MacBook Pro M1 Pro Performance: Does Apple Slow Down Devices with Updates?
In today's tech review, we’ll dive into the performance of the MacBook Pro M1 Pro (14-inch) after three years of heavy use. I'll be comparing its performance on its original operating system, macOS Monterey, with the latest update, macOS Sequoia 15.1. Through this comparison, we aim to answer a burning question many Apple users have: Does Apple intentionally slow down its devices with updates? But first, let's not forget to pray for our brothers in Gaza and for the oppressed everywhere who need our prayers. Now, let’s get into the details of this test.
Device Setup and Test Conditions
For a fair comparison, I started with a fully charged MacBook Pro, running macOS Monterey on one side and Sequoia 15.1 on the other. I performed tests on both systems, measuring startup speed, app load times, SSD performance, browser speed, and more.
SSD Performance Comparison
One of the first areas I examined was the SSD speed. If Apple wanted to slow down older devices, the SSD could be an easy target. However, the results showed only slight variations between the two systems. The write speed was slightly higher on Sequoia (5500 MB/s) compared to Monterey (5237 MB/s), while the read speed slightly favored Monterey at 5488 MB/s. These differences are minimal and within the margin of error.
For external SSDs, the results were again close. On Monterey, I got write speeds of 2200 MB/s and read speeds of 2650 MB/s, while Sequoia recorded 2125 MB/s write and 2327 MB/s read. Overall, SSD performance was stable across both operating systems.
Browser Speed: Safari vs. Chrome
Next, I compared browsing performance using the Speed Meter 3.0 tool. Safari on Sequoia outperformed Monterey with a score of 33, compared to Monterey’s 21.5. However, Chrome showed little difference, with scores of 31 on Monterey and 30.5 on Sequoia. This suggests that while Apple's native browser benefits from updates, third-party browsers like Chrome remain largely unaffected.
Geekbench Performance Test
When running Geekbench 6, which measures both single-core and multi-core performance, the results were fascinating. Monterey showed a slight advantage in single-core performance (2410 vs. 2397), but Sequoia took the lead in multi-core tests, with a score of 12,228 versus Monterey’s 12,000. This indicates that newer updates may optimize the device’s ability to handle multi-tasking and complex processes.
Graphics Processor Performance
In testing the GPU using Metal Engine, Sequoia dominated with a score of 7139 versus Monterey’s 5685. Apple’s third-generation Metal technology, which is present in Sequoia, significantly boosts graphics performance compared to the older version used in Monterey.
App Launch Speed Comparison
To test real-world usage, I launched 14 common applications, including Chrome, Safari, Final Cut, iMovie, Blender, and more. Monterey took approximately 12 seconds to launch all apps, while Sequoia completed the task in 11 seconds. Again, the difference is minimal, falling within the margin of error.
Final Cut Pro Rendering Test
I rendered a 10-minute 4K video using Final Cut Pro on both systems. The rendering process took 22 minutes and 56 seconds on Monterey and 22 minutes and 40 seconds on Sequoia. The slight improvement on Sequoia suggests better optimization for video editing, especially when handling complex effects and graphics.
Power Consumption and Battery Life
After an hour and three minutes of intensive testing, including video rendering and Blender usage, the battery on Monterey dropped to 68%, while Sequoia retained 72%. This slight difference hints at improved power efficiency in the latest update, which is beneficial for extending the device’s battery life.
Conclusion: Does Apple Slow Down Devices?
Based on the results, there’s no significant evidence to suggest that Apple intentionally slows down its devices with updates. In fact, performance on macOS Sequoia 15.1 slightly outperformed Monterey in most tests, especially in multi-core processing, GPU performance, and battery efficiency. The minor improvements observed are likely due to better optimization for newer software, particularly as most applications are now designed to fully support Apple’s ARM architecture.
If you're experiencing issues after an update, it’s often due to background tasks like indexing or incompatibilities with older apps. Give your device a day or two after updating, and let it settle before making any judgments.
Final Thoughts In summary, the MacBook Pro M1 Pro continues to perform exceptionally well three years after its release, with newer updates potentially enhancing its capabilities. Keep updating your devices, and don’t hesitate to explore the new features that come with them.
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