Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2023)

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2023)

Manufacturer	Apple
Product family	MacBook Pro
Release date	January 2023 (2023-01)
Introductory price	USD 2500 to 3919
Discontinued	No
Operating system	macOS
CPU	Apple M2 Pro Apple M2 Max
Memory	16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, or 96 GB unified memory
Memory slots	None (soldered)
Storage	512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB, or 8 TB SSD
Storage slots	None (soldered)
Removable storage	SDXC card slot
Display	Screen size: 16.2 inch Panel type: Liquid Retina XDR Coating: Glossy Resolution: 3456 x 2234 PPI: 254 Aspect ratio: 16:10 Refresh rate: Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion) Brightness: 500 nits (SDR), 1600 nits (HDR) Contrast ratio: 1,000,000:1 P3: 100 % VRR: ProMotion
Graphics	Apple M2 Pro 19-core GPU Apple M2 Max 30-core or 38-core GPU
Sound	High-fidelity six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers Wide stereo sound Support for Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos
Camera	1080p FaceTime HD camera with advanced image signal processor
Touchpad	Force Touch trackpad
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) Bluetooth 5.3 3 x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) 1 x HDMI 2.1 1 x SDXC card slot 1 x 3.5 mm headphone jack
Dimensions	H: 0.66 inches (1.7 cm) W: 14.01 inches (35.6 cm) D: 9.77 inches (24.8 cm)
Mass	4.7 pounds (2.1 kg) (M2 Pro) 4.8 pounds (2.2 kg) (M2 Max)
Power brick	140W USB-C Power Adapter
Battery	100 Wh Li-Polymer
Keyboard	Backlit Magic Keyboard
Chassis	Color: Silver or Space Grey Materials: 100% recycled aluminum enclosure
Number pad	No
Fingerprint reader	Yes (Touch ID)
Facial recognition	No
Predecessor	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021)
Website	Apple

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The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2023) is a high-performance laptop designed for professionals and content creators. It features Apple's M2 Pro and M2 Max chips, offering significant improvements in CPU and GPU performance over previous models. The MacBook Pro 16 (2023) is available in various configurations, with options for memory and storage to suit different needs.

Primary Hardware

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Processor

The MacBook Pro 16 (2023) can be configured with the following processors:

• Apple M2 Pro with a 12-core CPU (8 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores), 19-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine, and 200GB/s memory bandwidth.
• Apple M2 Max with a 12-core CPU (8 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores), 30-core or 38-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine, and 400GB/s memory bandwidth.

The M2 Pro and M2 Max chips offer significant performance improvements over their predecessors. The M2 Pro shows a 10% improvement in single-core performance and a 21% improvement in multi-core performance compared to the M1 Pro. The M2 Max, on the other hand, shows an 18% improvement in multi-core performance over the M1 Max.

However, the M2 Max experiences thermal throttling, running at 3.2 GHz during some tests instead of the rated 3.67 GHz. Despite this, the M2 Max can handle demanding tasks efficiently, making it suitable for professional workloads.

Benchmarks:

• Geekbench 5:
  • M2 Pro: Single-core score ~1961, Multi-core score ~14767
  • M2 Max: Single-core score ~2067, Multi-core score ~15348

Graphics

The MacBook Pro 16 (2023) comes with the following GPU configurations:

• Apple M2 Pro with a 19-core GPU.
• Apple M2 Max with a 30-core or 38-core GPU.

The M2 Max shows a 32% improvement in graphics performance over the M1 Max, with better handling of demanding tasks. The M2 Pro also demonstrates significant improvements, with a 26% increase in Metal Graphics Benchmark scores and a 28% improvement in 4K gaming tests.

Benchmarks:

• 3DMark Wild Life Extreme:
  • M2 Max: ~25103 points
• GFXBench 4K Aztec Ruins:
  • M2 Max: ~179.9 fps
• Rise of the Tomb Raider:
  • M2 Pro: ~49 fps

Memory

The MacBook Pro 16 (2023) supports the following memory configurations:

• 16 GB unified memory (M2 Pro)
• Configurable to 32 GB (M2 Pro or M2 Max), 64 GB (M2 Max), or 96 GB (M2 Max with 38-core GPU)

The M2 Pro and M2 Max chips offer increased memory bandwidth, allowing for better multitasking and handling of memory-intensive applications.

Benchmarks:

• Handbrake: Transcoded an hour’s worth of 4K video in 14 mins 3 secs

Storage

The MacBook Pro 16 (2023) can be configured with the following storage options:

• 512 GB SSD (M2 Pro)
• Configurable to 1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB, or 8 TB (M2 Pro or M2 Max)

The M2 Max shows faster write speeds but slower read speeds compared to the M1 Max, indicating a change in memory architecture.

Benchmarks:

• Blackmagic Disk Speed Test:
  • Read: ~5379 MB/s
  • Write: ~6602 MB/s

Co-processors

The MacBook Pro 16 (2023) features a 16-core Neural Engine, which enhances machine learning tasks and overall system efficiency.

Input Devices

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Keyboard

The MacBook Pro 16 (2023) comes with a backlit Magic Keyboard featuring 78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 full-height function keys and 4 arrow keys in an inverted-T arrangement. It also includes Touch ID and an ambient light sensor.

The keyboard is described as wonderfully tactile and easy to type on, providing a satisfying user experience for extended typing sessions.

Touchpad

The MacBook Pro 16 (2023) features a Force Touch trackpad for precise cursor control and pressure-sensing capabilities. It enables Force clicks, accelerators, pressure-sensitive drawing, and Multi-Touch gestures.

The trackpad is highly responsive and works seamlessly with macOS, providing a smooth user experience.

Webcam

The MacBook Pro 16 (2023) includes a 1080p FaceTime HD camera with an advanced image signal processor for improved image quality.

The webcam shows sharper images and better colors, enhancing video call experiences.

Microphone

The MacBook Pro 16 (2023) features a studio-quality three-mic array with high signal-to-noise ratio and directional beamforming.

The microphone quality is improved, providing sharper audio compared to previous models.

Output Devices

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Display

The MacBook Pro 16 (2023) features a 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with a native resolution of 3456 x 2234 at 254 pixels per inch. The display supports XDR (Extreme Dynamic Range) with a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, 1000 nits sustained full-screen brightness, and 1600 nits peak brightness for HDR content. It also supports ProMotion technology for adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz.

The display offers excellent color accuracy and HDR capabilities, making it ideal for photo editing and media consumption.

Audio

The MacBook Pro 16 (2023) comes with a high-fidelity six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers, wide stereo sound, and support for Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos.

The speakers provide rich audio quality suitable for music, movies, and video editing.

Connectivity

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WiFi

The MacBook Pro 16 (2023) is equipped with Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), providing faster wireless connectivity.

The Wi-Fi performance is excellent, allowing for smooth streaming and fast downloads.

Benchmarks:

• iperf3 receive AXE11000 6GHz: ~1803 MBit/s
• iperf3 transmit AXE11000 6GHz: ~1730 MBit/s

Bluetooth

The MacBook Pro 16 (2023) comes with Bluetooth 5.3.

SD Card Reader

The MacBook Pro 16 (2023) includes an SDXC card slot.

The SD card reader offers improved transfer rates compared to previous models.

Benchmarks:

• Average JPG Copy Test: ~196 MB/s
• Maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test: ~222 MB/s

USB

The MacBook Pro 16 (2023) is equipped with the following USB ports:

• 3 x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports with support for charging, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 4 (up to 40Gb/s), and USB 4 (up to 40Gb/s)
• 1 x 3.5 mm headphone jack

Display Outputs

The MacBook Pro 16 (2023) supports the following display outputs:

• 1 x HDMI 2.1 port
• Thunderbolt 4 digital video output with support for native DisplayPort output over USB‑C

The M2 Pro supports up to two external displays with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz over Thunderbolt, or one external display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz over Thunderbolt and one external display with up to 4K resolution at 144Hz over HDMI. The M2 Max supports up to four external displays: up to three external displays with 6K resolution at 60Hz over Thunderbolt and one external display with up to 4K resolution at 144Hz over HDMI.

Case

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The MacBook Pro 16 (2023) is available in two colors: Silver and Space Grey. The chassis is made from 100% recycled aluminum, contributing to its robust and premium feel.

The design is described as gorgeous and polished, but it is quite bulky and heavy, making it more suitable as a desktop replacement rather than a portable device.

Maintenance

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The MacBook Pro 16 (2023) is not user-upgradable, with RAM and SSD soldered onto the motherboard. The bottom panel can be removed for cleaning, but internal components cannot be upgraded.

Cooling System

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The MacBook Pro 16 (2023) features two fans with a large heat pipe designed to keep the system cool under load.

Heat

The M2 Max runs hotter than the M1 Max, with higher temperatures observed during intensive tasks. The device remains cool under normal use, with maximum temperatures of 44.2 °C during heavy workloads.

Benchmarks:

• Maximum temperature: ~44.2 °C

Noise

The fans are generally quiet under load, with maximum noise levels reaching 56.2 dB(A) during stress tests.

Benchmarks:

• Maximum noise level: ~56.2 dB(A)

Energy Management

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Power Consumption

The MacBook Pro 16 (2023) comes with a 140W USB-C Power Adapter.

The M2 Pro and M2 Max chips are efficient in power usage, allowing for extended use without overheating.

Battery Life

The MacBook Pro 16 (2023) features a 100-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery. Apple claims up to 22 hours of Apple TV app movie playback and up to 15 hours of wireless web usage.

The battery life was confirmed in tests to last up to 22 hours, making it suitable for all-day use without needing to recharge.

Benchmarks:

• WiFi Websurfing: ~14h 47min
• Load (maximum brightness): ~1h 06min

Biometrics

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The MacBook Pro 16 (2023) includes Touch ID for secure login.

Software

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The MacBook Pro 16 (2023) ships with macOS and includes various preinstalled Apple applications, enhancing productivity and creativity.

Accessories & Warranty

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The MacBook Pro 16 (2023) comes with a 140W USB-C Power Adapter and a USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable.

There is a one-year limited manufacturer warranty if purchased in the US.

Reviews Summary

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Overall Sentiment

The MacBook Pro 16 (2023) is considered one of the best laptops for professionals and content creators, offering high CPU and GPU performance, a stunning display, and long battery life. The primary downsides are its high price, large size, and weight, which make it more suitable as a desktop replacement rather than a portable device.

Problems Summary

• High price point.
• Large size and weight make it less portable.
• Thermal throttling observed in M2 Max under heavy load.
• Slower read speeds inM2 Max compared to M1 Max.
• Non-upgradable RAM and SSD.
• No Face-ID or Center Stage features in the webcam.

Links

M2 Max, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD: MaxTech Review

M2 Pro, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD: MaxTech Review

M2 Pro, 32 GB RAM, 2 TB SSD: CreativeBloq Review

M2 Max, 64 GB RAM, 2 TB SSD: NoteBookCheck Review