Apple’s October 30, 2024 MacBook Pro update brought M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips to the lineup. Its clearest entry-level change was that the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the standard M4 started with 16GB of unified memory, configurable up to 32GB. The standard-M4 model used Thunderbolt 4, while M4 Pro and M4 Max configurations added Thunderbolt 5. These are announcement-era details, not confirmation of current prices, availability, or Apple’s present lineup.
What Apple announced and when
Apple announced 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro configurations using M4-family chips on October 30, 2024. At the time, Apple said preorders were open and availability would begin November 8, 2024. Those dates describe the launch announcement, not current stock or ordering options. Apple’s October 30 announcement contains the original launch details.
How the M4 tiers differed
The standard M4 and the M4 Pro and M4 Max were not identical options with only a chip-name difference: Apple also tied the higher tiers to a newer Thunderbolt generation. The announcement highlights the following distinctions:
| Configuration | Unified memory stated in announcement | Thunderbolt | Other stated ports |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 | 16GB starting; configurable up to 32GB | Three Thunderbolt 4 ports | HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 3, and headphone jack |
| MacBook Pro with M4 Pro or M4 Max | Not stated here for each chip and screen-size combination; see Apple’s 14-inch 2024 technical specifications and 16-inch 2024 technical specifications | Thunderbolt 5; Apple stated transfer speeds up to 120 Gb/s | HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 3, and headphone jack |
Apple’s release associates the up-to-120 Gb/s figure with Thunderbolt 5 on M4 Pro and M4 Max models. It is a stated maximum, not a guarantee that every connected device or workflow will reach that speed. Check the specifications for the particular model when matching a dock, hub, or external drive. A Thunderbolt 5 accessory is not required just because a MacBook Pro has an M4 chip; the standard-M4 model uses Thunderbolt 4.
#1 Best Overall
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product will have a battery which exceeds 80% capacity relative to new.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
What 16GB base memory means
For the 14-inch standard-M4 model, 16GB was the starting unified-memory configuration Apple announced, with an option to configure up to 32GB. Unified memory is shared by the system and applications rather than being a separately replaceable graphics-memory module. That makes the selected configuration a purchase decision: the announcement does not establish that every buyer needs more than 16GB, nor does it identify one configuration as best for all workloads.
When comparing options, consider the applications you use, how many you run at once, and the size of the projects you work on. The M4 Pro and M4 Max tiers, memory choices, and screen sizes should be checked against the exact model’s specification page rather than treated as one uniform configuration.
Rank #2
- SUPERCHARGED BY M5 — The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 brings next-generation speed and powerful on-device AI to personal, professional, and creative tasks. Featuring all-day battery life and a breathtaking Liquid Retina XDR display with up to 1600 nits peak brightness, it’s pro in every way.*
- HAPPILY EVER FASTER — Along with its faster CPU and unified memory, M5 features a more powerful GPU with a Neural Accelerator built into each core, delivering faster AI performance. So you can blaze through demanding workloads at mind-bending speeds.
- BUILT FOR APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple.*
- ALL-DAY BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Pro delivers the same exceptional performance whether it’s running on battery or plugged in.
- APPS FLY WITH APPLE SILICON — All your favorites, including Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud, run lightning fast in macOS.*
What this announcement does not establish
Apple’s 2024 release records what the company announced then. It does not establish current retail prices, present-day availability, or whether these models have since been succeeded. Apple’s release also included performance comparisons based on Apple’s specified systems and workloads; those figures are Apple’s claims, not independent benchmark results. For a current purchase decision, verify the exact model and seller’s listing rather than relying on launch-era dates or prices.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product will have a battery which exceeds 80% capacity relative to new.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
Rank #4
- SUPERCHARGED BY M4 PRO OR M4 MAX — The 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro or M4 Max chip gives you outrageous performance in a powerhouse laptop built for Apple Intelligence.* With all-day battery life and a breathtaking Liquid Retina XDR display with up to 1600 nits peak brightness, it’s pro in every way.*
- CHAMPION CHIPS — The M4 Pro chip blazes through demanding tasks like compiling millions of lines of code. M4 Max can handle the most challenging workflows, like rendering intricate 3D content.
- BUILT FOR APPLE INTELLIGENCE—Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data—not even Apple.*
- ALL-DAY BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Pro delivers the same exceptional performance whether it’s running on battery or plugged in.
- APPS FLY WITH APPLE SILICON — All your favorites, including Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud, run lightning fast in macOS.*
Rank #3
- SUPERCHARGED BY M5 — The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 brings next-generation speed and powerful on-device AI to personal, professional, and creative tasks. Featuring all-day battery life and a breathtaking Liquid Retina XDR display with up to 1600 nits peak brightness, it’s pro in every way.*
- HAPPILY EVER FASTER — Along with its faster CPU and unified memory, M5 features a more powerful GPU with a Neural Accelerator built into each core, delivering faster AI performance. So you can blaze through demanding workloads at mind-bending speeds.
- BUILT FOR APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple.*
- ALL-DAY BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Pro delivers the same exceptional performance whether it’s running on battery or plugged in.
- APPS FLY WITH APPLE SILICON — All your favorites, including Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud, run lightning fast in macOS.*
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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