New Macs from Apple use speedier M2 Pro and M2 Max chips.

 Apple recently confirmed recent rumors that it would release new Macs with speedier M2 CPUs. New 14- and 16-inch editions of the MacBook Pro as well as improved Mac mini models have the new M2 Pro and M2 Max CPUs.

What has changed with processors?

Since adding support for its own M-series processors, Apple has been reaping the benefits and has been expanding its market share thanks to Apple Silicon. This pattern will continue with the M2 series processors.

The new Macs offer outstanding professional performance and the best power economy in the industry, according to Johny Srouji, senior vice president of hardware technology at Apple.

This is noteworthy because, as I observed here and here, every previous M-powered Mac release from the business has significantly improved performance.

So what are the CPUs capable of?

According to Apple, the M2 Pro processor offers up to 20% better CPU performance and up to 30% faster graphics performance than the M1 Pro.

Faster apps are the result for business users. In fact, Apple asserts that an M2 Pro Mac processes Photoshop images 80% faster than an Intel Core i9 CPU.

The M2 Max processor continues to offer the same results.

Apple claims, among other things, that graphics performance will be up to 30% faster than what consumers experienced with the potent M1 Max chip and that the vastly increased memory space will enable Macs using the chip to tackle tasks that other systems aren't even capable of.

According to Apple, the M2 Max is the most potent and effective chip available for professional laptops.

This has consequences on graphics, visual effects, machine learning, and other high-end applications for professional users.

When it comes to energy use, the CPUs are frugal. Apple claims that its devices will last up to 22 hours on battery, which should be helpful for business people who forget to bring a power adapter with them when they travel.

How has the Mac mini changed?

Apple reduced the price of the Mac mini in this iteration; it now starts at $599 and comes with either an M2 or an M2 Pro CPU. The latter variant costs $1,299 at launch.

When compared to the M1 chip utilised in the older Mac mini, the M2 CPU first made an appearance in new Macs last year and offers notable performance gains. Apple boasts that the new Mac mini is up to five times faster than the most popular Windows desktop and that Photoshop is up to 50% faster than in the M1 model.

The M2 Pro Mac mini supports up to three monitors and can handle intensive workflows (up from two on the M2 model). In comparison to the previous model, it also speeds up machine learning activities by as much as 40%.

What has the MacBook Pro changed?

For mobile professionals, the new 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M2 Pro and M2 Max CPUs should last up to 22 hours between charges.

With support for up to 96GB unified memory, Apple guarantees consumers up to six times the performance of the quickest Intel-based MacBook Pro. These Macs can even drive 8K monitors, making them well-suited for replacing hybrid desktops and jobs like effects rendering.

Starting costs have been set by Apple at $1,999 (14-in. M2 Pro) or $2,499 (16-in. M2 Pro). The 14-in. The M2 Max model, which is at the top of the spectrum, costs $3,099, while the 16-in. configuration costs $3,499.

According to Greg Joswiak, senior vice president of worldwide marketing at Apple, "MacBook Pro with Apple Silicon has been a game changer, helping pros to push the boundaries of their workflows while on the road and do things they never imagined possible on a laptop."

"The MacBook Pro becomes better today. There is nothing else like it with its improved connectivity, quicker speed, longest battery life ever in a Mac, and greatest laptop display.

What follows?

These Macs will be the subject of intense scrutiny from all of us. However, it is important to note that although Apple has increased energy consumption in this version compared to the M-series Macs of the previous generation, it has also offered tremendous performance increases.

A switch to the new CPUs could result in a large reduction in energy expenditures if you manage a bank of devices, especially Mac minis. We'll wait for benchmark results and first-hand accounts, but for now, these new Macs look to be an asset to the many business professionals who are converting to Apple's ecosystem.