On Wednesday, November 13, Apple announced the all new MacBook Pro 16″ with up to 80% faster performance and new (old) Magic Keyboard. Apple’s first MacBook Pro 16″ model fits between existing, now sunset, 15″ versions and a one time 17″ desktop replacement model. The MacBook Pro 16″ is a tech spec power house, with professional users in mind.
MacBook Pro 16″
The above Apple announcement video does a great job highlighting the professional use cases for the device. According to Tom Boger, Apple’s senior director of Mac and iPad Product Marketing, via the official press release, “our pro customers tell us they want their next MacBook Pro to have a larger display, blazing-fast performance, the biggest battery possible, the best notebook keyboard ever, awesome speakers and massive amounts of storage.”
With the spec list showing great improvements over the previous 15″ version, it is safe to say the company achieved its goals. The new flagship includes:
- most updated 8-core processors
- up to 64GB of memory
- up to 8GB of VRAM
- new thermal design to keep everything running cool
- T2 Security Chip
- longer battery life
- six speakers
- redesigned keyboard
The New Magic Keyboard
The New Magic Keyboard is worth pointing out specifically, even though the keyboard seems like a strange highlight. For several years, each new MacBook included a low profile butterfly-style keyboard mechanism that was constantly plagued with inaccurate keystrokes, stuck keys, and additional complications. This newer version is actually a harkening back to the earlier scissor-style mechanisms. Also, most will be happy to see a physical Escape key is added back, which was removed several years ago.
As shown in the TLD video above, the microphone is also drastically enhanced, proven in the interview with Apple senior Vice President of worldwide marketing, Phil Schiller. Schiller says he loves that the product has a clear purpose for professional usage. The MacBook Pro existing customer base has been vocal about what they would love in a machine and Apple has tried to include those requests in this release.
Schiller continues, saying the product was in development for years and is excited to finally see it come to life. On the cost, he was glad they were able to beat the rumored prices of approximately $3,000 and kept track of rumors as the device launched. The device starts at $2,399 and is available for order now.
Shiller takes on questions about the choice to continue with USB-C. He indicates in the interview they actually reconsidered a move toward more tradition USB-A ports, SD card slots, and other I/O, given the outcry when Apple first switched. He admits the company came to the same conclusion: continue with USB-C because it is the new standard, most versatile, and prevents having to fill the device full of all kinds of other ports.
MKBHD also jumps out and praises the modest price point for such a powerful machine. His video walks through all of the major tech changes. For a total break down of official tech specs, view the Apple posted details.
Naturally, the MacBook Pro will ship with the latest version of macOS: Catalina and contain a myriad of built-in apps including the iWorks suite and new Apple TV, Find My, and Podcasts app.
