Apple launches M2 Pro and M2 Max processors and almost says goodbye to the M1 chip

If, as Apple claims, “the new MacBook Pros deliver up to six times the performance of the fastest Intel-based MacBook Pro,” that’s a lot thanks to the M2 Pro chips and the new M2 Max. generation.

The Apple Silicon M2 Pro and M2 Max processors are aptly named. Their specifications are made for meet the needs of users wishing to get the most out of their computer.

The M2 Pro chip is found not only in the new 14″ and 16″ MacBook Pro, but also in the new Mac Mini. The M2 Max version is only available in MacBook Pros. The MacBook Air released in 2020 is therefore the last laptop with an M1 processor in Apple’s catalog. The transition to “all M2” is almost complete.

M2 Pro and M2 Max chips replace all M1 chips except in MacBook Air M1

Obviously, the M2 Pro chip is more powerful than the “simple” M2. In figures, this gives 40 billion transistors (20% more than the M1 Pro chip, and twice the M2 chip), 16 Neural Engine, 12 CPU cores and 19 GPU cores. Its unified RAM can reach 32 GB. The M2 Max chip offers a GPU of up to 38 cores, and triples the amount of RAM. She can reach the 96 GB, an option that costs the trifle of 1380 €.

The M2 Pro and M2 Max chips are particularly intended for graphic designers and other editors. His performance is 40% better than the M1 Pro, even 80% to an Intel i9 processor, on Photoshop. A 16” MacBook Pro M2 Max is 30% faster in graphics processing than the M1 Max version.

Apple emphasizes performance, of course, but also energy efficiency. In the Cupertino company’s own words, “its market-leading performance per watt makes it the most powerful and energy-efficient chip ever in a laptop professional”. This remains, of course, to be verified, but the company claims that its computers will be able to hold up to 10 p.m. away from a socket.

Source: Apple