Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Pro) review: a powerful desktop replacement

Bloomberg recently reported that Apple is planning a significant overhaul of its laptop line, particularly the MacBook, slated for 2026. This news comes just before the announcement and launch of a new MacBook Pro, marking an interesting timing in Apple’s product cycle. Currently, the MacBook Pro line is refreshed annually, akin to Apple’s iPhone release schedule, driven primarily by the introduction of new M-series chipsets. While the annual refresh cadence has been effective for Apple, the question remains whether they can achieve their ambition of creating the “thinnest and lightest” laptops in the industry.

The transition to M-series chips, specifically Apple Silicon, revitalized the MacBook Pro line, enhancing performance and efficiency considerably. The latest models showcase considerable improvements in speed and battery life. The introduction of the M4 chip has already resulted in substantial gains over its predecessors, with Apple claiming it offers up to 9.8 times the speed of 2019 Intel models. The performance improvements have made tasks like 3D animation, music production, and resource-intensive work much more efficient, catering to professional users.

Despite these advancements, non-professional users may find the distinctions between the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air negligible. The Air remains the more affordable and lighter option, suited for most casual users. While the MacBook Air continues to utilize the M3 chip, it still delivers satisfactory performance for daily tasks. For users focused on high-performance tasks or fields such as video editing and STEM, the MacBook Pro’s enhanced capabilities might justify the investment. However, for many consumers, the Air’s combination of performance and affordability makes it the more appealing choice.

As buyers navigate whether to purchase now or wait for the anticipated 2026 upgrades, the current offering should not deter them. The M4 chip has shown considerable performance improvements, and for those needing a MacBook Pro, now may be an excellent time to take the plunge. The situation is less clear for the MacBook Air, which is unlikely to see significant changes in the coming year.

The M4 chip features varying configurations, such as an M4 Pro and M4 Max, which provide an expanded range of CPU and GPU cores tailored to different user needs. For most users, the investment in the more powerful Pro and Max models may not be warranted unless their work demands advanced processing capabilities. Furthermore, the introduction of a nano-texture display option novel to the MacBook Pro promises reduced glare and enhanced usability in bright conditions, making it worth considering for users who frequently work outdoors.

Despite the advancements, some concerns persist; for instance, users have noted the bulkiness of the 16-inch MacBook Pro compared to the lighter MacBook Air. The 16-inch model weighs significantly more and is thicker, resulting in potential portability issues for users seeking a lightweight solution. However, the Pro does compensate for this with greater performance capacity.

Finally, the 2026 refresh plans may still leave uncertainty in the air, but the reliability and consistent quality of the M-series laptops released over the last four years have established them among the best in Apple’s history. For users today, especially casual ones, the M3 Air remains a top recommendation. For dedicated professionals not swayed by weight, the M4 Pro and M4 Max models offer robust performance options, cementing Apple’s reputation in the high-performance laptop market.

In summary, while Apple gears up for potential changes in their MacBook offerings in 2026, the current M4 MacBook Pro models showcase significant improvements in computing power and efficiency for demanding users, while the MacBook Air remains the ideal choice for everyday users due to its lower cost and sufficient performance capabilities. Whether to buy now or wait hinges on the individual’s specific needs, but the annual upgrade cycle has proven that Apple continues to evolve and refine its laptop lines, ensuring there are quality options for all types of users.