By RAVEN
Published on October 31, 2023
In a groundbreaking move, Apple has introduced a range of new Macs, featuring laptops and an all-in-one computer that promise to redefine the way we experience computing.
At an exclusive, behind-closed-doors event, select journalists had the privilege of going hands-on with these cutting-edge products, and the verdict is nothing short of remarkable.
A Spectacle of Innovation
The lineup is nothing short of dazzling. It includes a revamped iMac, both 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros, and an alluring new Space Black color option that is sure to captivate your senses.
However, the true star of the show is the Apple M3 processor. This next-generation chip is a technological marvel, making history as the world’s first PC processor built using a groundbreaking 3-nanometer fabrication process. This innovation means that the transistors are incredibly minuscule, with the ability to fit two million of them within the thickness of a human hair. The result? Exceptional power efficiency and performance.
Triple Power Unleashed
In a move that sets a new precedent, Apple unveiled not one, but three remarkable chips simultaneously – the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max. The latter two are exclusively reserved for the most premium Pro laptops, defying the norm of staggered releases.
Gaming Redefined
While Macs weren’t traditionally associated with gaming, that’s about to change. The M3 chip brings not only higher speeds but also a game-changing addition – the Apple Game Porting Toolkit, announced earlier in June. This toolkit simplifies the process of converting PC games into Mac-compatible ones, ushering in a new era of gaming for Mac users. Expect support for hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh tracing, resulting in improved shadows, reflections, and lighting, akin to games like the highly-anticipated Alan Wake 2.
Farewell to the Past
Apple bid farewell to the smaller 13-inch MacBook Pro model, known for its older design and the last laptop to feature a touch bar above the keyboard. This streamlines the Mac lineup, leaving us with two Pro sizes and two MacBook Air options, although the Air is yet to receive an update.
The 24-inch iMac, which had remained unchanged for over two years, receives a significant boost. While it still comes in the iconic seven colors, it now boasts the upgraded M3 processor, providing a substantial speed boost.
The Marvel of M3
Apple is singing praises of its three new chips, claiming they are the most advanced ever seen in a personal computer. They promise a staggering 30% higher performance than the M1 chip, which Apple released just under three years ago. The M3 boasts a remarkable 5 billion more transistors than the M2 and delivers a 65% boost in graphics performance compared to the M1.
Raw Power Demonstrated
Witnessing the new MacBooks in action was a revelation. In a demonstration using the video editing program Final Cut Pro on the iMac, multiple streams of landscape-orientation video were intelligently reformatted into an upright format suitable for platforms like TikTok in mere seconds. 3D programs on the MacBook Pro showcased seamless and lightning-fast performance, while graphically advanced games displayed immersive and detailed graphics without taxing the processor to the point of requiring the fan.
A Sleek New Hue
For the first time since the iconic black plastic MacBooks of 2006 and 2008, Apple introduces a stunning black MacBook. Unlike its predecessors, the Space Black finish is glossy without being ostentatious and doesn’t attract fingerprints. Get ready for this color to become an instant favorite.
Availability and Pricing
The entire new lineup is available for immediate order and will hit the shelves on November 7. Notably, the pricing structure has been adjusted. The 14-inch MacBook Pro now starts at £1,699, down from £2,149, albeit with slightly reduced specs. The 16-inch MacBook Pro commences at £2,599, while iMac prices remain consistent, starting at £1,299.
What’s Next for M3?
The only laptop not to receive an update was the MacBook Air, which continues to feature the M2 processor. Expect an update in the coming months, but rest assured, the MacBook Air remains a formidable device, fast and efficient.
The Verdict
In summary, the M3 processor is a technological marvel that promises to revolutionize computing. The iMac and MacBook Pro lineup is bound to be a game-changer, offering remarkable performance and a sleek new color option. While the MacBook Air awaits its M3 upgrade, it remains a reliable choice. If you’re contemplating an Apple computer, there has never been a better time to make your move.
