MacBook Pro 14-Inch, M2 Max, 2023

The Apple MacBook Pro "M2 Max" 12-Core CPU/38-Core GPU 14-Inch (2023) is a custom-ordered version of various M2 Pro or M2 Max models, documented separately for clarity. This custom configuration will have at least a different CPU/GPU combination and potentially different RAM, SSD, and power adapter setups.

This model is powered by a 3.68 GHz Apple M2 Max processor with twelve cores (8 performance, 4 efficiency), a 38-core GPU, a 16-core Neural Engine, 32 GB of "unified" onboard RAM, and likely 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 HDR, 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio) LED-backlit "Liquid Retina XDR" display and a battery with an estimated 12-18 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 14" "2023" MacBook Pro models offer faster performance and graphics, longer battery life, improved connectivity, and the option for more RAM at an additional cost.

The 14-inch MacBook Pro configured with the top-of-the-line M2 Max chip, featuring a 12-core CPU and a massive 38-core GPU, was the most powerful compact laptop Apple had ever created at the time of its release. This machine packed an incredible amount of rendering and processing power into a portable chassis, offering performance that could rival desktop workstations. The M2 Max provided a significant 30% boost in GPU performance over the M1 Max, which was a huge benefit for 3D artists, video editors, and game developers. It retained the fantastic design from 2021, including the brilliant Mini-LED display and versatile port selection. While its power could be slightly constrained by the smaller chassis's thermal limits under extreme sustained loads compared to the 16-inch version, it remained an unparalleled portable powerhouse.