MacBook Pro reviews are in — it’s a monster! (CultCast #672)
Nov 8, 2024
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The M4 MacBook Pro proves to be a powerhouse, earning rave reviews for its performance and impressive upgrades. Discussion revolves around whether it's time for M1 users to upgrade. iOS 18.2 features are introduced, including improved AirTag tracking and camera controls. There's also a deep dive into the Fujifilm X100 VI, highlighting its artistic potential and limitations. The hosts share humorous anecdotes about podcasting and lawn care, adding a light-hearted touch to tech talk.
The M4 MacBook Pro demonstrates impressive performance improvements, making it a compelling upgrade for users currently on M1 or M2 models.
Anticipation for a redesigned MacBook Pro featuring OLED technology suggests users may wait until 2026 for the next major update.
iOS 18 Beta introduces new features that aim to improve the integration and usability between iPhone and Mac devices.
Deep dives
Transitioning to Mac: Hello MacBook Pro
The speaker shares their personal journey transitioning from using an unreliable PC to a Mac, emphasizing the ease of use they experienced with the MacBook. They detail how the setup became straightforward with the right equipment, such as using FireWire to connect a digital video camera. This transition highlights a common frustration users have with PCs, and how finding practical solutions for video and audio production can often be challenging. By choosing a Mac, the speaker found that previously daunting tasks became effortlessly manageable.
The Power of M4 MacBook Pro
The discussion centers around the recent release of the M4 MacBook Pro, which is described as a significant upgrade in performance capabilities. Participants reveal that reviewers are overwhelmingly positive about its capabilities, appreciating its powerful M4 chip which enhances processing speed. Specific improvements to the display are highlighted, with increased brightness allowing for better visibility in varying lighting conditions. Battery life has also seen remarkable enhancements, making it a very compelling option for users in need of long-lasting performance.
Comparing Upgrades: M3 and M4
The participants dissect the decision-making process for upgrading from previous models, specifically the M1 and M2 variants. They present benchmark scores that show a marked improvement in performance with the M4, noting that single-core and multi-core performance have risen significantly. The benchmarks indicate that for users currently on M1 Max or M2 models, the M4 offers enhancements that could justify an upgrade based on their performance needs. However, for some, particularly those satisfied with their M2 or M3 models, the upgrade may not feel as essential.
Future MacBook Pro Redesign Insights
Anticipation builds around the future redesign of the MacBook Pro, with insights revealing that a new model is unlikely to emerge until 2026. Experts predict that this upcoming model will focus on integrating OLED technology for superior display quality. The delay in new designs is attributed to issues surrounding the OLED technology development. Meanwhile, an interim upgrade to the M5 chip is on the horizon, which may not offer substantial benefits over the current M4 generation, allowing users to feel more secure in their purchases now.
iOS 18 Beta Features and Developments
The introduction of iOS 18 Beta highlights new features intended to enhance user interaction with Apple's ecosystem. Specific upgrades include simplified shareable tracking for lost items and improved camera functionality. The update aims to merge iPhone functionality with Mac through new mirroring options, allowing for broader usability across devices. Despite some skepticism regarding the effectiveness of the beta features, the participants agree that testing these developments could lead to a more beneficial user experience in the future.
This week, reviews are in — and the M4 Macbook Pro performance is absolutely mind blowing. Is it finally time to upgrade from M1? Plus: When to expect the next big MacBook redesign with OLED displays, new features in iOS 18.2, the next big step in Apple silicon… and the Under Review you’ve been waiting for!
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Apple’s latest M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max MacBook Pro refresh brings significant improvements to its professional laptop line, with reviewers praising the upgraded base model and impressive performance gains across the board.
A couple of weeks after releasing the first iOS 18.2 beta with new Apple Intelligence features, Apple seeded the second beta to developers with several new features.
Apple might switch to in-house Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips starting with next year’s iPhone 17. The company plans to fully transition to its custom Wi-Fi chips within three years after that.