / 4TB / 8TB of storage
    • Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, headphone jack, MagSafe 3
    • 96W USB-C Power Adapter
  • Apple M2 Max
    • 12-core CPU / 38-core GPU / 16-core Neural Engine
    • 32GB / 64GB / 96GB unified memory (RAM)
    • 1TB / 2TB / 4TB / 8TB of storage
    • Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, headphone jack, MagSafe 3
    • 96W USB-C Power Adapter
• 16-inch, 2023 MacBook Pro
  • Apple M2 Pro
    • 12-core CPU / 19-core GPU / 16-core Neural Engine
    • 16GB / 32GB unified memory (RAM)
    • 512GB / 1TB / 2TB / 4TB / 8TB of storage
    • Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, headphone jack, MagSafe 3
    • 140W USB-C Power Adapter
  • Apple M2 Max
    • 12-core CPU / 30-core GPU / 16-core Neural Engine
    • 32GB / 64GB unified memory (RAM)
    • 1TB / 2TB / 4TB / 8TB of storage
    • Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, headphone jack, MagSafe 3
    • 140W USB-C Power Adapter
  • Apple M2 Max
    • 12-core CPU / 38-core GPU / 16-core Neural Engine
    • 32GB / 64GB / 96GB unified memory (RAM)
    • 1TB / 2TB / 4TB / 8TB of storage
    • Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, headphone jack, MagSafe 3
    • 140W USB-C Power Adapter

2023 MacBook Pro Pricing and Availability

If you’re trying to figure out which version of the 2023 MacBook Pro lineup is right for you, then you’re in luck. The 14-inch model actually comes in four different total configurations with the base model starting at $1,999. This model includes the M2 Pro with a 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. If you want the most powerful 14-inch 2023 MacBook Pro with the M2 Max and all the bells and whistles, you’re looking at $6,299.

Surprisingly, there are only three configurations available with the 16-inch 2023 MacBook Pro available. You won’t find a 10-core M2 Pro option, as Apple instead opted to offer the base M2 Pro configuration with a 12-core CPU and 19-core GPU. This is priced at $2,499 and includes 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. And if you want to max everything out, with 96GB of RAM, 8TB of storage, and the M2 Max with a 38-core GPU, you’ll be looking at an eye-watering $6,499.

All of the various configurations of the 2023 MacBook Pro in 14 inches or 16 inches are available for pre-order starting today and will hit store shelves beginning on January 24.