Laptops
Apple announces new MacBook Pros powered by M1 Pro, M1 Max
The MacBook Pro just got somewhat of a facelift as Apple introduces the new 14″ and 16″ MacBook Pros. Just with the sizes alone, longtime MacBook users will already see a difference as previous MacBook Pros used to come in 13″ and 15″ variants.
Let’s rundown everything that’s new in what Apple promises to be hyper-powered notebooks.
M1 Pro and M1 Max
The new MacBook Pros are powered by Apple’s latest and greatest processors. Want the numbers that fly over most people’s heads? Here you go:
M1 Pro — Up-to-10-core CPU with eight high-performance cores and two high-efficiency cores, along with an up-to-16-core GPU. That’s up to 70 percent faster CPU performance than M1, and up to 2x faster GPU performance. Delivers up to 200GB/s of memory bandwidth–nearly 3x the bandwidth of M1 and supports up to 32GB of fast unified memory.
M1 Max — Has a 10-core CPU and doubles the GPU with up to a massive 32 cores for up to 4x faster GPU performance than M1. It also has up to 400GB/s of memory bandwidth — 2x that of M1 Pro and nearly 6x that of M1 — and up to 64GB of fast unified memory.
This allows for real time rendering on hyper demanding tasks like video editing, 3D modelling, game designing, and many others.
It has a notch
Now that we know what matters on the inside, let’s address what will likely be the most noticeable aspect on the outside. Like the iPhone, the new MacBook Pros now have a notch. It sits in the middle of the menu bar to be less of a distraction.
Housed in the notch is the much improved 1080P FaceTime HD camera with an f/2.2 aperture to let more light in — crucial in our daily working lives that is now dominated by video calling. Other features include machine learning based noise reduction and face detection, local tone mapping, auto white balance, auto exposure, and Smart HDR. Noticeably missing — there’s no Face ID.
A display for discerning eyes
The display on the new MacBook Pros get significant upgrades. Officially called the Liquid Retina XDR Display, it features the same mini-LED technology found on the iPad Pro. It’s promising 1,000 nits of sustained, full-screen brightness, 1,600 nits of peak brightness, and a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio. The display also has ProMotion which means a 120Hz refresh rate for an even more eye-pleasing experience.
As the sizes suggest, they are also indeed larger than their predecessors. The 16″ model offers a 16.2-inch display with 7.7 million pixels–the most ever on a Mac notebook. Meanwhile, the 14″ model has a 14.2-inch screen with 5.9 million pixels.
Bringing back the ports
Making a comeback in this iteration of the MacBook Pros are more ports. Both models will get the following:
- Three (3) Thunderbolt 4 ports
- SDXC card slot
- HDMI port
- 3.5mm headphone jack
Also making its way back to MacBook is MagSafe. MagSafe 3 makes connecting a charge cable quick and easy while protecting MacBook Pro. It also introduces fast charging to the Apple’s notebooks getting you to 50 percent in just 30 minutes.
M1 Pro users can connect up to two Pro Display XDRs. M1 Max, users can connect up to three Pro Display XDRs and a 4K TV, all at the same time. They also have Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity.
macOS Monterey
Apple’s latest hardware will naturally come with their latest software. These new MacBook Pros have macOS Monterey right out of the box. That means users will get to enjoy the best of what Mac has to offer.
The long list of features include, but are not limited to: Live Text and Visual Lookup, Continuity, Shortcuts, SharePlay, Universal Control, and many more.
Of course there are the popular Mac apps which will run even smoother now and will allow you to create more like Final Cut Pro and Garage Band.
Pricing and availability
In the US, the new MacBook Pro models with M1 Pro and M1 Max are available to order today on apple.com/store and in the Apple Store app. They will arrive to customers and will be in select Apple Store locations and Apple Authorized Resellers starting Tuesday, October 26. Pricing are as follows:
- 14″ MacBook Pro starts at US$ 1,999 (US$ 1,849 for education)
- 16″ MacBook Pro starts at US$ 2,499 (US$ 2,299 for education)
It will be available in Singapore soon with the following pricing:
- 14″ MacBook Pro starts at SG$ 2,999 (SG$ 2,769 for education)
- 16″ MacBook Pro starts at SG$ 3,749 (SG$ 3,449 for education)
THE Michael Josh just got back from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas — the annual tech event that attracts all the biggest tech brands.
One of which is none other than ASUS, Taiwan’s biggest computing giant. They have launched the first wave of Windows laptops for 2026. There’s a full lineup — models for everyday folks, creators, and gamers.
However, we are focusing on these Zenbooks favorites the show: the updated 2026 Zenbook DUO and Zenbook A14, as well as a bigger Zenbook A16 model.
Eager to know more about them? Here’s our Spotlight on the three power-packed ASUS Zenbooks at CES 2026.
CES 2026
Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable Concept was possible thanks to TCL
Also responsible behind the foldable display of the new motorola razr fold
At this year’s CES 2026 in Las Vegas, TCL CSOT (China Star Optoelectronics Technology) and Lenovo have further proved their long-term partnership. The newest Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable Concept and the motorola razr fold are equipped with displays by TCL CSOT.
Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable Concept
The continuous collaboration of the two mighty Chinese companies bring out something that has been envisioned in laptops for quite a while now.
Ever imagined of a conventional laptop with standard 16:9 display that can instantly stretch into a 21:9 widescreen monitor? Well, the Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable Concept proves it’s more than possible.
Pioneering this partnership starts with TCL CSOT’s rollable display. Dubbed as the Lenovo PureSight OLED Gaming display. From a regular 16-inch 16:9 display, it completely transforms into an ultra-wide screen — stretching between 21.5 all the way to 24 inches.
For gamers and even e-sports athletes who seek visual flexibility (literally and figuratively), the display adapts to three (3) different training phases.
- Focus Mode (16 inches) for honing reflexes
- Tactical Mode (21.5 inches) for enhanced situational awareness
- Arena Mode (24 inches) for full-scale competitive simulation
Behind that rollable display tech by TCL CSOT lies a dual-motor, tension-based system. This not only means that the rollable display can unroll smoothly, the expansion is not just controlled, its contraction also delivers minimal vibration and noise.
There’s also a dedicated tensioning mechanism that ensures consistent tautness across the OLED panel. Low-friction materials then secures durability throughout the rolling cycle.
motorola razr fold
Finally, after a long wait, motorola finally unveils their first ever book-style foldable.
The motorola razr fold headlines TCL CSOT’s 8.1-inch 2K LTPO flexible inner display. And unlike most foldable offerings in the market today, it supports a stylus!
When closed, its 6.6-inch external display delivers the familiarity of a candy-bar smartphone. Furthermore, its sleek, striking, and slim silhouette will feel comfortable in one’s hands.
Not much has been shared but more details will soon be unfolded by motorola.
The Co-Innovation Legacy
The steady legacy of TCL CSOT and Lenovo has already delivered consumer-ready products past the convention center show floor showcase.
Those include the Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i with a flexible 4K OLED display unveiled at CES 2025. Even the motorola razr 60 series flip-style foldables launched last July 2025 was not missed.
And, with the introduction of the Legion Pro Rollable Concept and the motorola razr fold, both companies continue to turn advanced display research into practical, user-focused products — setting new standards for performance, comfort, and sustainability.
With past display innovations, these newer advancements offer a more immersive viewing experience, better eye comfort, and flexiblility across various user applications.
This continuous collaboration highlights the companies shared commitment to advancing display technology and elevating the visual experience for users worldwide.
TCL CSOT’s constant strive for innovation is mainly driven by their APEX values:
- A-mazing Display Experience
- P-rotective of Eye Health
- E-co-Friendly to build and use; and
- X-Unlimited Imaginative Potential
Jun Zhao, the Senior Vice President of TCL Technology and CEO of TCL CSOT, states that the company is dedicated in providing Lenovo high-quality displays and custom diplay solutions that turn advanced technology into something “We are dedicated to providing Lenovo with high-quality, custom display solutions that turn advanced technology into everyday excellence, and
He also says “they look forward to exploring new frontiers together.”
The mystique of laptops has not abated since the pandemic. Portable PCs are still finding niches in today’s market. Whether you need an on-the-go office machine or a plug-and-play gaming rig, there is a laptop out there for you. This year is no different. As the year closes, it’s time to show some love to our Favorite Laptops of 2025.
ROG Zephyrus G14
As a gaming laptop, the ROG Zephyrus G14 brandishes a lot of the industry’s most powerful hardware. Shining with only a little more accoutrements as a MacBook, this notebook is sleek but a force to be reckoned with under its aluminum chassis.
We described the Zephyrus G14 as a laptop’s equivalent of “quiet luxury”; it doesn’t stand out, but anyone who knows the brand will give you a silent nod of approval. As part of the premium luxury segment, it does have a pretty high price tag, but that’s about the only thing that stops this laptop from being an immediate buy. Everything else is perfect.
Apple M5 MacBook Pro
Before the year ended, Apple dropped a surprising bombshell for its fans. The M5 MacBook Pro brings out a more powerful processor for Apple’s notebook segment. A premium alternative to the M4 MacBook Air, the notebook is “Pro but without the overkill.”
Obviously, it’s not for everyone. But, to those who need an additional jolt of power, the M5 MacBook Pro delivers everything you need and more.
Lenovo Yoga 7i Aura Edition
If you’ve dabbled in notebooks over the past decade, you should recognize Lenovo’s Yoga lineup. The 2-in-1 notebook popularized foldables before foldables were even a thing. With a 360-degree hinge, users can fold the notebook back into a tablet and vice versa.
The Lenovo Yoga 7i Aura Edition is the perfection of this technology, infused with today’s hardware. It’s not a perfect laptop or a perfect tablet, but if you need both, this notebook saves you the hassle of shopping for two separate devices. It’s a great deal.
ASUS Gaming V16
A robust gaming rig might be one of the most expensive things you can spend on today, especially because of rising RAM prices. Thankfully, being a gamer doesn’t have to be just as pricey. The new ASUS Gaming series brings decent gaming performance for a fraction of the price.
The ASUS Gaming V16 is your gateway drug to portable gaming. Starting at only PhP 59,995, the notebook offers users a taste of what the gaming world can do. It has a decent Intel Core 5 chipset and an RTX 40 series GPU. Plus, with a 63Whr battery, it’s built for grinding.
Apple M4 MacBook Air
If the MacBook Pro is too much power for you, this year’s M4 MacBook Air might fit your needs more. Though it doesn’t have Apple’s latest chipset, it’s still a decent all-around notebook for everyday use.
Because it doesn’t have the most robust hardware, the new MacBook Air is a master of portability. Even if it came out in the first quarter of this year, we were quick to call it one of the best laptops of 2025. As the year winds down, we’re still not taking away that distinction.
Lenovo Legion Go S
In the strictest sense of the word, the Legion Go S technically is not a laptop. Hear us out, though: Being a Windows-powered device, the handheld gaming device can act like a notebook in a pinch. Most importantly, it deserves some love as a computer, too.
For those who were expecting more traditional laptop fare, here’s a refresher: The Legion Go S is a portable gaming device that’s shaped like a Nintendo Switch. One version comes with Windows and can do much of what a laptop can do. Though it doesn’t have a standard keyboard, the power lurking underneath earns it a spot on this list.
ASUS Zenbook A14
There’s only so many ways you can differentiate a laptop from another, while keeping its essence as a notebook intact. In the case of the Zenbook A14, beauty takes center stage. Yes, it looks like any run-of-the-mill notebook, but it will still feel like one of the most premium devices you’ve ever touched.
The notebook sports ASUS’s iconic Ceraluminum which gives the Zenbook A14 a smooth, tactile finish that feels great to lug around. Plus, it weighs only 899 grams, making it handy for portability. If that’s not enough, the PhP 65,996 price tag is so affordable for its quality.
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