Apple has kicked off the year with an exciting announcement: the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros have been equipped with the M2 Pro and M2 Max processors, plus, the Mac mini now comes with the M2 and M2 Pro chips.
Curious as to what these changes bring? Read on to find out…
New 14-inch MacBook Pro
When supercharged by the M2 Pro processor, the updated 14-inch MacBook Pro has two options. The base model has a 10-core CPU, a 16-core GPU, and 512GB of storage, or you can opt for the more high-end device which has a 12-core CPU, a 19-core GPU, and 1TB SSD storage. Whichever you pick, you’ll gain a 16-core Neural Engine, plus Wi-Fi 6E connectivity.
Overall, it offers a better experience than the M1 Pro chip: performance is 20% faster, graphics performance 30% swifter, machine learning 40% quicker, and battery life lasts for up to 18 hours.
Not only that, you can take things one step further with the M2 Max 14-inch MacBook Pro. This fresh processor offers up to a 12-core CPU, a 30-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. It has 32GB unified memory and 1TB SSD, which can be upgraded to 96GB of RAM and 8TB of storage, as well as a 38-core GPU, if you so wish.
Fresh 16-inch MacBook Pro
The M2 Pro chip on the 16-inch MacBook Pro offers the same choices in terms of its makeup, although it does have a slightly longer battery life – up to 22 hours, to be precise.
As for the M2 Max 16-inch MacBook Pro, you’ll benefit from 20% greater performance compared to the M1 processor. It can also work six times quicker than an Intel-based MacBook Pro, depending on the task you’re performing.
You have the same configuration options as the M2 Max 14-inch MacBook Pro, with choices for 96GB of RAM and 8TB of storage. What’s more, this device has double the pace, and is worth its weight in gold for creatives – offering nine times the speed in Final Cut Pro, in contrast to the i9 Intel MacBook Pro.
Upgraded Mac minis
We’re pleased to say that the M2 processor has finally come to the Mac mini. This has two options. The first has an 8-core CPU, a 10-core GPU, a 16-core Neural Engine, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD; the second has a slightly higher specification with 512GB storage. Whichever you choose, its machine learning will be 22 times faster than its predecessor.
There’s also the M2 Max Mac mini, which comes with 10 cores of CPU, 16 cores of GPU, 16GB unified memory, 512GB SSD, and a 16-core Neural Engine. It delivers 40% faster machine learning, so is particularly ideal for creatives who need video analysis and image processing capabilities. Plus, it’s 14 times quicker than even the best Intel-based Mac mini.
Upgrades are an option too. Configure your device to have a 12-core CPU, a 19-core GPU, 32GB RAM and 8TB SSD.
Spoilt for choice?
The best machine will depend on what suits your business. Though, be aware, the M2 Max chip no longer has video encode engines or ProRes encode and decode engines, which is a shift from last year. Also, whilst the option for 96 RAM stands out, unless you need a significant amount, 32GB is sufficient for most.
Apple’s processors are the only thing that have really been updated, though it’s worth noting that the MacBook Pros have a matching Space Gray braided cable, plus a new HDMI 2.0 Port to support 8K or 4K displays. The 16 inch has the slight benefit of slimmer bezels, the notch at the top is somewhat smaller too, and there’s a marginally bigger trackpad.
There’s also a noticeable weight difference between the MacBook Pros. They’re slightly heavier with the M2 Max chip, likely due to cooling system improvements to tackle overheating and thermal throttling. It looks like they’ve done this for M2 Pro Mac mini too.
Choose leasing
Whatever you decide, we recommend leasing over purchasing. This way you can spread the cost over time, and put your money towards growing your business.
Discover a leasing solution that suits you by speaking to Lease Loop today.
