On Tuesday, Apple unveiled its new M3-powered Mac portfolio, which includes a new 24-inch iMac and 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models powered by the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chipsets.

Aside from the significant performance advantages of the 3nm-based M3 chipset range, little has changed in design, aesthetics, and overall product. However, Apple’s new MacBooks include several small modifications that add up. Compare the M3-powered MacBook Pro 14-inch and 16-inch models to the previous M2 and M1 generations.

Apple has made significant changes to the MacBook Pro 14-inch.

To begin, Apple has made significant changes to the MacBook Pro 14-inch. It is now available with the base chipset—the M3 (10-core GPU). Previously, the high-end MacBook Pro 14-inch was only available with the M2 Pro or M2 Max, starting at Rs 1,99,900. The M3-powered MacBook Pro 14-inch now costs Rs 1,69,900, a Rs 30,000 reduction in the starting price. This could appeal to individuals who want the high-end MacBook Pro for its ProMotion display, speakers, and other features but don’t need the ‘Pro’ performance of the M3 Pro or M3 Max. It’s worth noting that the base model only has 8GB of RAM and two Thunderbolt connections, so that should be considered.

Apple MacBook Pro M3 vs. M2 and M1 Models: Screen

Another noticeable difference is the new laptops’ ProMotion screens. According to reports, they now have a panel that can reach a maximum of 600 nits for SDR content, making it 20% brighter than earlier panels. The maximum brightness for HDR content remains at 1600 nits. Apple calls the MacBook Pro screens the “world’s best display,” they continue to use the 120Hz ProMotion technology.

Apple MacBook Pro M3 vs. M2 and M1 Models: Design

Little has changed in terms of design and aesthetics. The chassis and form factor remain the same, but Apple has introduced a new ‘Space Black’ finish with the new 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro. Apple claims to have solved the fingerprint problem with dark-coloured laptops using “breakthrough chemistry that forms an anodization seal to reduce fingerprints greatly.” This finish, however, is only available on M3 Pro and M3 Max configuration MacBooks. As a result, if you choose the MacBook Pro 14-inch with the M3 CPU, your options are restricted to Space Grey or Silver.

 

Apple MacBook Pro M3 vs. M2 and M1 Models: Speed

For obvious reasons, Apple is not comparing the new models to the M2 series but rather to the M1 Macs. Apple claims that the MacBook Pro 16-inch with M3 Max is up to 2.5x quicker than the 16-inch MacBook Pro with M1 Max and that the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 is up to 60% faster than the 13-inch MacBook Pro with M1.

Apple MacBook Pro M3 vs. M2 and M1 Models: Performance

Apple also mentions that performance in applications such as Photoshop and DaVinci Resolve has considerably improved. Another significant difference is the gaming performance of these devices; now that the M3 range supports capabilities such as ray-tracing, customers can expect higher performance in the future.