Video Review: Three Months With the M2 Max MacBook Pro

Apple in January 2023 introduced new 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models that are equipped with next-generation M2 Pro and ‌M2‌ Max chips. MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera picked up a 14-inch ‌M2‌ Max ‌MacBook Pro‌ when the machines were released, and he's been using it daily for the past three months in preparation for a longer-term review on Apple's latest chip technology.


The 2023 14 and 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ models haven't changed in design since Apple introduced the M1 Max and M1 Pro models, so the main difference is the chipset. In terms of performance, there is a noticeable difference between the ‌M1 Max‌'s performance and the ‌M2‌ Max performance. The ‌M2‌ chip is able to handle intensive video editing tasks with ease, and it's not too far off from the M1 Ultra.

Dan's 14-inch machine has 32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD, and there are also noticeable improvements in SSD speeds. As for the size, the 14-inch form factor is better for travel, though it is nice to have the larger display real estate of the 16-inch machine, and you'll also notice thermal management deficiencies between the 14 and 16-inch models.

Dan has a lot of other thoughts on the ‌M2‌ ‌MacBook Pro‌ models compared to the prior-generation versions and other Mac options, so the full video is well worth watching.

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
We are still waiting for the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to come out, so the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week or two away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
Apple Logo Black

Apple's Next Launch is 'Imminent'

Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by
The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models. "All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...
iOS 26 Home Feature

Apple Gives Final Warning to Home App Users

Tuesday February 3, 2026 8:55 am PST by
In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching. In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...
Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra Screen

Apple's CarPlay Ultra to Expand to These Vehicle Brands Later This Year

Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. In his Powe...
Apple Foldable Thumb

First Foldable iPhone Design Details Revealed

Monday February 2, 2026 7:19 am PST by
Apple's first foldable iPhone will feature relocated volume buttons, an all-black camera plateau, a smaller Dynamic Island, and more, according to design leaks from a known Weibo leaker. The user known as "Instant Digital" today claimed to share several key details about the design of the foldable iPhone: The volume buttons will be located on the top edge of the device, aligned to the...

Top Rated Comments

ELman Avatar
37 months ago
Dan's a good guy.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Dan Barbera Avatar
37 months ago

Dan, did you seriously put a 3,000 dollar MacBook Pro on that pillar next to the water?

Anyway, I agree, new colors need to be introduced. I think most of the Pro colors on the iPhone Apple has introduced since iPhone 12 would look great on the MacBook Pros:

- Pacific Blue
- Sierra Blue
- Deep Purple
I might have and I maybe, definitely was terrified in the process. Anything for the shot!
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
coffeemilktea Avatar
37 months ago
I've been using the 16 inch with the Pro chip and 1TB of storage and it's been the best computing experience of my life. :cool:

(now if only it could play Elden Ring :p)
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
37 months ago

Dan's a good guy.
Agreed! @Dan Barbera keeps it real. His reviews are honest, personable, and well-transparent.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Dan Barbera Avatar
37 months ago

Dan's a good guy.
❤️
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Rychiar Avatar
37 months ago

M1/M2 both look appealing, my only concern is how they will be in a few years. My current 2017 Macbook pro with an Intel i7 and 16GB RAM runs Ventura like absolute crap, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't curse it for running slow or for the fans always being maxed out when working.
Those were garbage machines from the start. These should last much longer, externally and internally
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)