Apple MacBook Pro 2021 promises 'game-changing' Spatial Audio sound system

 Apple MacBook Pro promises 'game-changing' six-speaker sound system
(Image credit: Apple)

Apple has unveiled its "most advanced" MacBook Pro ever. The high-end laptop features a 120Hz mini LED display and a six-speaker sound system that Apple says is "the best audio system in a notebook".  

Aimed at developers, video producers and and musicians, the 2021 MacBook Pro comes in two sizes: 14-inch and 16-inch. Prices start at £2399 / $2499 / AU$3749 for the 16-inch, and £1899 / $1999 / AU$2999 for the smaller screen size, so it's not cheap.

Still, these models are the first to feature Apple's new M1 Pro and Max chips, which the company claims are "the most powerful ever" to be put into a laptop. They also get a six-speaker audio system that comprises two tweeters for "a clearer soundstage" and four woofers said to deliver "80 percent more bass" than any previous MacBook. 

The sound system supports Apple Spatial Audio too, so you should get a more immersive effect when listening to Apple Music tracks encoded in Dolby Atmos or watching movies in Dolby Atmos.

Apple MacBook Pro

(Image credit: Apple)

The microphones has been overhauled, too. Apple says its new "studio-quality" mics have a lower noise floor (the amount of noise generated by the device itself), which should result in clearer voice recordings and video calls.

As for the display, it features the mini LED "Pro Motion" 120Hz technology found in the new iPad Pro, plus 1600 nits at peak brightness and a 1,000,000: 1 contrast ratio.

Last but not least, there's a snazzy new camera. Pop open the laptop's lid and you'll find an iPhone-style notch that houses the new 1080p FaceTime HD camera. The tiny snapper taps into Apple's racy new chips to enhance video quality and bless users with "more natural-looking skin tones".

The new generation MacBook Pro is available to order from Apple's website now. It should work a treat with both the newly announced AirPods 3 wireless earbuds, and the HomePod Mini smart speaker, which now comes in orange, red and blue.

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Tom is a journalist, copywriter and content designer based in the UK. He has written articles for T3, ShortList, The Sun, The Mail on Sunday, The Daily Telegraph, Elle Deco, The Sunday Times, Men's Health, Mr Porter, Oracle and many more (including What Hi-Fi?). His specialities include mobile technology, electric vehicles and video streaming.