Apple MacBook Pro M4 FAQ

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Can you connect an external GPU using Apple's Thunderbolt 5?

Enclosures work with Intel-based MacBook Pro models featuring Thunderbolt 3, Apple Silicon Macs (with M1, M2, or M4 chips) currently do not support eGPUs.

 

How does the M4 compare to the latest processors from Intel or AMD?

Apple's M4 chip provides significant advancements in performance and efficiency, competing closely with Intel's and AMD's latest processors. In single-core performance, the M4 excels. High-end processors like AMD’s Ryzen 9 with 16 cores and 32 threads outperform the M4 in multi-core scenarios. Additionally, the M4's 3-nanometer process gives it superior power efficiency, allowing extended battery life in devices like the MacBook Pro.

 

How does the M4 chip’s integrated graphics compare to the NVIDIA RTX 4090?

The Apple M4 chip's integrated GPU and NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 4090 serve different purposes. The M4's integrated GPU offers substantial performance for everyday tasks and moderate professional workloads. In contrast, the RTX 4090, a high-end dedicated graphics card, is designed for intensive applications like 4K gaming and complex 3D rendering. While the M4 GPU is highly efficient for Apple’s ecosystem, the RTX 4090 provides top-tier performance for users needing extreme graphics power.

 

Does the MacBook M4 come with an OLED screen?

The MacBook Pro models with the M4 chip feature a Liquid Retina XDR display using mini-LED technology. It offers up to 1,000 nits of sustained brightness and a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, providing exceptional visual quality. Although there has been speculation about Apple adopting OLED displays for MacBook Pro models, reports indicate that such a transition may not occur until 2026 or later.

 

What is the performance of the Apple M4’s Neural Engine?

The Apple M4 chip’s Neural Engine can perform up to 38 trillion operations per second (TOPS). This high rate enables the MacBook Pro to handle complex machine learning tasks and AI applications with increased efficiency.

 

What are the key benefits of Thunderbolt 5 in the MacBook Pro M4 models?

The MacBook Pro M4 models equipped with Thunderbolt 5 offer double the transfer speeds (up to 120 Gb/s) compared to previous versions, enabling faster external storage access and supporting more powerful docking solutions. Thunderbolt 5's high-speed capability allows professionals to connect to higher-bandwidth equipment, enhancing workflows like video editing, 3D rendering, and high-performance computing with a single cable.

 

What improvements does Apple Intelligence bring to the MacBook Pro?

Apple Intelligence, available with macOS Sequoia, integrates powerful generative models with industry-first privacy features. It includes system-wide Writing Tools for rewriting, proofreading, and summarizing text, and a redesigned Siri for efficient task handling. Additionally, Apple Intelligence features privacy-focused enhancements like on-device processing and Private Cloud Compute for complex tasks, allowing users to refine their work while maintaining privacy. Apple Intelligence will also integrate with ChatGPT, providing expert assistance directly on Mac without requiring a separate account.

 

What is the advantage of the Liquid Retina XDR display on the MacBook Pro M4?

The Liquid Retina XDR display on the MacBook Pro with M4 offers enhanced brightness and contrast for an immersive viewing experience. With up to 1,000 nits of brightness for SDR content and 1,600 nits for HDR, the display is highly suitable for both indoor and outdoor work environments. Additionally, the new nano-texture display option reduces glare, improving visibility under bright lighting conditions, which is ideal for professionals working outdoors.

 

What is the expected battery life of the MacBook Pro with the M4 chip?

The MacBook Pro with the M4 chip offers up to 24 hours of battery life, the longest ever in a Mac. The high efficiency of the M4 chip, combined with advanced power management, enables prolonged battery life, allowing users to work, create, or play for extended periods without frequent charging.

 

How does macOS Sequoia enhance the user experience on MacBook Pro?

macOS Sequoia enhances the MacBook Pro experience with features like iPhone Mirroring, Safari Highlights for site summaries, a distraction-free Reader mode, and a Video Viewer for uninterrupted viewing. Additional features include Distraction Control for web pages, Personalized Spatial Audio for immersive sound in games, and the new Passwords app for secure storage of credentials. These improvements streamline workflows, enhance privacy, and elevate productivity for users.

 

What is the starting memory of the MacBook Air with Apple Intelligence?

The MacBook Air, equipped with Apple Intelligence, now begins with 16GB of memory in models with M2 and M3 chips.

 

What is the environmental impact of the MacBook Pro with M4?

The MacBook Pro with M4 is designed with sustainability in mind, featuring a custom alloy using 100% recycled aluminum in the enclosure. Additionally, it uses recycled rare earth elements in magnets and 100% recycled tin, gold, and copper in circuit boards. The packaging for the 14-inch model is entirely fiber-based, helping Apple progress toward its goal of eliminating plastic from packaging by 2025. Apple also aims to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire carbon footprint by 2030.

 

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