Review: M2 Pro MacBook Pro 16 Takes Creativity to New Heights

Apple is refreshing its flagship MacBook Pro 16-inch line in 2023 with upgrades to the latest M2-class processors, Wi-Fi 6E, and HDMI 2.1. The updates complement the significant changes introduced in the 2021 model, including the return of the HDMI connector, SDXC card slot, MagSafe charging connector, and function key row on the keyboard. The line has also migrated to Apple’s own silicon for the CPU with integrated GPU, providing improved performance. The base configuration starts at $2,499 and includes a 512GB SSD, 12 CPU cores, and 19 GPU cores, with the option to upgrade to a 32GB RAM and 8TB SSD configuration for $6,499. Despite the seemingly excessive price, the performance of the 2023 MacBook Pro 16-inch line remains consistent across the board, which makes purchasing decisions easier. Moreover, the line offers a modest refresh with notable upgrades that cater to various user needs.

Design & Performance

Apple’s MacBook Pro 2021 is a mobile workstation that is primarily justified by its performance capabilities, particularly for applications such as show creation for platforms like Apple TV Plus and Disney. However, at a starting price of $2,499, it is not a recommendation for those who simply want a larger screen without requiring a MacBook Air level of performance. The $3,499 configuration may be more suitable for those who require at least a 1TB SSD and 32GB of RAM, but it leaves a significant hole in Apple’s lineup for users who don’t need such high performance capabilities.

On the design front, while the MacBook Pro’s 2021 look hasn’t changed, the reintroduction of the dedicated function key row and SD card slot is a welcome addition. The notch at the top of the screen is only aesthetically annoying and not functionally intrusive like on the iPhone. The MagSafe power connector, however, is still not everyone’s cup of tea due to its tendency to disconnect frequently, and there is still no Face ID support despite the previous generation’s webcam upgrade. Overall, the MacBook Pro 2021 is a solid device, but its high price and performance focus may limit its appeal to a specific market.

Apple MacBook Pro 16

(M2 Pro, 2023)

AndroidStox Score 9.0

$3,449 at Amazon

MACBOOK PRO 16 SPECS

Optimization is Key for Creative Applications

In creative applications optimized for Metal and Mac, you can expect to see a performance uplift compared to applications written for cross-platform compatibility or those with tasks constrained by CPU or memory performance, according to a recent review. However, certain tasks, such as file import and thumbnail generation in Photoshop Lightroom Classic, are still bound by the number and speed of CPU cores and amount of memory. These tasks can be frustratingly slow even on the new MacBook Pro models. AI-enhanced activities, such as generating sequences for different aspect ratios using Premiere Pro’s Auto Reframe or automatic subject and object selection in LRC and Photoshop, do happen quickly, but they don’t usually take all that long on a decent, relatively recent system. Overall, the review highlights the need for application optimization to truly take advantage of the new MacBook Pro’s performance capabilities.

The latest MacBook Pro 16 isn’t a must-have for everyone, unless you are seeking maximum speed for your work. If you already own the previous generation MacBook Pro 16, you can skip the upgrade without feeling like you’re missing out on a lot. However, if you didn’t opt for the Apple Silicon processor in the last generation and you don’t rely on any software that’s exclusive to Intel processors, it’s worth considering the latest MacBook Pro upgrade. The new MacBook Pro offers faster performance, better battery life, and improved features. If you want the best of the best in terms of speed and functionality, the upgrade is worth your consideration.

Available Configurations