M3 Max or M3 Pro?

We help you decide which MacBook Pro is the right choice.

Author

Leander Kahney
November 15, 2023

Looking to buy one of the new M3 MacBook Pros? If you’re currently running an M1 machine or older, you’re probably due an upgrade.

Firstly, don’t even think about getting the entry-level M3 MacBook Pro: There are better options in Apple’s laptop lineup.

That leaves you to decide between the M3 Pro chip and the M3 Max. To help you, we put together a detailed breakdown that weighs all the options.

TLDR: The high-end Max chip brings such a massive performance boost that it’s worth the extra dough if you’re going to do compute-intensive work. Plus, there are other benefits, too.

Also in today’s newsletter:

  • The newly launched M3 iMac is seeing its first substantial discount. I have the older M1 version, and it’s a great machine for the home. One surprising benefit is how easy it is to move it wherever you want it.

  • The tiny new Opal Tadpole webcam is getting a lot of buzz for packing high-def 4K video in a small package.

  • It can be tricky to find electric car charging stations in Apple Maps. Here are some tips to make it easier.

  • If you’re gonna travel for the holidays, this is a great little 3-in-1 travel charger for juicing all your Apple devices.

  • When we launched this newsletter, the plan was to present only five posts a day. We wanted it to be a quick and easy read, with just the day’s top news. Well, that plan went completely out the window. We typically include at least 10 posts, and often more. Is it too much? Please take the poll below to tell us your preferences. Thanks!

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

Why MacBook buyers should choose M3 Max chip over M3 Pro

Professionals looking for a more powerful MacBook will get far, far more performance by upgrading to an M3 Max processor instead of M3 Pro.

Find electric car charging stations in Apple Maps

iOS 17 brings some powerful new features to make it easier to juice up your EV. You can see charger availability, charging speed and connector types right in Apple Maps.

iPhone 14 gets another year of free Emergency SOS via satellite

Apple extends the potentially life-saving service for existing users.

A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team

Just-launched M3 iMac already gets massive $200 discount

Amazon slashes the price on the new all-in-one within days of the computer going on sale.

Congress wants to know why Apple TV+ axed Jon Stewart’s show

Congress sends a letter to Apple asking whether potential coverage of China played a role in canceling "The Problem With Jon Stewart."

Tiny new Opal Tadpole webcam offers 4K quality on the go

The makers of the Opal C1 Webcam for Mac are hoping everyone will want the company’s even better (and far smaller) webcam for laptops, the Opal Tadpole.

A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team

Streamline your travel kit with this 3-in-1 wireless charging station

Keep your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods powered with the MagStack foldable 3-in-1 wireless charging station. It's perfect for hitting the road!

Modern fashion rises from flames of WWII in ‘The New Look’ drama on Apple TV+

No, Christian Dior and Coco Chanel probably don't fight the Nazis in "The New Look," but in occupied Paris, they battle to launch a new world of couture.

Today in Apple history: Apple's last mechanical keyboard is a winner

On November 15, 1990, Cupertino won a patent for its iconic Apple Extended Keyboard II, arguably the best Apple keyboard in history.

Find the perfect monitor riser for your desk [Setups]

Today's Mac mini workstation sits on a small desk that benefits from a Balolo stand. Check it out, along with other great choices.

Tweetz o’ the day

One more thing ...

❝

In the first 30 years of your life, you make your habits. For the last 30 years of your life, your habits make you.

— Steve Jobs, 2011.

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