Apple announces new M3 chips and cuts the price of the entry-level MacBook Pro

Technology
Tuesday, October 31st, 2023 2:11 pm EDT

Key Points

  • Apple’s New Chips and MacBook Pro Models: Apple unveiled three new chips, all under the M3 product banner, which represent a substantial upgrade over the previous generation. These chips include an entry-level M3, a 40% faster M3 Pro, and a 250% faster M3 Max designed for AI developers and 3D artists. Apple claims that all M3 chips offer up to 22 hours of battery life on laptops. The M3 chips feature advanced core and GPU configurations, with the M3 Max suitable for developing artificial intelligence software. These chips are built on a cutting-edge 3-nanometer process.
  • Updated MacBook Pro Models: Apple introduced refreshed MacBook Pro models, including a new entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro starting at $1599, with an M3 processor. The 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M3 Pro option starts at $1999 and can be upgraded to an M3 Max for more power. In addition, Apple unveiled an updated 16-inch MacBook Pro, the largest and most powerful laptop in the lineup, starting at $2499 with the M3 Pro or upgradable to an M3 Max for additional performance. These MacBook Pros feature additional ports like HDMI and an SD card slot in addition to USB-C ports, catering to various user needs. The article also mentions that the 13-inch MacBook Pro with the Touch Bar did not receive a chip update.
  • New iMac Model: Apple presented an updated 24-inch iMac desktop computer starting at $1299. The previous model used the M1 chip, while the new iMac is equipped with the M3 chip. This update provides enhanced performance and capabilities for users looking for a desktop solution.

Apple unveiled a range of new PC chips and upgraded MacBook Pro and iMac models at a nighttime launch event. The new chips, part of the M3 product lineup, are designed to revamp Apple’s Mac computers and provide improved performance, longer battery life, and enhanced capabilities for AI development. Apple emphasized that the new machines outperform Intel-based Macs, which have been phased out since 2020. The three new chips include an entry-level M3, a 40% faster M3 Pro, and a 250% faster M3 Max chip for AI developers and 3D artists. These chips are built on a 3-nanometer process, the most advanced semiconductor technology from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Apple also introduced updated MacBook Pro models, with a price cut for the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro, and a refreshed 16-inch MacBook Pro with various chip options. In addition, a 24-inch iMac with an M3 chip was unveiled, marking an update from the previous M1-equipped model. These products will hit the market next week in preparation for the holiday shopping season.

For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/30/apple-announces-new-m3-chips-cuts-price-of-entry-level-macbook-pro-.html