Apple · 2023
Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M3 Max, 2023)
M3 Max, 2023
The 2023 M3 Max 16 was the first to hit 1000 nits sustained on the 120 Hz ProMotion mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR with a 22-hour battery claim, 36 GB unified memory in the base SKU.
from $3,499 RRP
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- Best for creative work programming AI and data work
- Linux: gaps
Scorecard
Mean of six category scores, 0 to 10. Compiled from public sources. How we rate.
Strongest on battery, display, build, and speed, with no category below average.
- Battery 10/10
- Display 10/10
- Build 9/10
- Keyboard 8/10
- Speed 9/10
- Value 5/10
Worth knowing
Stands out
- Mini-LED display, bright with local dimming
- Bright 1000-nit screen, readable in sunlight
- 120Hz screen, smoother motion
- Wide 100% P3 colour, creative-grade
Watch for
- Linux needs significant work on this hardware
- RAM is soldered, no upgrade later
Linux
Linux: significant gaps, expand for details
Not rated · Confidence: low · not enough verified data to score this honestly. · How we score
Specs
| CPU | Apple M3 Max (14-core) |
|---|---|
| GPU | Apple M3 Max GPU (30-core) |
| RAM | 36 GB (soldered, not upgradeable) |
| Storage | 1 TB |
| Screen | 16.2" 3456x2234 @ 120Hz, 1000 nitsvery bright, easy in direct sun, smoother scrolling and motion |
| Weight | 2.16 kgaverage weight |
| Battery | 100 Wh, around 15 h real-world |
Common questions
- Does the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M3 Max, 2023) work with Linux?
- Not cleanly: there are significant gaps, so we don't recommend it for Linux as-is. Asahi supports M1 and M2 cleanly.
- What does the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M3 Max, 2023) cost?
- RRP is about 3499 USD; street price is often lower.
- Is the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M3 Max, 2023) good for creative work?
- For creative work we score it 5/10 on value and 9/10 on performance.
- How heavy is the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M3 Max, 2023)?
- 2.16 kg (4.76 lb). That's heavy for a daily commute.
- What's the battery life like?
- A 100 Wh pack, around 15 hours real-world mixed use. We score battery 10/10.
- Can I upgrade the RAM or storage?
- RAM is soldered, so the 36 GB it ships with is the RAM it dies with. Storage starts at 1024 GB on this configuration.
Ready to buy the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M3 Max, 2023)?
Prices are indicative. How we make money.
from $3,499 RRP
Check price on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate (US, NL, DE, UK programs), qualifying purchases via this link may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Other markets not yet enrolled. How we make money. Verified 2026-05-20.
