Apple’s recently released M3 MacBook Pros have been available for order for nearly a week, and to the surprise of many, the non-Max M3 models are still accessible on their launch day, suggesting they may not be selling as well as expected. In this article, we will explore the top 10 reasons or problems that could explain why people might be hesitant to order these brand-new M3 Max MacBook Pros.
M3 MacBook Cons
- Lack of Design Changes:
The first problem is that there are no significant design changes with the new M3 Max MacBook Pros. Despite the software boost in brightness to 600 nits, the display remains largely the same. The only notable design change is the introduction of a space black color, but it’s exclusive to the more expensive M3 Pro and M3 Max models. For users looking for a fresh design, this lack of innovation could be discouraging.
- Absence of New Features:
Another issue is the absence of new features. The infamous notch remains, but without the addition of Face ID. There are no changes to the keyboard, speakers, microphones, or any other features. Users typically expect new features when upgrading, such as additional or faster ports, but these expectations are not met with the new M3 Max MacBook Pros.
- Increased Base Model Price:
The price of the M3 base model MacBook Pro has increased from $1,300 for the M2 MacBook Pro to $1,600. While this price increase comes with an improvement in storage to 512GB, it can deter potential buyers who might opt for more affordable options like the M1 MacBook Air, which can be found for $750 on Amazon.
- Minimal Innovations Beyond Chips:
One of the few significant changes in the new M3 MacBook Pros is the introduction of new chips to enhance performance. However, the previous M1 and M2 chips have already proven to be more than sufficient for most users. Many users have reported that their M1 Max MacBook Pros continue to perform exceptionally well, providing them with no reason to upgrade.
- Downgraded M3 Pro Chip:
Apple made an unexpected move by downgrading the M3 Pro chip, removing two important performance cores to add more efficiency cores. This change results in overall similar performance, and when compared to the previous M2 Pro chip, it may actually be slower. Apple’s decision to reduce memory bandwidth from 200GB/s to 150GB/s is viewed as a questionable choice.
- Growing Competition from Windows:
The Windows side of the market is becoming increasingly competitive. Recent Qualcomm chips, including the Snapdragon X Elite, have garnered attention for their speed, even surpassing the M3 chip’s capabilities in some aspects. Some Windows users who might have considered switching to M3 MacBook Pros are now waiting to see how these Qualcomm-powered laptops perform, intensifying the competition.
- Rising Costs of M3 Max Chip:
The M3 Max chip is now more expensive than ever. To access the full 16-core CPU and 40-core GPU layout, users are required to upgrade their RAM to 48GB. This means spending a significant $4,000 on a new laptop, which may not be justifiable for many potential buyers.
- Premature Release:
There’s a belief that Apple rushed the release of M3 chip models due to disappointing Max sales in the previous quarter. This accelerated release, just nine months after the M2 Pro and Max chips, has led potential buyers to believe that newer models might be arriving within a short timeframe, causing them to delay their purchases.
- Economic Challenges:
The current economic climate presents challenges for consumers, especially in the tech industry. Layoffs are becoming more common, and interest rates are surging, making debt payments more burdensome. In such circumstances, purchasing expensive devices like the M3 MacBook Pros may not be feasible for many.
- Upcoming OLED Displays:
Rumors of Apple developing superior OLED displays for the MacBook Pro have piqued the interest of potential buyers. The promise of OLED technology, with its potential to eliminate issues like the halo effect, is leading many to hold off on their purchases, waiting for a more feature-rich and visually appealing MacBook Pro.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Apple’s M3 Max MacBook Pros face multiple challenges that might explain why they are not selling as expected. The absence of significant design changes, the lack of new features, increased prices, minimal innovation beyond chips, and intensified competition from the Windows side are among the key factors contributing to these challenges. Economic uncertainties and the anticipation of better OLED displays are further reasons why potential buyers are holding off on their purchases. These issues highlight the need for Apple to reevaluate its product strategy and address these concerns to regain consumer confidence and boost sales.