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Apple Silicon MacBook Pro Q&A
Revision Published January 31, 2023
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What are all the differences between the "2021" 14" and 16" Apple Silicon MacBook Pro "M1 Pro/M1 Max" models?
The "2021" Apple Silicon MacBook Pro models have been discontinued. However, this Q&A has been updated subsequently and remains quite helpful to anyone buying or selling one of these models on the used market.
There are two stock 14" "2021" MacBook Pro models -- the MacBook Pro "M1 Pro" 14" 8 CPU/14 GPU and "M1 Pro" 14" 10 CPU/16 GPU -- and two stock 16" "2021" MacBook Pro models -- the MacBook Pro "M1 Pro" 16" 10 CPU/16 GPU and MacBook Pro "M1 Max" 16" 10 CPU/32 GPU.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (2021 14" and 16" MacBook Pro Models)
With even the briefest of glances at the 14" and 16" "2021" MacBook Pro models, it is obvious that the 16" models are physically larger and have larger displays, but there are some differences that are more subtle and yet are important to understand, nevertheless.
External Differences
The 14" and 16" "2021" MacBook Pro models use identically styled "sealed" aluminum and glass cases in either silver or a darker "Space Gray" color. As you would expect, the 16" models are larger and are more than a pound heavier (4.7 pounds compared to 3.5 pounds for the smaller notebooks).
Both models have a distinctive all black keyboard set in a black background that is reminiscent of the PowerBook G4 Titanium from way back in 2001, albeit with more modern travel and backlit capability. The "2021" MacBook Pro models have a "Touch ID" sensor for login purposes, but do not have a "Touch Bar" in lieu of function keys like many recent predecessors.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (MacBook Pro "2021" Keyboard - Closeup)
Both the 14" and 16" MacBook Pro models have LED-backlit "Liquid Retina XDR" displays -- 14.2" (3024x1964) and 16.2" (3456x2234), respectively. Both displays are 254 ppi, provide up to 1000 nits of sustained brightness, 1600 nits peak brightness, and a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, as well as support for 1 billion colors, Wide color (P3), True Tone, and ProMotion (for adaptive refresh rates).
These models likewise pack the same 1080p webcam in a "notch" at the top of the display, "Studio-quality three-mic array with high signal-to-noise ratio and directional beamforming," "high-fidelity six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers," and large "Force Touch" trackpads.
Connectivity Differences
The 14" and 16" "2021" MacBook Pro models have the same general connectivity -- three Thunderbolt 4 ports (USB-C connector), one HDMI 2.0 port, a 3.5" analog headphone jack, an SDXC-capable SD card slot, and a magnetic-connected "MagSafe 3" power port.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (MagSafe 3 Connector)
However, there are some notable display support and power differences. The 14" models support full native resolution on the interior display in addition to as many as two external 6K displays, whereas the 16" models support as many as three external 6K displays.
The entry-level MacBook Pro "M1 Pro" 14" 8 CPU/14 GPU shipped with a 67W USB-C power adapter that is not capable of fast charging to 50% of capacity in 30 minutes. All other 14" models shipped with a 96W USB-C power adapter that is capable of fast charging and the 16" models all shipped with a 140W USB-C power adapter that likewise is capable of fast charging.
When equipped with a 96W USB-C power adapter, the 14" models can fast charge via Thunderbolt or MagSafe 3. The 16" models, on the other hand, only can fast charge via MagSafe 3.
Identification Differences
Of course, when they are next to one another, it is easy to differentiate between the 14" and 16" "2021" MacBook Pro models visually by size.
However, it is easy to confuse these models with earlier ones and it is not possible to differentiate between different models within each line by appearance alone, either.
Although the A2442 and A2485 Model Numbers -- used by the 14" and 16" models, respectively, actually are sufficient to identify these models, Model Identifiers in software are the most precise. EMC Numbers on the bottom of each notebook are useful for long-term identification, also.
Just as the site has done for decades, EveryMac.com diligently has hand documented all of these details from the hardware itself for your convenience:
MacBook Pro Model |
Model ID |
EMC |
Additionally, EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature can identify these notebooks by other information, too.
Internal Differences
Although there are specific part differences, the 14" and 16" "2021" MacBook Pro models have the same performance-related components with Apple designed "M1 Pro" or "M1 Max" processors and onboard RAM and storage that cannot be upgraded after purchase.
When configured with a "M1 Max" processor, the 16" MacBook Pro supports "High Power Mode" to maximize performance, whereas the 14" MacBook Pro does not, even if it is configured with the same processor.
The 14" models have integrated 70-watt-hour batteries that provide as much as 17 hours of runtime whereas the 16" models have integrated 100-watt-hour batteries that provide as much as 21 hours of runtime.
Comparison Chart
The major differences between the 14" and "16" "2021" MacBook Pro models are summarized below. Please refer to the specs page for the model of interest for complete details:
 14" 2021 |
 16" 2021 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Display Size: | 14.2" | 16.2" |
| Resolution: | 3024x1964 | 3456x2234 |
| Architecture: | M1 Pro/M1 Max | M1 Pro/M1 Max |
| Processor Cores: | 8-10 | 10 |
| Graphics Cores: | 14-32 | 16-32 |
| Standard RAM: | 16 GB | 16 GB/32 GB* |
| Maximum RAM: | 64 GB* | 64 GB* |
| Standard Storage: | 512 GB, 1 TB | 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Maximum Storage: | 8 TB† | 8 TB† |
| Ext. Display Support: | 6016x3384 (6K) x2 | 6016x3384 (6K) x3 |
| Battery W Hrs: | 70 W Hr | 100 W Hr |
| Battery Life: | 17 Hours | 21 Hours |
| Fast Charge: | No/Yes‡ | Yes |
| TB Fast Charge: | Yes‡ | No |
| High Power Mode: | No | Yes |
| Height (In): | 0.61 | 0.66 |
| Width (In): | 12.31 | 14.01 |
| Depth (In): | 8.71 | 9.77 |
| Weight: | 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) | 4.7 lbs (2.1 kg) |
| Model Number: | A2442 | A2485 |
| EMC Number: | 3650 | 3651 |
| Model Identifier: | MacBookPro18,3 MacBookPro18,4 |
MacBookPro18,1 MacBookPro18,2 |
| Intro Price (US): | US$1999 US$2499 |
US$2499 US$2699 US$3499 |
| Intro Price (UK): | £1899 £2399 |
£2399 £2599 £3299 |
| Intro Price (CA): | C$2499 C$3149 |
C$3149 C$3399 C$4399 |
| Intro Price (AU): | A$2999 A$3749 |
A$3749 A$4049 A$5249 |
| Intro Price (SG): | S$2999 S$3749 |
S$3749 S$4049 S$5249 |
* These MacBook Pro models could be upgraded with more RAM, but only at the time of initial purchase. The "M1 Pro" processor cannot support more than 32 GB of RAM. If configured with an "M1 Max" processor, the minimum RAM option is 32 GB and the maximum is 64 GB.
† These MacBook Pro models could be upgraded to as much as 8 TB of storage at the time of initial purchase. The storage cannot be upgraded later.
‡ If equipped with a 67W USB-C power adapter, this model is not capable of "Fast Charging." If it is equipped with a 96W USB-C power adapter, it is capable. If equipped with a 96W USB-C power adapter, the 14" models can fast charge via Thunderbolt or MagSafe 3. 16" models cannot fast charge via Thunderbolt.
For introductory pricing in dozens of other countries, see the "Global Prices" on the specs page for each Mac as well as the "By Global Original Prices" section of EveryMac.com.
So, which is best for my needs?
Ultimately, ignoring newer models and only comparing these notebooks to one another, the 14" and 16" "2021" MacBook Pro models remain highly capable. There is little to complain about for either system.
Although the value proposition may have shifted somewhat on the used market, if speed is your top priority -- and/or a big, beautiful display and maximum battery life -- the 16" MacBook Pro is your best choice. It is quite expensive, though. Accordingly, for those who still want high performance, but don't mind sacrificing a bit of speed and runtime for a more portable size and/or lower price tag, the 14" MacBook Pro also is an excellent choice.
In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new MacBook Pro models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb MacBook Pro models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. On the other hand, if you need to sell a MacBook Pro, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older notebook with an instant quote and prompt payment.
In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs sells used MacBook Pro models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK.
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