Apple's flagship laptop for intensive professional workloads
- Powered by the M4 Max chip with a 16-core CPU and 40-core GPU.
- Features a 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with up to 1600 nits peak brightness.
- Offers up to 21 hours of video streaming battery life and supports up to four external displays.
Editor's Score
Intended Use Case
This product is best suited for creative professional or developer requiring high performance who need video editing, 3D modeling, software development. It focuses on sustained, top-tier performance for intensive applications. It is appropriate for premium price point, prioritizes computational power over portability. It is not intended for general office tasks or budget-sensitive use.
Editor's Summary
This evaluation focuses on use-case fit, hardware performance relative to creative and development workloads, and longevity for professionals. The MacBook Pro M4 Max stands out for its processing power, display quality, and memory bandwidth, making it well-suited for advanced users who need reliable performance for intensive applications.
Pros
- Delivers exceptional performance for demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D modeling, and software development.
- The Liquid Retina XDR display offers outstanding brightness, contrast, and color depth, enhancing visual workflows.
- Supports multiple external displays and high memory bandwidth, facilitating advanced multitasking.
- Seamless integration with other Apple devices improves workflow efficiency for users in the Apple ecosystem.
Cons
- High purchase cost limits accessibility for users who do not require advanced computing power.
- Some users reported confusion or dissatisfaction regarding advertised specifications relative to actual configurations.
- The larger size and weight may be less suitable for frequent travel compared to more portable alternatives.
- Upgrading storage or memory can be expensive due to Apple's premium pricing on configurations.
Product Gallery
The Apple 2024 MacBook Pro with M4 Max is engineered for professionals seeking high performance in a portable form factor. It is particularly targeted at users in creative and technical fields who require significant processing power, advanced graphics, and a premium display for their workflows. This model balances robust hardware with the familiar macOS environment, making it a compelling choice for those invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Who This Is For
Recommended For
- Well-suited for creative professionals, such as video editors and 3D artists, who need reliable, high-end performance.
- Ideal for software developers and engineers working with resource-intensive applications.
- Beneficial for users who require seamless integration with other Apple devices in a professional workflow.
- Appropriate for those prioritizing display quality and extended battery life in their daily work.
Not Recommended For
- Not recommended for general consumers seeking a laptop for basic tasks due to its high price and over-specification.
- Unsuitable for budget-sensitive buyers or those who do not require advanced computational capabilities.
- Less optimal for users who prioritize lightweight, highly portable laptops for frequent travel.
- Not advised for individuals who prefer easily upgradeable hardware or lower-cost configurations.
Quick Verdict
Real-World Usage
Editing and rendering high-resolution video projects using professional software suites.
Developing and compiling complex software codebases requiring substantial processing power.
Managing multitasking workflows with multiple external displays and large datasets.
Specifications Overview
- Chip: Apple M4 Max chip
- Neural Engine: 16-core Neural Engine
- Memory Bandwidth: 410GB/s memory bandwidth
- Video Encoding: Hardware-accelerated H.264, HEVC, ProRes, and ProRes RAW
- CPU: M4 Max chip with 16-core CPU
- GPU: 40-core GPU with 546GB/s memory bandwidth
- Display: 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
- Resolution: 3456-by-2234 native resolution
- Contrast Ratio: 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio
- XDR Brightness: 1000 nits sustained, 1600 nits peak
- SDR Brightness: Up to 1000 nits outdoor
- Color Depth: 1 billion colors
- Refresh Rate: ProMotion technology up to 120Hz
- Fixed Refresh Rates: 47.95Hz, 48.00Hz, 50.00Hz, 59.94Hz, 60.00Hz
- Battery Life: Up to 21 hours video streaming
- Battery: 100-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery
- Charging: Fast-charge capable with 140W USB-C Power Adapter
- Storage: 1TB SSD, configurable to 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB
- Ports: SDXC card slot, HDMI port, three Thunderbolt 5 ports
- External Displays: Up to four external displays with various resolutions
Price Comparison
The Apple 2024 MacBook Pro M4 Max is available from several major retailers, with price and return policies varying by vendor.
Amazon
Price: $3152.21
Amazon offers the MacBook Pro M4 Max at $3,152.21 with free shipping for Prime members and a 30-day return policy, along with secure payment options.
CHECK PRICE on AMAZONWalmart
Price: $2799.00
Walmart lists the MacBook Pro M4 Max for $2,799 and provides a free 30-day return window, presenting a lower upfront cost compared to Amazon.
CHECK PRICE on WALMARTSimilar Alternatives
Apple 2024 MacBook Pro with M4 Pro
Key highlights
- Chip: M4 Pro, 14-core CPU, 20-core GPU
- Display: 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display
- Memory: 24GB Unified Memory
- Storage: 512GB SSD Storage
This variant offers strong performance with the M4 Pro chip and a large, high-quality display, making it suitable for professionals who need robust capabilities but do not require the full power of the M4 Max. It provides significant cost savings while retaining many of the same features.
Learn more
Apple 2024 MacBook Pro with M4 Pro
Key highlights
- Chip: M4 Pro, 12-core CPU, 16-core GPU
- Display: 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display
- Memory: 24GB Unified Memory
- Storage: 512GB SSD Storage
This model features a smaller display and a more moderate configuration, making it a practical choice for users who value portability and still require strong performance for creative or technical work. It is more budget-friendly within the MacBook Pro range.
Learn more
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What types of professional tasks is the MacBook Pro M4 Max best suited for?
The MacBook Pro M4 Max is designed for demanding applications, such as video editing, 3D modeling, software development, and multitasking with multiple external displays. Its hardware is optimized for workflows that require substantial processing and graphics power.
Does the MacBook Pro M4 Max support connecting several external displays?
Yes, this model supports up to four external displays with various resolutions, making it suitable for users who need expanded screen real estate for productivity or creative projects.
How does the battery life perform during intensive tasks?
The MacBook Pro M4 Max offers up to 21 hours of video streaming, but actual battery life may be lower when running intensive applications. Users generally report strong endurance for a high-performance laptop.
Is the storage or memory easily upgradeable after purchase?
Upgrades to storage and memory must be configured at the time of purchase, as these components are not user-upgradable due to Apple's design choices.
Final Verdict
The MacBook Pro M4 Max is purpose-built for professionals who demand sustained, high-level performance and advanced display capabilities.
Its premium price is offset by robust hardware and workflow integration for users with intensive computing needs.
For general or budget-sensitive users, alternative configurations within the MacBook Pro line or other brands may offer better value.
