Apple's 2023 Macs: A Journey of Refinement and Familiarity
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Chapter 1: An Iterative Approach to Innovation
The 2023 lineup of M2 Macs from Apple presents a blend of the old and the new, aligning closely with what many anticipated, which may frustrate those who yearn for groundbreaking innovation. Critics argue that the introduction of Apple Silicon was merely a modest milestone, and unless Apple radically transforms its core technology, it remains distant from true innovation, akin to the invention of the wheel or fire in ancient times. Through nearly four decades of life, I've learned that pleasing everyone is nearly impossible—especially when it comes to Apple.
In 2023, the new Macs are likely to satisfy around 90% of users, while a minority will concoct reasons, such as the absence of a Mac Pro featuring Apple Silicon, to diminish the perceived value of the offerings from the tech titan. This year, Apple has opted for refinement rather than revolutionary breakthroughs, which is what many of us anticipated—nothing shocking, but still significant.
The 2023 Macs serve as an evolution of their Intel predecessors, vastly improved yet fundamentally familiar.
For instance, the introduction of the M2 Pro Mac mini allows the connection of three monitors and supports up to 32 GB of unified memory. Meanwhile, the MacBook Pro models are available in Pro and Max configurations with 14" and 16" screens, boasting up to 12 CPU cores and 96 GB of unified memory. In essence, while the devices are recognizable, they deliver enhanced speed and performance.
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Section 1.1: A Closer Look at the Mac Mini
The new Mac mini has not typically been on my radar since I transitioned to laptops in 2006, making non-portable computers less appealing to me. However, priced at $600 or 730 euros, it offers a solid machine—albeit with only the M2 chip rather than the Pro or Max versions. Opting for the Pro variant introduces various enhancements, but at a cost; in Ireland, for example, one would pay 1580 euros for triple monitor support, HDMI 2.1 for 8K displays, an additional 8 GB of memory, and an extra 256 GB of storage compared to the base model.
Personally, I struggle to see the value here, especially when a fully outfitted Mac mini could set you back 5260 euros. The higher the specifications, the less appealing the machine becomes to me. While the Mac mini's base model features a 256 GB SSD, one might expect it to perform similarly to the base model M2 MacBook Air, which warrants caution.
Subsection 1.1.1: The M2 Pro/Max MacBook Pros
For those who have used the M1 Pro or M1 Max MacBook Pros, the new versions represent a logical progression. Over the coming years, we can expect only incremental improvements, much like the Intel era. Yet, Apple’s enhancements are noticeable. Essentially, you receive everything from the M2 Pro Mac mini but with an integrated screen and keyboard.
The M2 Max can accommodate up to 96 GB of unified memory, although few will likely push to that limit. Creative professionals will appreciate the 38-core GPU, but the associated costs could be considerable. In the 14" model, one can achieve a comparable price point to a fully loaded Mac mini, but with a more compelling package, barring storage capped at 2 TB. Impressively, it allows for the connection of up to four external displays!
For the 16" model, aside from the larger screen and potentially superior speakers due to the larger chassis, the standout feature is a more robust battery, which, combined with the new M2 architecture, can deliver up to 22 hours of use—making it the longest-lasting MacBook yet. The 14" model still holds a commendable 18-hour battery life, a significant improvement from just a few years ago when we were satisfied with 6–8 hours.
Oh! And the space grey version now features a matching MagSafe connector for both the 14" and 16" models! 🙂
Section 1.2: Connectivity and Future-Proofing
Additionally, all new models support Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.3, which may not yet be a pressing concern for most users, but it's a nice touch. Overall, while there are no shocking revelations or innovations, the incremental upgrades might entice some users to consider an upgrade from their M1 devices. For those still utilizing Intel machines, the reasons to switch have never been clearer, with the M2 Pro and M2 Max delivering exactly what they promise.
Expect a flurry of benchmark videos from tech reviewers in the coming days, each more sensational than the last, but the reality remains unchanged: if you own last year's model, an upgrade may not be necessary; however, if your budget permits, you might find it hard to resist the allure of the new models.
I’m likely to purchase a 14" model, trading in my existing 16" M1 Pro, primarily for review purposes. My M2 Air meets my current needs, but I’m eager to explore both as an everyday user and as a software engineer. Stay tuned for my thoughts once I've had a chance to put it through its paces—just remember not to splurge too much! 😉
Attila Vago — A Software Engineer dedicated to enhancing the world, one line of code at a time. A lifelong tech enthusiast, writer of code and blogs, advocate for web accessibility, LEGO aficionado, and vinyl record collector. A craft beer enthusiast! Read my story here! Subscribe or become a member for more insights into LEGO, technology, coding, and accessibility!
Chapter 2: Exploring Apple's 2023 Innovations
In this video, we delve into the unexpected innovations presented during Apple's 2023 WWDC keynote, showcasing the advancements and features that may have flown under the radar.
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