The MacBook Pro 14″ with M4 chip (2024) is Apple’s latest base model, featuring improved performance and efficiency over the M3. This compatibility guide covers MagSafe 3 charging, Thunderbolt 4 docks, and external storage options. Like all M-series Macs, the M4 has soldered RAM and SSD—no internal upgrades are possible.
RAM Compatibility
The M4 MacBook Pro 14″ uses unified memory soldered directly to the processor. No upgrades or replacements are available after purchase. Available configurations:
- 16GB unified memory — standard M4 base config
- 24GB unified memory — increased performance for multitasking and professional work
- 32GB unified memory — high-performance workflows, large datasets
The base M4 starts at 16GB unified memory (up from 8GB on the M3). This reflects Apple’s shift toward higher memory configurations as standard. The M4 shares memory between CPU and GPU, so 16GB allocates 4-6GB to the 10-core GPU.
SSD Compatibility
Storage is soldered and non-removable. Available configurations:
- 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB internal SSD
Note: The M4 maxes out at 2TB internal SSD (same as the base M3). Once purchased, the drive cannot be swapped. For additional storage, use external Thunderbolt 4 or USB-C SSDs.
Recommended external storage:
- Thunderbolt 4 SSD: Browse Thunderbolt 4 SSDs on Amazon UK — up to 2400 MB/s
- USB-C NVMe enclosure: Browse USB-C NVMe enclosures on Amazon UK — 1000+ MB/s, affordable
- Portable Thunderbolt 4 SSD: Browse portable Thunderbolt 4 SSDs on Amazon UK — rugged, travel-friendly
Charger Compatibility
The 14″ M4 (2024) uses MagSafe 3 charging with the same connector as M3/M3 Pro models.
Original charger: 70W MagSafe 3 power adapter (included)
Compatible chargers:
- MagSafe 3: Apple’s 70W charger (included), 96W variant (compatible, faster)
- USB-C Power Delivery: Any USB-PD charger 60W or higher (via USB-C backup port)
MagSafe 3 chargers: Browse MagSafe 3 chargers on Amazon UK
Third-party USB-C chargers: Browse USB-C PD chargers on Amazon UK
The M4 is more power-efficient than the M3, so it charges quickly with the 70W charger (~1.5 hours). Using the 96W variant will charge slightly faster (~1.3 hours) but isn’t necessary.
Dock & Hub Compatibility
The 14″ M4 has 3x Thunderbolt 4 ports (same as the M3 Pro), supporting daisy-chaining and multiple peripherals. A key upgrade: the base M4’s GPU now supports up to 2 external displays—the same as the M3, but notable for future upgradeability.
Dock compatibility:
- Thunderbolt 4 docks: Full 40 Gbps bandwidth, daisy-chain, up to 96W power delivery
- USB-C hubs: Lower bandwidth, simpler, cheaper, single connection
Popular docks for M4 14″ MacBook Pro:
- Browse Thunderbolt 4 docks on Amazon UK — Caldigit TS4, OWC Thunderbolt 4 Pro Dock (12 ports), Elgato Thunderbolt Dock Pro
- Browse Thunderbolt 4 hubs on Amazon UK — Anker Thunderbolt 4 hub, Satechi Pro Hub Ultra
With 3x Thunderbolt 4 ports, the M4 supports complex setups: daisy-chain up to 6 devices, use 2 external displays, and connect external storage and peripherals simultaneously.
MacBook Pro 14″ M4 Specifications
| Component | Specification | Upgradeable? |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple M4 (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU base) | No |
| RAM | 16GB, 24GB, or 32GB unified memory (soldered) | No |
| SSD | 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB (soldered) | No |
| Display | 14.2″ Liquid Retina XDR (3072 x 1964) | No |
| Ports | 3x Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C + HDMI + SD card slot | No |
| Charging | MagSafe 3 + USB-C (backup), 70W included | N/A |
| External displays | 2 maximum | No |
| Battery | 72 Wh, ~17-18 hours | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade RAM or storage on the M4 MacBook Pro 14″?
No. Both RAM and SSD are soldered to the logic board. Choose your configuration at purchase. The M4 starts at 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD; you can configure up to 32GB and 2TB. After purchase, only external Thunderbolt 4 or USB-C storage is available.
Is the M4 14″ MagSafe 3 charger the same as M3?
Yes. Both M4 and M3 use MagSafe 3 with identical connectors. The M4 includes a 70W charger (same as the base M3). The 96W variant works with both models. Chargers are interchangeable.
How many Thunderbolt 4 ports does the M4 14″ have?
3x Thunderbolt 4 ports (same as the M3 Pro). This is an upgrade over the base M3 (2 ports). The extra port allows daisy-chaining and more flexible peripheral connectivity.
Can the M4 support more than 2 external displays?
No, the base M4 GPU supports only 2 external displays maximum. If you need 3+ monitors, upgrade to the M4 Pro or M4 Max models.
What’s the difference between M4 base and M4 Pro?
The M4 Pro has more GPU cores (14-20 vs. 10), higher RAM ceiling (48GB vs. 32GB), higher SSD ceiling (4TB vs. 2TB), and supports 3 external displays (vs. 2). For professional video/3D/AI work, the Pro is recommended. For coding and general use, M4 base is fine.
Recommended Products
These are the products we recommend based on this guide. All links go to Amazon UK where you can check current prices and availability.
| Product | Why We Recommend It | Amazon UK |
|---|---|---|
| Corsair Vengeance DDR4 SO-DIMM 32GB (2×16GB) 3200MHz | Best overall DDR4 upgrade kit | View on Amazon UK |
| Kingston Fury Impact DDR4 SO-DIMM 32GB (2×16GB) 3200MHz | Reliable alternative with tight latency | View on Amazon UK |
| Crucial DDR4 SO-DIMM 16GB 3200MHz | Budget single-stick upgrade | View on Amazon UK |
| Samsung DDR4 SO-DIMM 32GB 3200MHz | OEM-quality for business laptops | View on Amazon UK |
| Samsung 990 Pro 2TB NVMe M.2 2280 | Fastest consumer NVMe — ideal for gaming & editing | View on Amazon UK |
| WD Black SN850X 2TB NVMe | Excellent Gen4 speed with heatsink option | View on Amazon UK |
| Crucial P5 Plus 1TB NVMe | Great value Gen4 SSD | View on Amazon UK |
| Kingston NV2 1TB NVMe | Budget-friendly with solid reliability | View on Amazon UK |
Prices and availability may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
