Apple is giving the MacBook Pro a speed boost with the new M3 chips and is adding a black color to the options list for the first time.

During Apple’s “Scary Fast” event, the announcement of the new Apple M3 chips was accompanied by a renewal of MacBook Pro models and a new iMac. The design remains identical to the previous generation, but a black option is available for the first time. The old “Space Gray” is replaced by “Space Black”. According to Apple, the new color would be less sensitive to fingerprints.

The new models are now configurable with an Apple M3 Pro and M3 Max chip, and for the first time you can add up to 128GB of RAM to a MacBook Pro. The new M3 chips are the first computer chips baked at 3 nanometers.

Apple M3 with more powerful GPU

The key performance improvements can be found in the integrated GPU, with new features that gamers will appreciate, such as hardware-accelerated mesh shading. Performance is also said to be significantly higher thanks to “Dynamic Caching”, a function in which the GPU only uses the right amount of local memory for each task in real time.

The process reduction of 3 nanometers is also accompanied by a more economical consumption profile. According to Apple, the 16-inch MacBook Pro can stay active for up to 22 hours.

In addition, nothing changes inside or out compared to the previous MacBook Pro series with M2 chips on board. The only thing that gets a small upgrade is the miniLED screen, which now has a maximum screen brightness of 600 nits, 20 percent more than before.

New MacBook Pro entry-level model

Along with the renewal of the MacBook Pro lineup, Apple is adding a new 14-inch base model with an Apple M3 chip, replacing the current 13-inch model. It also benefits from the same miniLED screen and other benefits.

The base model only has 8 GB of RAM and does not have a touch bar. Unfortunately, the entry price increases sharply. While you could previously get a MacBook Pro with the 13-inch model from 1,619 euros, the recommended retail price for the new 14-inch model is now 2,029 euros with 512 GB of memory. An upgrade to 1 TB will cost you 230 euros more. Both will be available from November 7th.

Price and availability

The 14-inch MacBook Pro with Apple M3 Pro chip on board is available from 2,549 euros. You can purchase the larger 16-inch model from 3,049 euros. The M3 Max variant starts at 4,049 euros in 14 inches and 4,299 euros in 16 inches. These prices correspond to those of the previous M2 models.

The M3 Pro models will be available from November 7th, with the M3 Max devices following a week later. All prices mentioned above include VAT.