On October 30, 2024, Apple unveiled the latest MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models at its "Scary Fast" event. Both models come with powerful Apple Silicon technology and new Apple Intelligence. While the MacBook Pro with the M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max chips is designed for high performance and demanding tasks, the MacBook Air offers an affordable but powerful option for everyday use. In this article, you'll learn all about the new features and technical improvements - so you can decide which model is best for you.
The new MacBook Pro in detail
Apple has equipped the MacBook Pro with the new M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, which offer significant performance and efficiency improvements. Available in 14- and 16-inch variants, the MacBook Pro is aimed at professionals and creatives who require the highest performance and reliability.
Apple Silicon M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max
- M4 chip: Features a 10-core CPU with four performance and six efficiency cores, as well as a 10-core GPU. Ideal for tasks such as image editing and video editing. Compared to the M1, the M4 chip offers up to 1.8x performance improvement for specific tasks.
- M4 Pro chip: Offers a 14-core CPU with ten performance and four efficiency cores and a 20-core GPU. Suitable for complex applications such as data modeling and software development. The M4 Pro chip offers up to 3x performance improvement compared to the M1 Pro.
- M4 Max chip: Features a 16-core CPU and a 40-core GPU. Ideal for demanding workloads like 3D rendering and video production. The M4 Max chip offers up to 3.5x performance improvement compared to the M1 Max.
Long battery life and brilliant display options
Thanks to the efficiency of the M4 chips, the MacBook Pro achieves an impressive battery life of up to 24 hours, ideal for long, uninterrupted workdays. The Liquid Retina XDR display offers brightness of up to 1000 nits for SDR content and up to 1600 nits for HDR content, ensuring clear and vivid images. In addition, a nano-texture surface is available that reduces reflections and makes working in bright environments easier.
The new MacBook Air with M2 and M3
Apple has also updated the MacBook Air and now offers it with the powerful M2 and M3 chips. Both models are available in 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch variants and feature a slim design, high performance and energy efficiency.
New functions and features
- M2 chip: The M2 chip offers an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU, supports up to 24GB of shared memory, and delivers impressive performance for everyday tasks and creative applications.
- M3 chip: The M3 chip, based on 3-nanometer technology, features an 8-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU. It offers up to 60% higher performance compared to the M1 model and supports up to 24 GB of shared memory.
- Increased standard memory: Both the M2 and M3 models of the MacBook Air now come standard with 16GB of memory, improving multitasking capabilities and overall performance.
- display: Both models feature a Liquid Retina display with 500 nits brightness, wide P3 color space and True Tone technology, which ensures clear and vivid images.
Apple Intelligence: New AI features for MacBooks
With the introduction of Apple Intelligence, Apple is expanding the functionality of the new MacBook models with powerful AI features that significantly improve the user experience. This integration leverages the power of the M4 chips and offers personalized, contextual support directly on the device.
What is Apple Intelligence?
Apple Intelligence is a personalized AI system that combines generative models with individual user data to deliver relevant and useful features. It enables MacBook to understand language, create images, and perform tasks based on the user's personal context, processing the data directly on the device, protecting privacy and increasing security.
New functions and application possibilities
- Live Transcription in Notes: This feature allows you to record meetings or lectures in real time and summarize them automatically, which is especially useful for students and professionals.
- Writing Tools: Integrated into various applications, these tools help with writing, revising and summarizing texts, increasing the efficiency of document and email creation.
- image editing: Apple Intelligence provides advanced features for automatically editing and sorting photos, making it easier to manage large image libraries.
Improved Siri experience and ChatGPT integration
Siri has been significantly improved by Apple Intelligence and now offers a natural and flexible interaction. By integrating ChatGPT, Siri can access a wider range of information and provide detailed answers. This combination allows users to ask complex questions and receive precise, contextual answers.
Availability in Germany
While some features are already available in the US, Apple Intelligence is currently restricted in Germany. This is due to the European Union's strict data protection and digital market regulations. These requirements oblige companies like Apple to take additional measures to protect user data and ensure transparency.
Additional adjustments must be made for AI functions that use personalized data and contextual information. These requirements mean that Apple Intelligence functions can be made available in Germany and the EU gradually and only after further adjustments. Apple plans to comply with these regulations and unlock the full availability of the functions in Germany and other EU countries from April 2025. So we will have to be patient for some time until we can use all functions.
Conclusion: A MacBook for every requirement
The new MacBook models offer the right device for every user - from professional users to occasional surfers. With the powerful MacBook Pro and the versatile MacBook Air, Apple covers the entire range of requirements.While the MacBook Pro with M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max chips is optimized for intensive, computationally heavy tasks such as 3D rendering and software development, the MacBook Air impresses with its lightweight design and powerful performance for everyday use.
Thanks to Apple Intelligence and advanced display options, you get a notebook that not only impresses in terms of performance, but also in terms of user-friendliness and energy efficiency. Whether you are a power user, student, content creator or simply looking for a solid device for everyday use - Apple has something for everyone with the new models.
