The new M3 processor lineup is mainly responsible for the pretty good internal upgrade in Apple’s updated MacBook Pro notebook lineup. However, the real news for design enthusiasts is adding a unique new space-black color to the already impressive silver and space-gray options.
This is a return to form for a firm whose best-looking Mac is still the well-known “BlackBook” MacBook, which was released in 2006 and replaced the iBook. It also established much of the design language used on Mac laptops today. The new MacBook Pro is made of the same aircraft-grade aluminum as the previous models, but in a darker tone closer to black than in the past few models—probably more like very dark grey than black. Still, this is a significant improvement over the matte polycarbonate used in the black MacBook.
This is noteworthy for more reasons than simply the fact that I’m a dismal grayscale kid who loves to get his accessories in the deepest shade of black that I can pull off—for at least the last few seasons, Apple has avoided incorporating black into the design of many of its devices and accessories. A few generations ago, it changed to a “Midnight” tone for the aluminum Apple Watches and the Watch accessories line.
Additionally, it provides a “Midnight” variant of the MacBook Air. These are lovely, yet contrary to what their name suggests, they’re not genuinely black. However, they seem to be such that, in some lighting scenarios, some blue is present. Furthermore, Apple made a point of saying that the new model has a unique coating that prevents it from becoming a fingerprint magnet because those were susceptible to fingerprints.
Now, I’m not arguing that the “midnight” stuff looks terrible—quite the contrary. However, since I’m a professional, I need to be able to communicate via my MacBook outside. Though it may sound like I’m kidding, I’m thrilled to have a true black—or extremely dark gray—metal computer to represent my ability and seriousness.
Some may argue that “space gray was sufficient.” It simply doesn’t carry the same weight. In reality, though, it was more of a placeholder—a recognition that I shouldn’t be treated with the same disregard as someone who carries about a silver computer.
I hope this signals the end of Apple’s protracted hiatus from black so we can end this gloom and get on with our lives. I purchased one of these right away to replace my 14-inch M1 Max MacBook Pro; this has nothing to do with the fact that I require a more potent CPU.
