MacBook Pro 16-Inch, M2 Max, 2023

The Apple MacBook Pro "M2 Max" 12-Core CPU/30-Core GPU 16-Inch (2023) is a custom-ordered version of the standard 16-inch "M2 Pro" model, documented separately for clarity. This custom configuration features a different CPU/GPU combination but could otherwise be configured identically.

This model is powered by a 3.68 GHz Apple M2 Max processor with twelve cores (8 performance, 4 efficiency), a 30-core GPU, a 16-core Neural Engine, 32 GB of "unified" 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 16.2" widescreen 3456x2234 (254 ppi, 1000 nits sustained, 1600 nits peak HDR, 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio) LED-backlit "Liquid Retina XDR" display and a battery with an estimated 15-22 hour life.

Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, three Thunderbolt 4 ports (USB-C), an HDMI 2.1 port, an SDXC card slot, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and a "MagSafe 3" power connector.

Compared to its predecessor, the 16" "2023" MacBook Pro models offer faster performance and graphics, longer battery life, improved connectivity, and the option for more RAM at an additional cost.

As a custom configuration, the 2023 16-inch MacBook Pro with the 12-core CPU and 30-core GPU M2 Max chip provided a powerful entry point into the M2 Max ecosystem. It delivered a notable performance increase over the M2 Pro models, particularly in graphics-intensive applications, while maintaining the same exceptional chassis, display, and port selection. The M2 Max architecture provided substantial gains in processing and graphics power over the previous generation, all while delivering industry-leading power efficiency and battery life. This configuration was a testament to the scalability of Apple's silicon, offering a compelling option for professionals who needed more graphical horsepower than the M2 Pro could offer but didn't require the absolute top-tier 38-core GPU.