Review of new M3 iMac and M3 MacBook Pro, end of large-iMac era, Apple's quarterly financial results, addition of 'Best Feature' category to podcast awards, analyzing Apple's Mac sales and impact of Apple Silicon, performance of M3 Max chip, features of Squarespace, improvements in gaming capabilities on Apple Silicon-based chips, demise of 27-inch iMac and future of Apple's display, reflections on previous podcast episodes, Apple's potential support for touch bar and absence of cloud backup.
The M3 Max chip offers significant performance improvements, making it a compelling upgrade for power users and professionals.
Apple's MacBook Pro lineup now offers a range of options to cater to different user needs, with a clear differentiation between the M3 Pro and M3 Max chips.
The sleek and stylish design of the MacBook Pro, with its space black finish, adds to its premium feel and appeal.
The M3 iMac provides a noticeable performance improvement for users transitioning from older Intel iMacs, making it an attractive all-in-one computer.
Deep dives
Impressive Performance with M3 Max Chip
The M3 Max chip offers significant performance improvements, making it a compelling upgrade for power users and those seeking top-level performance. The chip is noticeably faster in all aspects, delivering a notable leap in performance compared to previous MacBook Pro models and even outperforming some ultra models. This makes it an ideal choice for professionals who require heavy-duty computing power.
Clear Product Lineup with Options for Every User
Apple's MacBook Pro lineup now offers a range of options to cater to different user needs. The M3 Pro chip is a solid choice for most users, providing a well-balanced performance at a more affordable price point. On the other hand, the M3 Max chip offers a significant performance boost for power users and professionals who demand the best. This clear differentiation allows users to choose the MacBook Pro that best suits their requirements.
Stunning Design and Space Black Finish
The MacBook Pro continues to impress with its sleek and stylish design. The space black finish, while not pure black, offers a dark gray color that stands out from previous MacBook Pro models. It is fingerprint-resistant, although not completely fingerprint-proof. The design and finish of the MacBook Pro contribute to its overall appeal and premium feel.
24-inch M3 iMac: A Solid Upgrade for Intel iMac Users
The 24-inch M3 iMac delivers a noticeable performance improvement over older Intel iMac models. While existing M1 iMac users may not need to upgrade, those coming from older Intel iMacs will benefit from the faster M3 chip. The iMac retains its iconic design and vibrant display, making it an attractive choice for users seeking a desktop computer.
A Great Computer for Specific Use Cases
The iMac remains a popular choice for users who prefer a desktop computer. While it may not be as widespread as laptops, it continues to generate significant sales for Apple. The M3 iMac offers improved performance and is a compelling option for those who want a powerful all-in-one computer in their workspace.
Support for Touch Bar
Apple will likely continue to support the Touch Bar as long as they are still producing MacBook Pro models with it. However, it is unlikely that they will make any significant updates or changes to the Touch Bar.
Cloud Backup for Macs
Apple has not offered cloud backup for Macs likely due to the technical challenges and complexities involved. It would require significant changes to Time Machine and could consume a large amount of storage and bandwidth. It may also not be financially viable or align with Apple's service strategies.
M2 Chip in MacBook Air
Apple will likely continue using the M2 chip in the MacBook Air until they release the next generation (M3) MacBook Air, which could happen next year. They are unlikely to intentionally limit their most popular laptop and will prioritize keeping it up to date.
Jason has reviewed the new M3 iMac and M3 MacBook Pro, and Myke asks him for all the details. We also discuss why the large-iMac era is at an end, and review Apple's recent quarterly financial results.
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