Apple’s Scary Fast Event: M3 Chips, New MacBooks and iMacs Announced

Highlights

• Introduction of the game changing M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chipsets.
• 14-inch MacBook Pro replaces the 13-inch model, boasting enhanced performance.
• 16-inch MacBook Pro arrives with exclusive Pro and Max chipset options.
• 24-inch iMac upgraded with the M3 chip, maintaining its iconic design.

Apple’s latest event, aptly named “Scary Fast,” unveiled a suite of transformative updates that are set to disrupt the computing landscape.

Front and centre were the new M3 chipsets, including not just the base M3 but its more potent siblings, the M3 Pro and M3 Max.

The unveiling signals the end of the 13-inch MacBook Pro, introducing its successor — the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Introduction to Apple’s M3 Chipsets

A surprise came in the form of not just one, but three chipsets in the M3 family.

Initially expected was the M3; however, Apple stunned the audience with the additional announcement of the M3 Pro and M3 Max.

These chipsets mark the first time Apple has implemented a 3-nanometer process, creating a significant technological leap over the existing M1 and M2 chips.

The M3 chipset brings along a quicker CPU and a redesigned GPU architecture, focusing on Dynamic Caching, which, according to Apple, considerably elevates GPU output.

Hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shader support debut in Apple’s GPUs with the M3, reportedly offering a 60 percent boost in graphics performance compared to the M1.

In terms of specific hardware configurations, the base M3 comes with an eight-core CPU and either an eight-core or 10-core GPU.

The M3 Pro advances to a 12-core CPU and an 18-core GPU.

Meanwhile, the top-tier M3 Max features a 16-core CPU and a whopping 40-core GPU, also supporting up to 128GB of Unified Memory.

Introduction of 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3

Apple’s 13-inch MacBook Pro is now officially a relic as the company has phased it out in favour of the 14-inch MacBook Pro, which is offered with the base M3 chip.

The new laptop starts at $1,599 and is set to hit the market on November 7.

Compared to its 13-inch predecessor with the M1 chip, Apple says that the 14-inch model promises a 60 percent speed boost in rendering performance in Final Cut Pro, 40 percent speedier code compilation, and improved spreadsheet performance by 40 percent.

Upgraded 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros with M3 Pro/Max

The 14-inch MacBook Pro can also be equipped with the M3 Pro or M3 Max, and a 16-inch variant is available exclusively with the Pro or Max chips.

Prices for these configurations start at $2,000 and $2,500, respectively.
A fresh colour, Space Black, joins the palette, available only for Pro and Max models.

Apple also made updates to the Liquid Retina XDR display, now boasting up to 1,600 nits in peak brightness in HDR and 600 nits in SDR.

Battery longevity is another talking point, with up to 22 hours promised for the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3.

Although the battery performance is expected to be slightly less impressive with the M3 Pro and Max variants, Apple continues to lead in the realm of laptop battery life.

24-inch iMac Reimagined with M3

The iMac series also received an update, with the 24-inch model now featuring the M3 chipset.
Starting at $1,300, it is available for purchase now and will arrive in stores on November 7.

This new iMac is twice as fast as its predecessor, according to Apple, while retaining its seven-colour options and 4.5K Retina display.

Connectivity enhancements include support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
USB-C ports have also been expanded, although the base model retains only two.

Indian Pricing

The M3-equipped 14-inch MacBook Pro has an initial price of Rs 1,69,900, with an educational pricing of Rs 1,58,900.

The 14-inch model featuring the M3 Pro chip begins at Rs 1,99,900, or Rs 1,84,900 for educational purchases.

Meanwhile, the starting cost for the 16-inch MacBook Pro is Rs 2,49,900, and for educational buyers, it’s Rs 2,29,900.

FAQs

What are the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chipsets?

Apple’s newly announced M3 chipsets include the base M3 as well as the more powerful M3 Pro and M3 Max. These chips are fabricated using a 3-nanometer process and offer significant improvements in CPU and GPU performance.

What’s new in the 14-inch MacBook Pro?

The 14-inch MacBook Pro replaces the older 13-inch model and comes with the base M3 chip. It offers improved performance in areas like rendering, code compilation, and spreadsheets. It is priced starting at $1,600.

Are there any changes to the 16-inch MacBook Pro?

Yes, the 16-inch MacBook Pro has been updated and now exclusively features either the M3 Pro or M3 Max chipsets. The pricing starts at $2,500 and it includes an improved Liquid Retina XDR display.

What upgrades does the 24-inch iMac see?

The new 24-inch iMac now incorporates the M3 chip, doubling its performance compared to its predecessor. It also adds updated connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.

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