Hosted by site sponsor WebMate.
Apple Silicon MacBook Pro FAQ @ EveryMac.com
Update Published December 2, 2023
Also see: MacBook Pro Specs | All Mac Q&As
EveryMac.com's "Apple Silicon" MacBook Pro Q&A answers questions about the 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 MacBook Pro models powered by Apple Silicon processors.
The 13" MacBook Pro "M1/M2" models can be collectively identified by the A2338 model number; the 14" MacBook Pro "M1 Pro/M1 Max" by A2442; the 16" MacBook Pro "M1 Pro/M1 Max" by A2485; the 14" MacBook Pro "M2 Pro/M2 Max" by A2779; the 16" MacBook Pro "M2 Pro/M2 Max" by A2780; the 14" MacBook Pro "M3" by A2918; the 14" MacBook Pro "M3 Pro/M3 Max" by A2992; and finally, the 16" MacBook Pro "M3 Pro/M3 Max" by A2991.
Questions range from "What are all the differences between the 'Early 2023 M2 Pro/M2 Max' and 'Late 2023 M3/M3 Pro/M3 Max' 14" and 16" Apple Silicon MacBook Pro models?" to "What external storage options are available for the Apple Silicon MacBook Pro? Which is the best?" and include everything in between.
Please note that the Apple Silicon MacBook Pro models with M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max processors are current whereas models with other processors have been discontinued. This Q&A covers all of these MacBook Pro models regardless of processor type.
Earlier MacBook Pro "Touch Bar" models, which are powered by Intel processors, have 13", 15", or 16" displays and can be identified by their own model numbers.
These MacBook Pro models with 13" displays are model numbers A1706, A1989, A2159, A2251, and A2289; 15" models are A1707 and A1990; and 16" models are A2141. Early entry-level 13" models that do not have a "Touch Bar" -- and instead have traditional function keys -- but are otherwise identical to these models are A1708.
EveryMac.com offers a separate "Touch Bar" MacBook Pro Q&A that covers these earlier models.
To be notified of new Q&As, sign up for EveryMac.com's bimonthly email list.
Most Frequently Asked Apple Silicon MacBook Pro Q&As:
What are all the differences between the "Early 2023 M2 Pro/M2 Max" and "Late 2023 M3/M3 Pro/M3 Max" 14" and 16" Apple Silicon MacBook Pro models?
What external storage options are available for the Apple Silicon MacBook Pro? Which is the best?
What are all the differences between the 13" and 15" Apple Silicon MacBook Air "M3" and the 14" MacBook Pro "M3"? Which is best for my needs?
What are all the differences between the "Late 2023" 14" and 16" Apple Silicon MacBook Pro "M3/M3 Pro/M3 Max" models? Which is best for me?
How do you connect the Apple Silicon MacBook Pro to a wired Ethernet network? Is it possible?
Which SD card storage solution is best for the Apple Silicon MacBook Pro? Is this type of storage safe?
What are the "pros and cons" of the 14" and 16" Apple Silicon MacBook Pro models? Is one for me?
What custom processor options are available for the Apple Silicon MacBook Pro?
What are all the differences between the "2020 M1" and "2022 M2" 13" Apple Silicon MacBook Pro models? Is the newer model a significant upgrade?
What is the best "dock" to add more ports to the Apple Silicon MacBook Pro?
Software Compatibility Q&As:
What version of the macOS is pre-installed on the Apple Silicon MacBook Pro?
How do you transfer data from an older Mac to an Apple Silicon MacBook Pro? Are adapters required?
How do you restore the operating system on the Apple Silicon MacBook Pro?
Can the Apple Silicon MacBook Pro run iPad apps?
Can the Apple Silicon MacBook Pro run older macOS apps?
Can the Apple Silicon MacBook Pro run Windows?
Comparison & Performance Q&As:
What are all the differences between the "Late 2023" 14" and 16" Apple Silicon MacBook Pro "M3/M3 Pro/M3 Max" models? Which is best for me?
What are all the differences between the "Early 2023 M2 Pro/M2 Max" and "Late 2023 M3/M3 Pro/M3 Max" 14" and 16" Apple Silicon MacBook Pro models?
What are all the differences between the "2023" 14" and 16" Apple Silicon MacBook Pro "M2 Pro/M2 Max" models? Which is best for me?
What are all the differences between the "2021 M1 Pro/Max" and "2023 M2 Pro/Max" Apple Silicon MacBook Pro models?
What are all the differences between the "2021" 14" and 16" Apple Silicon MacBook Pro "M1 Pro/M1 Max" models?
What are all the differences between the "2020 M1" 13" Apple Silicon MacBook Pro and the also "2020" 13" MacBook Pro it replaced? Is there any reason to still buy an older model?
What are all the differences between the "2020 M1" Apple Silicon MacBook Air and 13" MacBook Pro? Which is best for my needs?
What are all the differences between the "2020 M1" and "2022 M2" 13" Apple Silicon MacBook Pro models? Is the newer model a significant upgrade?
What are all the differences between the "M2" 13" MacBook Pro and "M2" MacBook Air? Which is best for my needs?
How fast is the "2022 M2" 13" Apple Silicon MacBook Pro compared to its predecessor? How fast is it compared to the MacBook Air?
How fast is the "2020 M1" 13" Apple Silicon MacBook Pro compared to earlier MacBook Pro models? How fast is it compared to the MacBook Air?
What are the "pros and cons" of the 13" Apple Silicon MacBook Pro? Is it for me?
What are the "pros and cons" of the 14" and 16" Apple Silicon MacBook Pro models? Is one for me?
Upgrades, Expansion, Battery & Power Q&As:
What custom processor options are available for the Apple Silicon MacBook Pro?
What type of RAM does the Apple Silicon MacBook Pro use? Can it be upgraded?
What type of internal storage does the Apple Silicon MacBook Pro use? Is it possible to upgrade it?
What external storage options are available for the Apple Silicon MacBook Pro? Which is the best?
Which SD card storage solution is best for the Apple Silicon MacBook Pro? Is this type of storage safe?
What is the best "dock" to add more ports to the Apple Silicon MacBook Pro?
What is the maximum supported resolution for an external display on the Apple Silicon MacBook Pro? Are adapters required?
What type of video processor is provided by the Apple Silicon MacBook Pro? Does it have "integrated" or "dedicated" video memory? Is it upgradable?
Does the Apple Silicon MacBook Pro support an eGPU?
Is it possible to replace the battery in the Apple Silicon MacBook Pro? How?
How do you connect the Apple Silicon MacBook Pro to a wired Ethernet network? Is it possible?
What type of power connector does the Apple Silicon MacBook Pro use? Is it compatible with "MagSafe" power connectors?
Design, Configuration, & Purchasing Q&As:
Who designed the Apple Silicon MacBook Pro?
Where can I buy a Apple Silicon MacBook Pro?
What are the custom configuration options for the Apple Silicon MacBook Pro?
What are the "pros and cons" of the 13" Apple Silicon MacBook Pro? Is it for me?
What are the "pros and cons" of the 14" and 16" Apple Silicon MacBook Pro models? Is one for me?
<< MacBook Pro (Main) | All Mac Q&As
Established in 1996, EveryMac.com has been created by experts with decades of experience with Apple hardware. EveryMac.com includes, and always has included, original research incorporating detailed, hands-on inspection of packaging, computers, and devices as well as extensive real-world use. All information is provided in good faith, but no website or person is perfect. Accordingly, EveryMac.com is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind whatsoever. EveryMac.com, and the authors thereof, shall not be held responsible or liable, under any circumstances, for any damages resulting from the use or inability to use the information within. For complete disclaimer and copyright information please read and understand the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy before using EveryMac.com. Copying, scraping, or use of any content without expressed permission is not allowed, although links to any page are welcomed and appreciated.