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The MacBook Pro 14 arrives with unrivalled performance, more ports, endless configurability, a 120 Hz display, and a notch

The MacBook Pro 14 starts at US$1,999 with 16 GB of RAM, a 512 GB SSD and no Touch Bar. (Image source: Apple)
The MacBook Pro 14 starts at US$1,999 with 16 GB of RAM, a 512 GB SSD and no Touch Bar. (Image source: Apple)
Apple has lifted the lid on the long-rumoured 14-inch MacBook Pro. The new screen size coincides with an overhaul of the MacBook Pro series, with more ports, a flatter design and a mini LED display. The latter has slim bezels, 1,000-nit sustained brightness and runs at 120 Hz. It also has a notch, within which its 1080p webcam sits.

Apple has revealed the MacBook Pro 14, the long-awaited entry in the MacBook Pro series. The MacBook Pro 14 launches alongside the MacBook Pro 16, with third-generation AirPods, a refreshed HomePod Mini and a cheaper Apple Music plan also showcased at today's Apple event.

The MacBook Pro 14 arrives with a 14.2-inch display that resolves at 3,024 x 1,964 pixels and peaks at 1,600 nits. It is worth noting that the display can only sustain 1,000 nits, but this remains far brighter than most laptops and external monitors manage. The 14-inch panel also operates at 120 Hz and relies on mini LED backlights, technologies that the MacBook Pro 14 shares with this year's iPad Pro 12.9.

The 14-inch MacBook Pro has a notch as well though, which sits in the menu bar. Apple claims that the notch allowed it to include a 1080p webcam, but we see plenty of unused space in the machine's relatively thick chin. Regardless, the MacBook Pro 14 sees the return of an HDMI port, an SD card reader and Magsafe charging, all missing in the MacBook Pro range since 2016. Apple has included three Thunderbolt ports, too.

The notch is not visible when using full screen apps. (Image source: Apple)
The notch is not visible when using full screen apps. (Image source: Apple)
It splits the menu bar when not in full screen mode, though. (Image source: Apple)
It splits the menu bar when not in full screen mode, though. (Image source: Apple)

Apple lists two configurations on its website separated by US$500. However, there are many more to choose from when you delve into the configurator. For example, there five processor options, ranging from the 8-core M1 Pro to the 10-core M1 Max with a 32-core GPU. The processor options are as follows:

  • M1 Pro: 8-core CPU/14-core GPU
  • M1 Pro: 10-core CPU/14-core GPU
  • M1 Pro: 10-core CPU/16-core GPU
  • M1 Max: 10-core CPU/24-core GPU
  • M1 Max: 10-core CPU/32-core GPU
The MacBook Pro 14 has more ports than the MacBook Pro 13. (Image source: Apple)
The MacBook Pro 14 has more ports than the MacBook Pro 13. (Image source: Apple)

Additionally, the MacBook Pro 14 is configurable with up to an 8 TB SSD and 32 GB of RAM regardless of the chosen processor. However, 64 GB of RAM is only available with M1 Max SKUs; you cannot configure the M1 Max with 32 GB of RAM either.

According to Apple, the MacBook Pro 14 should last up to 17 hours of 'Apple TV app movie playback' and 11 hours of browsing the web from its 70 Wh battery. Incidentally, Apple bundles a 96 W charger with all but the entry-level processor option, which receives a 67 W charger instead.

The MacBook Pro 14 is available to order starting at US$1,999 in Silver and Space Gray. Mind you, the laptop quickly becomes expensive, with M1 Max configurations starting at US$2,899. If you have money to burn, then you can configure the MacBook Pro 14 up to US$5,899, which nets you the top M1 Max, 64 GB of RAM and 8 TB of storage. 

Purchase the Apple iMac 24-inch on Amazon

(Image source: Apple)
(Image source: Apple)
(Image source: Apple)
(Image source: Apple)
(Image source: Apple)

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2021 10 > The MacBook Pro 14 arrives with unrivalled performance, more ports, endless configurability, a 120 Hz display, and a notch
Alex Alderson, 2021-10-19 (Update: 2021-10-19)