Apple has unveiled new model refreshes for the Mac Mini and MacBook Pros, all of which feature the latest silicon from the iPhone maker.
In a series of new press releases, Apple confirmed its updating the Mac Mini and the 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pros. Instead of using the M2 system on a chip introduced last year at WWDC and featured in the 13-inch MacBook, the latest MacBook Air, and current iPad Pro models, these new devices announced today are configured to include either the M2, M2 Pro, and M2 Max processors.
Apple notes in the press release that the M2 Pro features 200GB/s of unified memory bandwidth — double the amount included in the regular M2 processor. Apple touts the M2 Pro can "process images in Adobe Photoshop up to 40 percent faster than MacBook Pro with an Intel Core i9 processor." The M2 Max features 400GB/s of unified memory bandwidth — double the amount seen in the M2 Pro. Both the M2 Pro and M2 Max also share the same 12-core CPU, though Apple notes that the M2 Max is the more high-end of the pair, with the chip touted as being a device capable of tackling "graphics-intensive projects" and that it is the "world's most powerful and efficient chip for a pro laptop."
The latest Mac Mini appears largely the same compared to its previous late 2020 refresh, though the bump in specs is a nice touch as the device has not been updated since 2020 when Apple put the original M1 chip in the computer, though the company did not bump the device's specs when it released the M1 Pro M1 Max. The Mac Mini will be available in the M2 and M2 Pro configurations, according to the press release.
The latest Mac Mini is available to order beginning today. Pricing starts at $599 for the M2 configuration and $1,299 for the M2 Pro. Shipping is slated to begin on January 24.
The 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pros previously offered configurations that included either the M1 Pro or M1 Max, which were released in 2021. In addition to the latest Apple silicon, the latest MacBook Pro models also feature Wi-Fi 6E3 and updated HDMI ports; Apple did not specify what HDMI ports they are aside from it "more advanced," but the ports could be HDMI 2.1.
The MacBook Pros are available to order starting today and will begin shipping on January 24. Pricing starts at $1,999 for the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M2 Pro chip and $2,499 for the 16-inch model with the chip. In comparison, the M2 Max MacBook Pros start at $3,099 and 3,499 for the 14 and 16-inch models, respectively.
Taylor is the Associate Tech Editor at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.
