16-inch MacBook Pro, 14-inch MacBook Pro expected to have same performance

Apple's introduction of a 14-inch MacBook Pro and an updated 16-inch MacBook Pro will both use the same M1X chip, a leaker claims, with equivalent speed expected across both models.

Apple customers are familiar with the general trend for the company to include both faster processors and a better GPU in its larger MacBook Pro models, giving them a performance advantage over the smaller variants. According to one leaker, this won't be the case this fall.

According to @Dylandkt on Twitter, both the 14-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro will "have the same chip and the same performance." In a second tweet, it is clarified that both models will apparently use the "same M1X" chip.

While Apple typically includes a discrete GPU in its larger MacBook Pro variants, the lack of a second GPU in other M1 Mac releases, as well as no eGPU support so far for Apple Silicon systems, suggests Apple won't include the discrete graphics chip in 2021.

By having similar performance, it's likely the only real difference between the models will be physical size, though this could come at a cost for consumers. The leaker warns potential buyers to "expect a notable increase in price for the 14-inch over the 13-inch."

The inbound MacBook Pro refresh is expected to be part of the product line overhaul occurring this fall. Despite claims of shortages, both models are anticipated to launch, and be available to buy before the end of 2021.

The "M1X" chip is rumored to be upgraded to a 12-core CPU and a 16-core GPU, giving a significant performance boost over the M1 chip.

Rumors have pointed to the use of mini LED backlighting, enabling higher contrast levels and improved color representation. An upgrade of the webcam has also been tipped, moving from the well-used 720p FaceTime camera to a 1080p variant.

29 Comments

rcfa 1123 comments · 17 Years

About 3 years ago

I doubt Apple ever wanted the different sizes to have different performance, as for that differentiation they have MacBook Air, MacBook, and MacBook Pro.

Much more likely, it simply was a matter of the max. heat various sizes could dissipate, thus limiting their respective potentials.

With the power efficiency of Apple Silicon, that’s no longer a factor, hence no more performance difference.

crowley 10431 comments · 15 Years

Is the expectation that the 13 inch is being retired? Seems odd to me to have a 13 and a 14 inch in the same Pro category.

blastdoor 3594 comments · 15 Years

crowley said:

Is the expectation that the 13 inch is being retired? Seems odd to me to have a 13 and a 14 inch in the same Pro category.

I bet it stays.

One big difference between Apple today and Apple 10 years ago is the proliferation of differentiated product models. Take a look at the iPad -- you've got iPad, iPad Air, and the 11" iPad Pro, all about the same size.

There is a risk of over-proliferation, and I think Apple needs to be careful not to confuse customers.

But overall, I think it's better to err on the side of meeting legit customer needs by having one too many models rather than leave a need unmet. It's when a company has 5 or 10 too many models that there's a problem.

tenthousandthings 1060 comments · 17 Years

This is an important, newsworthy change, but it’s also common sense. So whether it’s an actual leak or just a good guess, if it’s true, then Apple is probably not unhappy with it at this late stage. It’s a selling point for the Pro Mac form factors — you get the same power no matter the size — a stark contrast to what has come before, in all PCs. Indeed, I’ll go there: “paradigm shift.”

Combined with the rumored Pro Mac mini, it’s all good. Three form factors, all with the same “M1X” SoC specs.

Probably also an M1X iMac line, with options for more unified memory than you can get in the mobile/mini form factors.

The next step would be to do the same with an iMac Pro and the modular Mac Pro — both with the same “M1Z” SoC specs.

Eric_WVGG 969 comments · 8 Years

Hard disagree. All signs point to the 14” model having the new “square sides, small bezels” design language of the iPhones, iPads and rumored Watch 7. That means the 14” MacBook Pro will be the same size as the 13” MacBook Pro, just with a bigger screen crammed inside.

What reason does the 13 have to exist after that? Would it be redesigned to a smaller form factor like the old 12” MacBook (which could handily fit a 13” screen with smaller bezels)? What’s the point when the Air is far better suited for that slot?

nah, the 13” is getting phased out for sure. It has no reason to exist.

Although the 14 and 16 are almost certain to have identical CPUs, I wouldn’t be surprised if the 16 has an option for more GPU cores, those screens are understandably popular with video professionals. But that would just be a marketing call, not a hardware/cooling limitation like the Intel and PPC eras.