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Apple Silicon MacBook Pro Q&A
Published December 12, 2024
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What are all the differences between the "2024" 14" and 16" Apple Silicon MacBook Pro "M4/M4 Pro/M4 Max" models? Which is best for me?
There are four stock "2024" 14" MacBook Pro models -- the MacBook Pro "M4" 10 CPU/10 GPU 14", "M4 Pro" 12 CPU/16 GPU 14", "M4 Pro" 14 CPU/20 GPU 14", and "M4 Max" 14 CPU/32 GPU 14" -- and three stock "2024" 16" MacBook Pro models -- the MacBook Pro "M4 Pro" 14 CPU/20 GPU 16", "M4 Max" 14 CPU/32 GPU 16", and "M4 Max" 16 CPU/40 GPU 16".
As organized by EveryMac.com, there also is a distinct configure-to-order "2024" 14" model -- the MacBook Pro "M4 Max" 16 CPU/40 GPU 14".
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (2024 14" and 16" MacBook Pro)
With even a simple glance at the "2024" 14" and 16" MacBook Pro options, it is obvious that the 16" models are physically larger and have larger displays, but there are other significant differences that are not obvious -- especially for the entry-level 14" model -- and these are worthwhile to understand, too.
External Differences
The "2024" 14" and 16" MacBook Pro models use "sealed" aluminum and glass cases in silver or "Space Black" color options. As you would expect, the 16" models are larger and heavier (4.7 pounds compared to 3.4, 3.5, or 3.6 pounds for the smaller notebooks, which vary in weight based on the processor type).
Both sizes have an all black, backlit keyboard set in a black background with "traditional" function keys as well as a "Touch ID" for login.
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 brightness for SDR content (outdoors), up to 1000 nits of sustained full-screen brightness, 1600 nits peak brightness displaying HDR content, 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). Both display sizes also can be custom configured with a reduced glare "nano-texture" display for an extra US$150.
Finally, all of these models likewise include the same 12 megapixel "Center Stage" camera -- that automatically tracks and zooms to keep subjects in frame -- tucked in a "notch" at the upper portion 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 big "Force Touch" trackpads.
Connectivity Differences
Connectivity is a noteworthy point of differentiation between the "2024" 14" and 16" MacBook Pro models. All of these notebooks have an HDMI port, a 3.5" analog headphone jack "with advanced support for high-impedance headphones," an SDXC-capable SD card slot, and a magnet-equipped "MagSafe 3" power connector.
However, the entry-level MacBook Pro "M4" 10 CPU/10 GPU 14" has three Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gb/s) ports whereas all other models have three much faster Thunderbolt 5 ports (120 Gb/s).
Display Support & Power Differences
Regardless of the size of the internal display, there also are significant external display support differences between models equipped with M4 and M4 Pro processors and the most powerful M4 Max processors.
Notebooks with M4 or M4 Pro processors support full native resolution on the interior display in addition to a maximum of:
- Up to two external displays with up to 6K resolution at 60 Hz over Thunderbolt
- One external display with up to 6016x3384 (6K) resolution at 60 Hz over Thunderbolt and one external display with up to 3840x2160 (4K) resolution at 144 Hz over HDMI
- One external display supported at 7680x4320 (8K) resolution at 60 Hz or one external display at 3840x2160 (4K) resolution at 240 Hz over HDMI
Notebooks with M4 Max processors, on the other hand, support full native resolution on the interior display, as well as a maximum of:
- Up to four external displays: Up to three external displays with 6016x3384 (6K) resolution at 60 Hz over Thunderbolt and one external display with up to 3840x2160 (4K) resolution at 144 Hz over HDMI
- Up to three external displays: Up to two external displays with 6016x3384 (6K) resolution at 60 Hz over Thunderbolt and one external display with up to 7680x4320 (8K) resolution at 60 Hz or one external display with 3840x2160 (4K) resolution at 240 Hz over HDMI
By default, the entry-level MacBook Pro "M4" 10 CPU/10 GPU 14" as well as the MacBook Pro "M4 Pro" 12 CPU/16 GPU 14" ship with a 70W USB-C power adapter that is not capable of fast charging to 50% of capacity in 30 minutes. Higher-end 14" models ship with a 96W USB-C power adapter that is capable of fast charging and the 16" models all ship with a 140W USB-C power adapter that likewise is capable of fast charging.
Identification Differences
It is easy to mix up the "2024" 14" and 16" MacBook Pro models with any number of other similar MacBook Pro models. It is not possible to differentiate between models with different processors within each line by appearance alone, either.
However, at least for now, both Model Numbers externally and Model Identifiers, in software, are precise enough to collectively identify these models and even to differentiate by processor type (but not processor cores in some instances).
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 No |
Model ID |
Additionally, EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature can identify these notebooks by other information, too.
Internal Differences
Although there are differences between specific interior parts, "2024" MacBook Pro models equipped with the same processors have essentially the same performance-related components. All have onboard processors as well as integrated RAM and storage that cannot be upgraded after purchase.
There also are substantial battery life differences between models. The 14" models have an integrated 72.4 watt-hour battery and the 16" models have an integrated 100-watt hour battery. However, models with slower processors actually have longer battery life, something to keep in mind if battery life on the go is more important to you than speed.
Comparison Chart
The major differences between the "2024" 14" and 16" MacBook Pro models are summarized below. Please refer to the specs page for the model of interest for complete details:
 14" 2024 M4 |
14" 2024 |
 16" 2024 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Display Size: | 14.2" | 14.2" | 16.2" |
| Resolution: | 3024x1964 | 3024x1964 | 3456x2234 |
| Architecture: | M4 | M4 Pro/M4 Max | M4 Pro/M4 Max |
| Processor Cores: | 10 | 12-16 | 14-16 |
| Graphics Cores: | 10 | 16-40 | 20-40 |
| Standard RAM: | 16/24 GB | 24/36/48 GB* | 24/36/48 GB* |
| Maximum RAM: | 32 GB | 36/48/128 GB* | 36/48/128 GB* |
| Standard Storage: | 512 GB, 1 TB | 512 GB, 1 TB | 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Maximum Storage: | 2 TB | 4/8 TB† | 4/8 TB† |
| Thunderbolt: | 3 (TB 4) | 3 (TB 5) | 3 (TB 5) |
| Ext. Displays: | 2 | 2/4 | 2/4 |
| Battery W Hrs: | 72.4 W Hr | 72.4 W Hr | 100 W Hr |
| Battery Life: | 16-24 Hours | 13-22 Hours | 14-24 Hours |
| Fast Charge: | No‡ | No/Yes‡ | Yes |
| Color Options: | Silver/Black | Silver/Black | Silver/Black |
| Height (In): | 0.61 | 0.61 | 0.66 |
| Width (In): | 12.31 | 12.31 | 14.01 |
| Depth (In): | 8.71 | 8.71 | 9.77 |
| Weight: | 3.4 lbs. | 3.5-3.6 lbs. | 4.7 lbs. |
| Model Number: | A3112 | A3401 A3185 |
A3403 A3186 |
| Model Identifier: | Mac16,1 | Mac16,8 Mac16,6 |
Mac16,7 Mac16,5 |
| Intro Price (US): | US$1599 US$1799 US$1999 | US$1999 US$2399 US$3199 US$3699 |
US$2499 US$2899 US$3499 US$3999 |
| Intro Price (CA): | C$2099 C$2349 C$2599 |
C$2699 C$3249 C$4349 C$4974 |
C$3299 C$3799 C$4649 C$5299 |
| Intro Price (UK): | £1599 £1799 £1999 |
£1999 £2399 £3199 £3699 |
£2499 £2899 £3499 £3999 |
| Intro Price (AU): | A$2499 A$2799 A$3099 |
A$3299 A$3999 A$4999 A$5749 |
A$3999 A$4599 A$5699 A$5749 |
| Intro Price (SG): | S$2199 S$2499 S$2799 |
S$2749 S$3349 S$4549 S$5299 |
S$3499 S$4099 S$4999 S$5749 |
* These MacBook Pro models can be custom configured with more RAM, but only at the time of initial purchase. The "M4 Pro" processor cannot support more than 48 GB of RAM. If configured with an "M4 Max" processor, the minimum RAM option is 36 GB and the maximum is 128 GB depending on the specific model.
† These MacBook Pro models can be custom configured with as much as 8 TB of storage at the time of initial purchase. The storage cannot be upgraded later.
‡ If equipped with a 70W 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.
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, the "2024" 14" and 16" MacBook Pro models are the best notebooks Apple makes. They are expensive, and relatively large, but if the price and size are not a problem, they are tough to beat.
If speed and a big, beautiful display are your highest priorities, a 16" MacBook Pro is the best choice. It is quite expensive, though. The 14" models can be equipped with the exact same processor/graphics processor combos, though, so it is not a requirement to sacrifice speed to get the smaller size. Accordingly, a 14" MacBook Pro model also can be a great option that balances performance and portability.
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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