MacBook

Read Cult of Mac’s latest posts on MacBook:

Mac shipments grow strongly, outpace all PC-makers

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M4 MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini
These new models helped spur Mac shipments in Q4 2024.
Photo: Apple

Mac shipments in the last three months of 2024 rose sharply, hitting 17.3% in year-over-year growth according to a market research firm. Apple enjoyed a better growth rate than any of its top rivals, some of which saw their shipments decline.

The company also experienced growth in Mac shipments for the entire year compared to 2023.

Apple M5 processor might put in an early appearance

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M5, M5 Pro, M5 Max
Expect the M5, M5 Pro and M5 Max processors in 2025.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

It’s a safe bet that the Apple M5 processor will start replacing the current M4 in 2025, and it might even happen in the first half of the year.

That’s according to a roadmap of when the various versions of the chip will go into production leaked Monday by a reliable source of insider Apple information.

MacBooks with 5G cellular might actually happen

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MacBook with built-in 5G is way overdue
A 5G MacBook might finally be on the horizon.
Graphic: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

A MacBook capable of directly connecting to 5G cellular wireless networks is one potential result of the modem that Apple intends to introduce in 2025, according to a reliable source of insider information.

The 5G modem will supposedly go first into iOS handsets, including the extra-slim one dubbed the “iPhone 17 Air” that Apple is allegedly preparing to launch next year.

How many external displays each MacBook Pro or MacBook Air supports

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Late-2023 MacBook Pro with M3
The 2024 MacBook Pro can handle up to four external displays.
Photo: Apple

You can be excused if you don’t know off the top of your head how many external displays your MacBook supports. The number varies by model, processor version, and even whether the laptop is open or closed. Still, there’s a good chance it’s more than you think.

Now that notebooks with the new M4 family of processors are available, here’s an updated guide to how many external screens you can attach to your MacBook.

Don’t hold your breath for an OLED MacBook Air

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OLED MacBook Air
An OLED MacBook Air is coming. Someday.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

The predictions of a MacBook Air in 2027 could turn out to be optimistic, according to sources in the screen panel industry. Prices for the OLED display are high, and there’s reason to question demand for the new type of screen.

An OLED MacBook Pro is expected sooner, however.

What to expect from the speedy M4 MacBook Pro

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Leaked M4 MacBook Pro: Geekbench scores
M4 MacBook Pro is right around the corner.
Photo: Wylsacom

Whether Apple launches the M4 MacBook Pro at a glitzy press event or a quiet press release, the next-generation macOS notebook is undoubtedly mere weeks away — probably reaching customers on November 1.

Here’s what to expect from the late-2024 MacBook Pro when it gets upgraded with the new Apple M4 processor.

Macs make people happier than any PC

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2023 iMac M3
People love their Macs.
Photo: Apple

When it comers to satisfaction, Apple sits at the top of the heap among computer makers. It beats HP, Samsung and others, according to the latest survey from the American Customer Satisfaction Index.

And satisfaction with tablets improved to the point they’re essentially on par with desktops and laptops.

Unreal deal on a MacBook Pro with Touch Bar — why pay more?

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Product shot of refurbished MacBook Pro with Touch Bar
Save on a refurb MacBook Pro and experience the Touch Bar for yourself.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Want a MacBook Pro with Touch Bar? You can grab one now for just $379.99. In addition to the now-discontinued Touch Bar — a thin, customizable LED strip that replaces the traditional function keys above the keyboard — this refurbished Apple laptop comes with an Intel i5 processor, four Thunderbolt 3 ports, 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD.

Worried about buying a refurb? Don’t be. Grade “A” refurbished devices like this one arrive in near-mint condition. If there are any signs of wear, they’re invisible if you’re more than a foot away. Check out what else this budget-friendly computer has going for it.

OLED MacBook still at least 2 years away

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OLED MacBook is possible… and probably inevitable
An OLED MacBook is more than possible... it's inevitable.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Apple’s switch from LCD to OLED in its MacBook line isn’t moving quickly. A pair of respected industry analysts agree that it won’t happen before 2026.

The change should improve the performance of the display, but might also drive up the price of macOS notebooks.

What we did not get at Apple’s September event

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What we did NOT get at Apple's September event
We're still waiting for some much-anticipated Apple products.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple It's Glowtime Event:Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event wrapped up Monday with several upcoming products not even having been mentioned, much less launched. Some of these were not expected to debut, like new Macs and iPads, but others were supposed to be on the agenda, like a new Apple Watch SE.

Here’s what to look forward to at an October Apple event, plus the products that’ll likely come even later.

Act now to lock in the best price for your iPhone trade-in

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iPhone 6s
If you're upgrading to iPhone 16, now is the time to secure the best possible price for your old iPhone trade-in.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

With Monday’s impending iPhone 16 reveal, excitement abounds! However, one downside of the “It’s Glowtime” event is the impending drop in value of your iPhone trade-in.

Every year, newer models push older iPhones, Apple Watches and MacBooks further and further down the path to obsolescence. But there’s good news: Cult of Mac will still buy your old devices. And we’ll help you maximize the money you get for your iPhone trade-in, too.

Learn about using Apple gear on the go in funny video starring the Underdogs

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Learn about using Apple gear on the go in funny video starring the Underdogs
The Underdogs are back, and using laughs to demonstrate using Apple computers while traveling.
Image: Apple

Instead of an ordinary video demonstrating how useful MacBooks, iPads and iPhones are on a business trip, Apple presents another madcap adventure of the Underdogs.

The group is off to Thailand to have millions of boxes produced for their most difficult client, and everything possible goes wrong. Fortunately, it’s Apple gear to the rescue.

Mac shipments shoot up a whopping 20%

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The new MacBook Air with M3
The new MacBook Air with M3 likely helped push up Mac shipments.
Photo: Apple

No PC maker is growing faster than Apple. Mac shipments increased 20.8% year over year in Q2, according to market analysts. That’s a growth rate that dwarfs larger rivals.

It’s the second quarter in a row of double-digit growth for Apple.

OLED MacBook might be 2 years away

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OLED MacBook is possible… and probably inevitable
Your next MacBook might have an OLED display.
Photo: Cult of Mac

A MacBook with an OLED display in place of the LCD could be on the market in 2026, according to an industry analyst.

This should noticeably improve on the already excellent displays used in macOS notebooks.

Apple considers two large touchscreen sizes for MacBook [Updated]

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MacBook with 20-inch folding screen still on track for release
This concept could be an early glimpse of the MacBook of the future.
Concept: Astro HQ

Apple is developing a MacBook with a folding touchscreen that might come with either a 20.25-inch or an 18.8-inch panel, according to a trusted analyst. And new info from the analyst indicates the slightly smaller is more likely.

In addition to the size, it’ll have another immediately noticeable advantage over current foldable displays: eliminating the visible crease is reportedly one of Apple’s goals.

Should you buy a MacBook or iPad?

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MacBook VS iPad
Which is the better choice these days?
Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Should your next computer be a MacBook or an iPad? Apple is making the iPad more powerful and capable every year — it might be good enough that you don’t need a traditional computer in your life.

While macOS is still more powerful and versatile, the iPad’s hardware offers unique capabilities that no Mac can match. The iPad is easier to pick up and use, more portable and more reliable. It’s worth considering over a laptop if you don’t do a lot of specialized work.

Here are the pros and cons, MacBook vs. iPad: Price, easy of use, portability and more. Keep reading below or watch our video.

Space gray vs. silver MacBook [Buyer’s guide]

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2024 MacBook Air
The dark side ... or the light?
Image: Apple

After you’ve settled on a model and the specs you need, there’s still one more crucial decision to make before you buy a MacBook Pro: silver vs. space gray. And with the MacBook Air, you have two more options (starlight and midnight).

If you want an attractive and cohesive setup, the color of your Mac is the centerpiece of the whole look.

Which color is best? I always go with silver — but here are some things to consider before you make your decision.

iMac vs. MacBook: Should you buy a desktop or laptop Mac?

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iMac or MacBook?
The age-old question.
Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Should your next Mac be a portable or a desktop? More than 90% of Macs sold are laptops, and it’s easy to see why — MacBooks are light while offering best-in-class performance and battery life. Still, the “iMac vs. MacBook” quandary remains.

In fact, there are some compelling reasons to stick to the iMac (or other desktop Macs like the Mac mini or Mac Studio). You save money and also wind up with a more reliable machine.

Check out our latest video or keep reading below to help you decide.

Why you shouldn’t use M3 MacBook Air in clamshell mode

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2024 MacBook Air M3 with dual-monitor support
In clamshell mode, 2024 MacBook Air can connect to a pair of external displays.
Photo: Apple

The recently launched MacBook Air with the Apple M3 processor performance slows down significantly if pushed too hard when in clamshell mode (with the lid closed). Thermal throttling is the culprit.

That said, the problem mostly shows up when using Apple’s consumer-grade notebook for tasks it’s not designed to handle.

2024 MacBook Air review roundup: Serious performance boost

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2024 MacBook Air M3 in use
One reviewer says the 2024 MacBook Air offers, "excellent performance, gorgeous screens and incredible battery life."
Photo: Apple

The highlight of the 2024 MacBook Air is the Apple M3 processor, and the first round of reviews show a 25% increase over the earlier M2-based models.

Otherwise, Apple didn’t tinker with the design of previous versions of its 13- and 15-inch consumer-oriented notebook.

MacBook with 20-inch folding screen still on track for release

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MacBook with 20-inch folding screen still on track for release
This concept could be an early glimpse of the MacBook of the future.
Concept: Astro HQ

Apple continues to work on a MacBook with a 20-inch folding screen, according to a reliable source of insider information. It could set a new pattern for notebooks for the coming decade.

The product has been on the drawing board for quite some time, but isn’t scheduled for release until 2027.

Early benchmarks show M3 chip gives MacBook Air hefty performance boost

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M3 chip gives 2024 MacBook Air hefty performance boost
Dropping the M3 into the 2024 MacBook Air significantly pumps up the performance.
Photo: Apple

The Apple M3 processor in the 2024 MacBook Air brings a 25% increase to the upgraded notebook’s performance, according to early benchmark results. And the increase over the M1-based version is even more spectacular.

The M3 is Apple’s latest processor family, and it’s made using a cutting-edge 3nm production process.

Get ready for new MacBooks and iPads at Apple March event [Updated]

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Get ready for new MacBook and iPad models at Apple March 2024 event
The Apple March 2024 event should be a busy one, with loads of new computers.
Graphic: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple is widely expected to hold a product launch event in March 2024 with a range of new iPad Pro, iPad Air and MacBook Air models on the agenda.

You don’t have to wait to find out what’s on Apple’s agenda. Many details about the upcoming notebooks and tablets already leaked out.

UPDATE: It appears there won’t be an actual event. Apple has begun unveiling the expected product via press release, starting with the M3-powered MacBook Air on Monday. The iPad announcements are likely to come soon. 

Apple adds M3 MacBooks and iMac to Self Service Repair program

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Apple's Self Service Repair Program includes M3 MacBook models as iPhone.
Apple's Self Service Repair Program now includes M3 MacBook models as iPhone and other products.
Photo: Apple

The Apple Self Service Repair program just expanded to include MacBooks and iMacs with the M3 processor released in 2023.

The program provides customers access to parts and tools they need to fix their own devices, and already includes many models of iPhone and iPad plus earlier Macs. But there are some big gaps.