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.

MORE:

Apple Spatial Audio explained

Read our iPhone 13 review

Our pick of the best AirPods alternatives

TOPICS

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.

Read more
a series of ipad airs on a blue background
iPad Air M3 vs iPad Pro M4: what's the difference?
iPhone 16e on white background screen
The iPhone 16e could be a fantastic music player – but we have some big questions
a series of ipad airs on a blue background
There's already a new Apple iPad Air – but it's not got a key Pro feature we want
Apple iPhone 16 smartphone
Best iPhones 2025: the top options for music and movie lovers rated
The Samsung Galaxy S25 range of smartphones standing in portrait on a display table.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: how do the flagship phones compare?
iPhone 16 smartphone
iPhone 17: release date rumours, price leaks, possible specs and features
Latest in Music Streaming
A Moon Shaped Pool album cover with Now Playing roundel
7 test tracks that have been playing on repeat in the What Hi-Fi? test rooms
Robert Moog. January 1970: Portrait of American inventor Robert Moog sitting in front of his Moog synthesizer, the pioneering electronic musical instrument. (Photo by Jack Robinson/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
7 top test tracks that celebrate the iconic Moog synthesizer
Spotify screenshot banner image
Spotify Hi-Fi quality and gig benefits expected in 2025 via $6 Music Pro add-on
System of a Down Toxicity album cover
I use this acclaimed album for testing all the time – you should use it to rock your system's world
Bjork Post album cover
Treat your hi-fi system to these 11 incredible albums celebrating their 30th birthday this year
Amazon Music Screenshot
Amazon Music just lost its biggest selling point with its latest price hike
Latest in News
A Sony PS3 on a vertical stand with a white background.
Still using a PlayStation 3 to watch Blu-rays? Sony just saved your console with this crucial update
Bowers & Wilkins Zepellin
Bowers & Wilkins and McLaren are making new audio hardware with an F1 twist
Formula 1
US readers rejoice – F1's getting a key upgrade UK fans have enjoyed for ages
TCL QM7K
TCL’s new QM7K TV Series has a cutting edge panel and Bang & Olufsen sound
The AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 in their charging cases standing side by side on a wooden surface with a hand out flat behind them.
All three current in-ear AirPods are up to 32% off at Amazon – here's which pair you should buy
JBL Charge 6 in red with carry strap
JBL upgrades two of our favourite Bluetooth speakers with bigger sound, longer battery life and more durable designs