For the past three years, my go-to laptop has been the M1 Max MacBook Pro, and it has served me exceptionally well. Despite new models launching over the years, I never felt the need to upgrade—until now. The introduction of the M4 MacBook Pro is the first time I’ve been genuinely tempted to make the switch. Apple has fine-tuned several key areas, and these upgrades could make a real difference for certain users. Let’s break down the major changes and see if an upgrade is justified.
Performance: A Generational Leap?
The biggest reason to consider the new MacBook Pro is the performance boost brought by the M4 chip. Apple silicon revolutionized performance when transitioning from Intel to M1. Since then, each generation—M2, M3, and now M4—has seen incremental improvements. While M2 and M3 weren’t significant enough to warrant an upgrade for most users, the M4 finally stacks up enough improvements to make things interesting.
For reference, my M1 Max MacBook Pro was maxed out with 64GB of unified memory, and I’ve been testing an equally maxed-out M4 Max model. The hardware differences are clear: a more advanced 3nm architecture versus 5nm, increased memory bandwidth (546 GB/s compared to 400 GB/s), and overall more power. According to Apple, the M4 Max delivers up to 2.2 times faster CPU performance and 1.9 times faster GPU performance than the M1 Max. My own benchmarking backs this up, with a Geekbench 6 single-core score exceeding 4,000—the highest ever for a Mac.
Perhaps even more impressive, the M4 Max’s GPU performance now rivals that of the M2 Ultra, the powerhouse chip found in the Mac Pro. These numbers suggest a massive leap in performance, but how does it translate to real-world tasks?
Real-World Performance: A Video Editor’s Perspective
Many YouTubers, myself included, rely on video editing benchmarks to test performance since it’s one of the most demanding tasks a MacBook can handle. To put the M4 Max to the test, I loaded up a video project in Final Cut Pro featuring 8K RED raw footage, action cam clips, and motion graphics. The results were striking—Final Cut Pro ran smoother than ever, and export times were nearly twice as fast compared to my M1 Max laptop.
Another notable upgrade is Final Cut Pro 11’s new Magnetic Mask feature, an AI-powered tool that makes subject isolation significantly easier. Previously, cutting a subject out of a background required tedious rotoscoping—manually drawing masks for each frame. Now, with just a few clicks, the Magnetic Mask tool processes an entire clip autonomously. The M4 Max completed this task in 2 minutes and 13 seconds, compared to 2 minutes and 56 seconds on the M1 Max and a staggering 6 minutes on an older Intel Xeon Mac Pro. The efficiency gains here are undeniable.
For photographers and content creators using Lightroom or DaVinci Resolve, the M4 Max continues to outperform previous generations, sometimes even surpassing the Mac Studio with an M2 Ultra chip. This is a strong indicator that Apple silicon is still evolving rapidly.
Display Enhancements: Nano-Texture & Brighter SDR
One of the most visually striking updates to the M4 MacBook Pro is the introduction of the nano-texture display option. Originally a $1,000 add-on for the Pro Display XDR, nano-texture is now available for just $100 on the MacBook Pro. This matte finish significantly reduces glare, making the screen more usable in bright environments like offices, coffee shops, and airplanes. The only downside? The nano-texture surface is delicate and requires special care when cleaning.
Apple has also increased the SDR brightness to 1,000 nits, compared to 500-600 nits in previous models. This makes content more readable in bright spaces, enhancing the overall experience whether or not you opt for nano-texture.
Thunderbolt 5: Future-Proofing Connectivity
Another new addition is Thunderbolt 5, which provides increased bandwidth and allows support for up to three 6K displays (compared to two on previous models). While most users won’t immediately benefit from Thunderbolt 5 due to the limited number of accessories available, this feature is an investment in the future. As more Thunderbolt 5-compatible drives and docks hit the market, professionals working with large files will appreciate the faster data transfer speeds.
Other Notable Upgrades
- Improved Ultra-Wide Webcam: Center Stage functionality now follows the user within the frame, and the overall image quality has improved.
- Better Battery Life: Thanks to M4’s efficiency, Apple claims improved battery performance under lighter workloads, despite maintaining the same battery size.
- Quantum Dot Display: Apple quietly upgraded all new MacBook Pro displays to quantum dot technology, likely in preparation for future OLED models.
Should You Upgrade?
The M4 MacBook Pro is an exciting step forward, but is it worth upgrading from an M1 Max? If your current machine still handles your workload efficiently, the answer is likely no. The M1 Max remains a powerhouse that can last another year or more without issues. However, if you find yourself frequently pushing your laptop to its limits—whether in video editing, photography, or other intensive tasks—the M4 Max could be a game-changer.
With significant performance gains, display enhancements, and future-proofing with Thunderbolt 5, this is the first MacBook Pro in years that genuinely feels like a worthy upgrade. Whether or not you take the plunge, one thing is clear: Apple’s silicon is evolving at an impressive pace, and there’s more to come.
Final Thoughts
With Apple Intelligence on the horizon, the base model of every new Mac now starts with at least 16GB of unified memory, making even entry-level Macs feel like a better deal. The M4 MacBook Pro sets a new standard for performance and efficiency, and as more M4 chips roll out across Apple’s lineup, we can expect even more advancements. If you’re on the fence about upgrading, it’s worth considering your workflow and whether these new improvements will make a tangible difference for you.
Let me know in the comments—are you planning to upgrade? Or is your current Mac still holding strong?
