MacBook Pro 14-Inch, M1 Max, 2021

The Apple MacBook Pro "M1 Max" 10-Core CPU/24-Core GPU 14-Inch (2021) is a custom-ordered version of the standard 14-inch "M1 Pro" models, documented separately for clarity. This custom configuration typically features a different CPU, GPU, and RAM, and potentially a different power adapter.

This model is powered by a 3.2 GHz Apple M1 Max processor with ten cores (eight performance, two efficiency), a 24-core GPU, a 16-core Neural Engine, 32 GB of onboard RAM, and either a 512 GB or 1 TB SSD. Both RAM and SSD were only upgradable at the time of purchase.

Available in silver and "Space Gray," this notebook features an integrated 1080p FaceTime HD webcam, a high-fidelity six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers, a backlit "Magic Keyboard" with a "Touch ID" sensor (but no "Touch Bar"), and a large "Force Touch" trackpad.

It also has a high-resolution 14.2" widescreen 3024x1964 (254 ppi, 1000 nits sustained, 1600 nits peak, 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio) LED-backlit "Liquid Retina XDR" display and a battery with an estimated 11-17 hour life.

Connectivity includes 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5, three Thunderbolt 4 ports (USB-C), an HDMI 2.0 port, an SDXC card slot, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and a "MagSafe 3" power connector.

Compared to its predecessor, the 14" "2021" MacBook Pro shares little in common, offering a superior display, a simpler keyboard, greatly expanded external connectivity, and a completely different internal architecture with faster performance.

The 2021 14-inch MacBook Pro, configured with the M1 Max chip featuring a 10-core CPU and a 24-core GPU, was a game-changer for creative professionals. This model brought back a host of beloved features, including MagSafe charging, an HDMI port, and an SD card slot, all housed in a new, slightly thicker design with a stunning Liquid Retina XDR display. The M1 Max chip provided extraordinary performance, particularly in graphics-intensive applications, easily handling multiple streams of 4K and even 8K video. The power was immense, yet the machine remained remarkably cool and quiet under load, with exceptional battery life. It was a clear signal that Apple was doubling down on serving its professional user base, delivering a machine that was both incredibly powerful and thoughtfully designed.