Top Stories: Apple Event Delivers MacBook Pro and iMac Updates

[MacRumors]

Apple's "Scary Fast" event this week went off about as expected, with Apple showing off its next-generation Mac chips in a couple of product lines during a fast-paced 30-minute presentation.

Our biggest stories this week unsurprisingly delved into Apple's announcements including some early tidbits on the updated MacBook Pro and iMac, a goodbye to the Touch Bar, and more, so read on below for all the details!

Everything Apple Announced During the 'Scary Fast' Event

Trick or treat! Apple this week held its "Scary Fast" event, focused entirely on the Mac. During the brief presentation, Apple announced new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips, and an updated iMac with the M3 chip.

We've recapped everything that Apple announced during the event for those who missed it or want to learn more.

Apple Announces New 14-Inch and 16-Inch MacBook Pro Models With M3 Series Chips

The new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models are equipped with M3 Pro and M3 Max chips, and there is now an entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro available with the standard M3 chip as well.

The new MacBook Pro models are available in a Space Black finish when configured with the M3 Pro or M3 Max chip, and they are equipped with 20% brighter displays compared to the previous generation.

The new MacBook Pro models are available to order now, and most configurations will launch on Tuesday, November 7.

Apple Announces New iMac With M3 Chip

Apple updated the 24-inch iMac with the M3 chip for up to 35% faster performance compared to the previous model with the M1 chip.

The all-in-one desktop computer features the same design and color options as the 2021 model. There are only a few other changes with the new iMac, including Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 support.

Contrary to rumors, the Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad accessories still have Lightning instead of USB-C.

Apple Discontinues 13-Inch MacBook Pro With Touch Bar

Apple discontinued the 13-inch MacBook Pro following the event, meaning that the Touch Bar has now been completely phased out after seven years.

The first MacBook Pro models with the Touch Bar were released in October 2016, as part of a controversial redesign that also included a defective butterfly keyboard and the removal of many connectivity options, including an SD card slot, HDMI port, and MagSafe.

First Benchmark Results Surface for M3 Chip in New Macs

The first benchmark results for the standard M3 chip and the high-end M3 Max chip surfaced in the Geekbench 6 database after Apple's event, providing a closer look at CPU performance improvements.

The results show the M3 chip is around 20% faster than the M2 chip, while the M3 Max chip is around as fast as the M2 Ultra chip that debuted in the Mac Pro and Mac Studio desktop computers earlier this year.

2023 MacBook Pro Buyer's Guide: 20+ Differences Compared

Are you considering purchasing one of the new 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro models? If so, make sure to check out our in-depth 2023 MacBook Pro buyer's guide that compares over 20 features and differences between MacBook Pro generations.

We also shared a buyer's guide comparing the new iMac with the M3 chip to the 2021 model with the M1 chip for those who are interested in that computer.

MacRumors Newsletter

Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.

So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!

Article Link: Top Stories: Apple Event Delivers MacBook Pro and iMac Updates

 

[PhoenixAnhart]

Did this even need to be an event? This was normally a press release. Underwhelming iMac upgrade too.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Shipping soon! Looking forward to OBJECTIVE reviews & insights so we can find out what we really have in them: good and bad. To date, all information has been from Apple, Apple Marketing and "influencer friends of Apple marketing." Soon, we can hear from people without any financial motivation to sell every possible unit. I look forward to clarity.

 

[happydude]

Apple's "Scary Fast" event this week went off about as expected, with Apple showing off its next-generation Mac chips in a couple of product lines during a fast-paced 30-minute presentation.

Our biggest stories this week unsurprisingly delved into Apple's announcements including some early tidbits on the updated MacBook Pro and iMac, a goodbye to the Touch Bar, and more, so read on below for all the details!

Everything Apple Announced During the 'Scary Fast' Event

Trick or treat! Apple this week held its "Scary Fast" event, focused entirely on the Mac. During the brief presentation, Apple announced new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips, and an updated iMac with the M3 chip.

We've recapped everything that Apple announced during the event for those who missed it or want to learn more.

Apple Announces New 14-Inch and 16-Inch MacBook Pro Models With M3 Series Chips

The new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models are equipped with M3 Pro and M3 Max chips, and there is now an entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro available with the standard M3 chip as well.

The new MacBook Pro models are available in a Space Black finish when configured with the M3 Pro or M3 Max chip, and they are equipped with 20% brighter displays compared to the previous generation.

The new MacBook Pro models are available to order now, and most configurations will launch on Tuesday, November 7.

Apple Announces New iMac With M3 Chip

Apple updated the 24-inch iMac with the M3 chip for up to 35% faster performance compared to the previous model with the M1 chip.

The all-in-one desktop computer features the same design and color options as the 2021 model. There are only a few other changes with the new iMac, including Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 support.

Contrary to rumors, the Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad accessories still have Lightning instead of USB-C.

Apple Discontinues 13-Inch MacBook Pro With Touch Bar

Apple discontinued the 13-inch MacBook Pro following the event, meaning that the Touch Bar has now been completely phased out after seven years.

The first MacBook Pro models with the Touch Bar were released in October 2016, as part of a controversial redesign that also included a defective butterfly keyboard and the removal of many connectivity options, including an SD card slot, HDMI port, and MagSafe.

First Benchmark Results Surface for M3 Chip in New Macs

The first benchmark results for the standard M3 chip and the high-end M3 Max chip surfaced in the Geekbench 6 database after Apple's event, providing a closer look at CPU performance improvements.

The results show the M3 chip is around 20% faster than the M2 chip, while the M3 Max chip is around as fast as the M2 Ultra chip that debuted in the Mac Pro and Mac Studio desktop computers earlier this year.

2023 MacBook Pro Buyer's Guide: 20+ Differences Compared

Are you considering purchasing one of the new 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro models? If so, make sure to check out our in-depth 2023 MacBook Pro buyer's guide that compares over 20 features and differences between MacBook Pro generations.

We also shared a buyer's guide comparing the new iMac with the M3 chip to the 2021 model with the M1 chip for those who are interested in that computer.

MacRumors Newsletter

Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.

So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!

Article Link: Top Stories: Apple Event Delivers MacBook Pro and iMac Updates

so disappointed we're stuck at 24" with the iMac. where's the 27"?!

 

[Chuckeee]

so disappointed we're stuck at 24" with the iMac. where's the 27"?!

27” Apple Silicon iMac is in the same bin as the iPhone 16 mini 😆

 

[jouster]

Did this even need to be an event? This was normally a press release. Underwhelming iMac upgrade too.

I doubt they will ever announce a new generation of Apple Silicon in a press release.

 

[shinkansenwarrior]

Scary Fast Apple will look for every opportunity to raise overall pricing and profitability. The writing is on the wall.
Apple will continue to entice people to look at entry level hardware purchasing and pricing with limited performance and push them for incremental upgrades to the next tier with eye popping pricing for better performance. Love them or hate them, Apple have it nailed down.

 

[oofio2461]

Seems like nothing happening for the rest of the year, and how bad M3 iMac and MBP are (low base RAM and Storage) It looks like I'm going to have to sign off until March, I rate this year of Apple a 4.5/10. Goodbye MR (For now.)

 

[bradman83]

so disappointed we're stuck at 24" with the iMac. where's the 27"?!

The 27” iMac was a stopgap in the 2010’s between the underpowered Intel Mac Mini and the Mac Pro that rapidly was priced beyond most consumers. Apple is quite clearly repositioning the iMac back to its origins as a simple family computer. The M2 Pro Mini and Studio Display now occupy the spot the 27” iMac did (and is a better value in the long run as you don’t need to dispose of a perfectly good display between computer upgrades).

 

[Rodney Dangerfield]

so disappointed we're stuck at 24" with the iMac. where's the 27"?!

Agree...Can not understand why Apple does not increase screen size to at least 27"iMac?...Perhaps, 32" is on the way!

 

[FloatingBones]

AFAICT, nobody mentioned the advertisement that AAPL made for the Touch Bar. Now that the Touch Bar is gone, can we watch the William Tell commercial one last time? Thanks!

 

[8KYUP]

Applre is going to need to find new tasks to get people to update on their apparent cycle (comparing M1 to M3). M1 Max still exceeds most tasks by a huge margin. The number of uses where the difference will be significant is rare air now. Common photo, video and 3D uses included.

 

[TomA]

I can't believe they didn't upgrade anything other than performance. Why not give the Macbook Pros a camera similar to the iPhone rear camera so that it can be a Continuity Camera? The continuity feature is a great idea in theory, but awkward to implement in reality. There is no reason that you should have to mount your phone to a supposed pro device to get this feature. A second USB-C port on the right would be useful. There was no better screen update available? Only a minor bump to SDR nits and nothing to HDR? There were lots of missed opportunities to make this a more compelling machine. I'm shocked they they basically just did a chip and bus swap. In fact the lower end M3 actually was given a reduced bus speed compared to the M1. Why??? They couldn't extend the battery life in efficiency mode with these supposedly higher efficiency processors? Why?

 

[UnbreakableAlex]

I think it’s about time they update the 60Hz Studio Display.
Maybe the M3 has not enough power for it and it will come with the M4 processors.
But than I would like a bigger one that’s not so ridiculously priced as the XDR display.

 

[Souponastick270]

Since the jump to M chips the iMac has become a really poor choice for the money. It’s become the trash can Mac Pro

£1399 for the entry level is too much for how little you get compared to past machines.

It’s funny to see Apple try and win people over with slides like 11x faster than Intel iMacs but there must be a sizeable amount of people holding out still after two and a half years of M1…

 

[bradman83]

Applre is going to need to find new tasks to get people to update on their apparent cycle (comparing M1 to M3). M1 Max still exceeds most tasks by a huge margin. The number of uses where the difference will be significant is rare air now. Common photo, video and 3D uses included.

These machines aren’t meant for people on M-series Macs, they’re meant for people with 2018-2019 Macs and earlier who might be starting to get the upgrade itch. M1 owners, unless starved for RAM or storage based on their original configurations, shouldn’t need to upgrade until M4 or M5 at the earliest.

 

[darngooddesign]

Did this even need to be an event? This was normally a press release. Underwhelming iMac upgrade too.

It wasn't really an event, not like WWDC or even the iPhone events, it was a pre recorded video just like the M2s were. And no, they're not normally just a press release.

 

[spcopsmac21]

so disappointed we're stuck at 24" with the iMac. where's the 27"?!

A $1999 27” or larger iMac would gut their display sales. That’s why they don’t sell one. If they sold the 27” display they have at $999 ( which is what it’s worth ) I could see a larger iMac coming.

 

[DaveN]

Since the jump to M chips the iMac has become a really poor choice for the money. It’s become the trash can Mac Pro

£1399 for the entry level is too much for how little you get compared to past machines.

It’s funny to see Apple try and win people over with slides like 11x faster than Intel iMacs but there must be a sizeable amount of people holding out still after two and a half years of M1…

I’m still on my 2012 Mini and the M3 is the upgrade for me. Not everyone upgrades every two years.

 

[sideshowuniqueuser]

so disappointed we're stuck at 24" with the iMac. where's the 27"?!

It's in your Mac Mini attached to any monitor in the world you choose.

 

[sideshowuniqueuser]

These machines aren’t meant for people on M-series Macs, they’re meant for people with 2018-2019 Macs and earlier who might be starting to get the upgrade itch. M1 owners, unless starved for RAM or storage based on their original configurations, shouldn’t need to upgrade until M4 or M5 at the earliest.

Nah, Apple kept comparing M3 to M1 performance too. Good luck to them.

 

[sideshowuniqueuser]

I can't believe they didn't upgrade anything other than performance. Why not give the Macbook Pros a camera similar to the iPhone rear camera so that it can be a Continuity Camera? The continuity feature is a great idea in theory, but awkward to implement in reality. There is no reason that you should have to mount your phone to a supposed pro device to get this feature. A second USB-C port on the right would be useful. There was no better screen update available? Only a minor bump to SDR nits and nothing to HDR? There were lots of missed opportunities to make this a more compelling machine. I'm shocked they they basically just did a chip and bus swap. In fact the lower end M3 actually was given a reduced bus speed compared to the M1. Why??? They couldn't extend the battery life in efficiency mode with these supposedly higher efficiency processors? Why?

Yeah, there is no way that any increased performance is going to compel me to upgrade my MBP, its performance is already massive overkill for my non-GPU-intensive work flow, but if they keep increasing battery life significantly with each iteration, then that will get tempting enough eventually.

Or giving me a 16" laptop with a base chip, but with more max RAM, and without the extra thickness, weight, and fan of the 16" MBP... and with the Space Black, rather than reserving that "pro" color for "pros with high GPU power needs". Basically, a software engineer's dream machine.

 

[darngooddesign]

Yeah, there is no way that any increased performance is going to compel me to upgrade my MBP, it's performance is already massive overkill for my non-GPU-intensive work flow, but if they keep increasing battery life significantly with each iteration, then that will get tempting enough eventually.

Or giving me a 16" laptop with a base chip, but with more max RAM, and without the extra thickness, weight, and fan of the 16" MBP... and with the Space Black, rather than reserving that "pro" color for "pros" with high GPU power needs. Basically, a software engineer's dream machine.

If the 15” M3 Air is available in Space Back will you upgrade, or is this more of a theoretical goalpost for Apple to hit?

 

[Souponastick270]

I’m still on my 2012 Mini and the M3 is the upgrade for me. Not everyone upgrades every two years.

I’m still using my late 2012 iMac and booting from a 2TB external SSD as I need the storage.

This iMac all in, was £1397 (Apple care/shipping/VAT) yes it had a 1TB 5400rpm HDD - if I were to recreate that iMac now I’d have to pay Apple £400 to upgrade it to 1TB, so on a base spec plus storage it would cost £1799 and that’s before you shell out for a hub to make use of the two Thunderbolt ports on the back…

My next Mac will be a Mini, fed up of Apples fragmentation and over charging for basics - will probably look at upgraded M2 Minis when the price comes down after the M3 Minis come out next year

 

[Student of Life]

A $1999 27” or larger iMac would gut their display sales. That’s why they don’t sell one. If they sold the 27” display they have at $999 ( which is what it’s worth ) I could see a larger iMac coming.

Are they lighting the world on fire with display sales? Considering the difference between the display and the 27 iMac and one will be completely underwhelmed.

The 24 iMac is actually 23.5 so we are talking about a more than a 15% decrease compared to the 27 iMac. Even in the scary event they tried to zoom into the 23.5 iMac to make the appearance that’s it’s huge, it’s clearly not.

I will gladly pay for a 27+ iMac, I have no intention at all to get the studio display which in all honestly is underwhelming for its price, and beyond disappointing compared to the 27 iMac display.