The Apple MacBook Pro 16″ M4 Pro (2024) is the latest generation of Apple’s professional-tier laptop, featuring the M4 Pro chip with improved performance over M3 Pro. This guide covers unified memory specifications, SSD options, Thunderbolt 4 docking, external display support, and charger compatibility.
Unified Memory (RAM) Specifications
The MacBook Pro 16″ M4 Pro continues Apple’s unified memory architecture with memory soldered directly to the M4 Pro chip. Like all Apple silicon Macs, RAM cannot be upgraded after purchase.
Available configurations at purchase:
- 24GB unified memory — Entry M4 Pro config; improved from 18GB M3 Pro for better multi-tasking and moderate creative work
- 48GB unified memory — Recommended for professional video editing, 3D rendering, and large dataset processing
The jump to 24GB base memory reflects Apple’s response to professional feedback. For most development and office workflows, 24GB is now the comfortable threshold. Video professionals should consider 48GB for timeline scrubbing performance in DaVinci Resolve.
SSD Storage Options & Upgradeability
The M4 Pro uses soldered SSD storage that cannot be replaced or upgraded after purchase — internal storage is permanent.
Available storage tiers:
- 512GB (base)
- 1TB
- 2TB
- 4TB
The M4 Pro features improved SSD performance over M3 Pro with faster read/write speeds. Storage decisions remain permanent, so plan accordingly: 512GB works for development and office use, while 1–2TB is typical for video and photo professionals. External Thunderbolt SSDs offer cost-effective expansion — Samsung T7 Shield is durable and fast for media workflows.
Thunderbolt 4 Connectivity & Docks
The MacBook Pro 16″ M4 Pro includes three Thunderbolt 4 (TB4) ports supporting up to 3 external displays (up to 6K resolution each). Thunderbolt 4 is backward compatible with TB3, USB 3.1, and USB-C devices.
Recommended docks for M4 Pro:
- OWC 13-port Thunderbolt 3 Dock — 96W power delivery; best for multi-display and multi-device setups; Ethernet, USB expansion, audio I/O
- CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 Dock — 98W charging; pro-grade with SD card reader and audio features
- Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock — Creator-focused design; 85W power delivery; optimized for content creation workflows
- Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock 2.0 — Compact alternative; 96W charging, Ethernet, USB expansion
All recommended docks are TB3, which maintains full compatibility with M4 Pro TB4 ports. Daisy-chaining support allows multiple displays from a single port.
Charger & Power Specifications
The M4 Pro 16″ includes a 140W USB-C power adapter, matching previous M3/M3 Max models. This ensures compatibility with existing Thunderbolt docks and third-party USB-C PD chargers rated 140W or higher.
Charging specifications:
- 140W USB-C PD 3.0 — Charges via any of the three TB4 ports
- Simultaneous power delivery to laptop and external peripherals
- MagSafe 3 available as secondary charging option (slower than USB-C)
- Compatible with third-party 140W+ USB-C PD chargers for travel
The 140W standard remains consistent across 2023–2024 MacBook Pro 16″ models, ensuring your existing dock and chargers work with M4 Pro without changes.
External Display Support
The M4 Pro supports up to 3 external displays in clamshell mode (lid closed). When open, use 2 external displays + the built-in display for a total of 3 active screens.
Popular monitor choices for M4 Pro:
- Pro Display XDR — Apple’s 6K reference monitor for professional video and broadcast work
- LG UltraFine 6K — Alternative 6K option with strong colour accuracy for photo/video professionals
- LG 32UN880 — All-in-one 32″ 4K Thunderbolt display with integrated power delivery
- BenQ SW240 — 24″ colour-accurate for photo editing and design workflows
- Dell P-series UltraSharp (27–32″) — Affordable multi-monitor setup for development teams
Daisy-chainable displays reduce port usage — connect multiple 6K monitors via a single Thunderbolt cable when supported by the display model.
Hardware Specifications Table
| Component | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple M4 Pro (12-core CPU, 16-core GPU) | Soldered; not upgradeable |
| Memory | 24GB or 48GB unified | Soldered; must choose at purchase; 24GB is new base tier |
| Storage | 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, or 4TB SSD | Soldered; internal upgrade not possible |
| Ports | 3x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, SD UHS-II | TB4 backward compatible with TB3 and USB-C |
| Charging | 140W USB-C PD 3.0 | Charges from any TB4 port |
| Displays Supported | Up to 3 external displays (6K) | Clamshell mode; 2 external + built-in when open |
| MagSafe | MagSafe 3 | Optional charging cable; slower than USB-C |
| Performance vs M3 Pro | ~15–20% faster CPU and GPU | More efficient power consumption |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is M4 Pro better than M3 Pro for video editing?
Yes. The M4 Pro has a 12-core CPU and 16-core GPU (up from 8-core and 14-core), offering ~15–20% performance improvement. Base memory increased from 18GB to 24GB. For DaVinci Resolve and Adobe Premiere, M4 Pro renders faster and handles larger timelines more smoothly.
Can I use M3 Pro docks with M4 Pro?
Yes, all Thunderbolt 3 docks remain compatible with M4 Pro’s Thunderbolt 4 ports. TB4 is backward compatible with TB3 at TB3 speeds. Your existing dock will work without issues.
Should I buy M4 Pro or M4 Max?
M4 Pro is sufficient for most professional work — software development, 4K video editing, photo editing. Choose M4 Max if you need 4 external displays, 96GB+ RAM, or work with 8K RAW video extensively.
What happens if I choose 24GB instead of 48GB?
24GB is practical for multitasking and moderate video work. For professional DaVinci Resolve timelines with effects and colour grading, 48GB provides noticeably faster scrubbing and rendering. Decide based on your actual workload.
Is the 140W charger necessary, or can I use a lower-wattage option?
140W is recommended for sustained heavy work. A 96W USB-C PD charger will charge the M4 Pro slowly, and the battery may drain slightly during intense CPU/GPU load. For daily use with docking, 140W is ideal.
Which external SSD is fastest with M4 Pro?
OWC Envoy Pro reaches ~2800MB/s over Thunderbolt. For maximum speeds on TB4, verify SSD specifications — some drives max out at TB3 speeds (~1200MB/s). OWC and Glyph SSDs are optimized for Mac Thunderbolt.
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.
