Ever since Apple made the move to making its own in-house silicon, the entire Mac lineup has evolved to become supremely capable when it comes to handling content creation, including the labor-intensive task of editing video. And while it’s true that performance will vary depending on the model, you’re no longer limited to just a few capable devices. Apple’s powerful in-house processors mean that regardless of whether you’re a YouTube content creator, a professional video editor, or anything in between, there is a Mac out there for you.
What to Look For in a Mac
The current Mac lineup features a mix of M3 and M4 chips. The M4 chips are currently the latest releases from Apple. With M4, Apple utilizes industry-leading 3nm architecture. In addition to improvements to general performance and the Neural Engine for AI, the M4 Pro/Max also has Dynamic Caching. Dynamic Caching is when the M4 Pro/Max uses only the exact amount of memory required for each task, which increases the average utilization of the GPU for improved performance when it comes to graphics-intensive workflows.
The M4 Pro/Max also utilizes hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading. The M4 family of chips has an advanced media engine that provides hardware acceleration for popular video codecs, such as H.264, HEVC, ProRes, and ProRes RAW. The media engine also supports AV1 decoding.
The release of the M4 doesn’t mean the M3 family of chips is completely outdated. They still provide both performance and power efficiency for Mac models that have not yet been updated to M4. M3 Pro, and M3 Max are still perfectly capable of providing optimal performance for CPU- and GPU-intensive workflows of professional video editing.
When it comes to RAM, Apple has upgraded all the base models to 16GB. The change finally brings an end to the default 8GB base models. The upgrade to 16GB is due to the launch of Apple Intelligence. As an on-device AI, Apple Intelligence needs constant RAM to work properly and 8GB would not have been enough. Because it’s unified memory (meaning you won’t be able to upgrade later), we recommended that you invest into as much RAM at the start. In other words, while 16GB is the minimum, you should go for a higher capacity, if possible, to futureproof your machine.
For storage, the recommended minimum option is 1TB. It’s important not to get tempted by the 512GB option (or the 256GB option on the base iMac model). If you’re working with large video files, 2TB is preferred and 4TB will give you a great buffer. Of course, a RAID hard drive array (sold separately) is recommended for saving and backing up your work, which frees up the storage space on your Mac for current and future projects.
In October 2024, Apple officially released Apple Intelligence for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Apple Intelligence is Apple’s AI that harnesses the power of Apple silicon. Apple Intelligence draws on your personal context to help you write, express yourself, and get things done with ease. To address privacy concerns, Apple Intelligence uses both on-device processing and Private Cloud Compute, which can draw on larger server-based models, to handle more complex requests. Apple Intelligence adapts to your personal context without allowing anyone else to access your personal information, not even Apple.
For Casual Content Creators
MacBook Air
A Quick Look:
- M3 chip
- Slim and lightweight
- Base Models Start at 16GHB of RAM
- Slower performance for more advanced video editing
If all you’re looking to do is some light video editing, the MacBook Air is a great choice. Slim and lightweight, the MacBook Air is extremely portable while still providing both performance and power efficiency. Powered by an M3 chip and now starting with 16GB of RAM, the MacBook Air allows you to edit videos, watch movies, and even play some games with ease. The efficient M3 chip also improves the battery life so you’re not tethered to the power outlet when doing anything remotely CPU or GPU intensive.
The MacBook Air is available with either a 13” or 15” Liquid Retina display. While either option isn’t ideal for long video editing sessions, the 15” model does provide a little more space without adding too much bulk.
- M3 8-Core Chip
- 10-Core GPU
- 16GB Unified Memory (Max: 24GB)
- 1TB SSD (Max: 2TB)
- 15” Liquid Retina Display
Mac mini
A Quick Look:
- M4 or M4 Pro chip
- New redesign with an even smaller form factor
- Requires a keyboard, mouse, and display (all sold separately)
The Mac mini has recently gotten a redesign that will save you even more space on your desk. Measuring in at just five by five inches, the Mac mini is now less than half the size of the previous generation. With its compact size, you can easily move, mount, and rack the Mac mini as you see fit. While it may be smaller, Apple didn’t skimp on the performance, thanks to the addition of M4 and M4 Pro chips. With M4, the Mac mini delivers up to 1.8x faster CPU performance and 2.2x faster GPU performance than the M1 model. With M4 Pro, it takes the advanced technologies in the M4 chip and scales them up to tackle even more demanding workloads, such as video editing and 3D modeling.
The Mac mini now provides two front-facing USB-C ports and a 3.5 mm audio jack for convenience. On the back, the M4 Mac mini features three Thunderbolt 4 ports while M4 Pro Mac mini owners will get three Thunderbolt 5 ports. Both models also come with an HDMI port. For external displays, the M4 Mac mini supports up to two 6K displays and up to one 5K display while the M4 Pro Mac mini can support up to three 6K displays at 60 Hz for a total of over 60 million pixels. For connectivity, the Mac mini comes standard with Gigabit Ethernet but can also be configured for 10Gb Ethernet.
It should be noted that the Mac mini is not without additional costs. It doesn’t come with a keyboard or mouse, so those will have to be purchased separately. You’ll also need to invest in a display, which can get quite expensive if you are going for a color-accurate monitor.
- M4 Pro 12-Core Chip
- 16-Core GPU
- 24GB Unified Memory (Max: 64GB)
- 1TB SSD (Max: 8TB)
iMac
A Quick Look:
- M4 chip
- Built-in Retina Display with Nano-Texture Glass Option
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Base Models start at 16GB of RAM
- Includes a Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse
- 256GB base storage option (not recommended)
Ideal for people who want an all-in-one system, the iMac doesn’t require additional peripherals and accessories. That’s because the iMac comes with a built-in 24” Retina display with a 4480 x 2520 resolution (218 ppi) and support for one billion colors, complete with True Tone technology. The Retina Display also has 500 nits of brightness and a wide color P3 gamut. Nano-texture glass has finally made its return to the iMac. Not available on the iMac since the switch to Apple silicon, you can now select nano-texture glass as a display option to drastically reduce reflections and light glare, while still maintaining image quality.
Now with M4, this iMac is up to 2.1x faster for demanding workflows, such as photo editing and gaming, than the M1 iMac. The iMac also features a new 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View, ideal for video calls. With an included color-matched Magic Keyboard and Mouse, you can start working right out of the box without the need for additional peripherals or accessories.
One thing that is unique to the iMac compared to the other Mac models is the wide range of colors they come in. Instead of just being limited to Silver and Space Black or Gray, the iMac features seven colors, which are blue, green, pink, silver, yellow, orange, and purple. The colorful options allow you to brighten up your workspace.
- M4 10-Core Chip
- 10-Core GPU
- 16GB Unified Memory (Max: 32GB)
- 1TB SSD (Max: 2TB)
- 24” Retina Display with Nano-Texture Glass
For Professionals
MacBook Pro
A Quick Look:
- M4 Pro or Max Chip
- 14" or 16” Liquid Retina XDR Display with Nano-Texture Glass Option
- HDR Grading (DaVinci Resolve and Final Cut Pro)
- Ports (Thunderbolt 5/USB-C, HDMI, SD Card Slot)
- Cost
- May require an external display for larger projects
Powerful, versatile, and reliable, the MacBook Pro was designed for content creation. Now featuring the latest M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, the MacBook Pro is the clear choice for video editors who want the ability to edit from virtually anywhere without compromising performance. The M4 Pro/Max chips feature 3nm process technology, next-gen GPU with Dynamic Caching, hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and mesh shading, and AV1 decode support.
The MacBook Pro is available with either a 14” or 16” Liquid Retina XDR display. There is also a nano-texture glass option, which dramatically reduces glare and reflections. Even in the bright outdoors, the MacBook Pro can show SDR content at up to 1000 nits and still display HDR content at up to 1600 nits of peak brightness. Thanks to DaVinci Resolve and Final Cut Pro updates, the MacBook Pro might also be one of the first consumer laptops to offer HDR grading. While professional colorists will still opt for a properly color-calibrated display, the Liquid Retina XDR display is perfectly capable of allowing content creators to grade HDR content for their YouTube projects.
- M4 Max 14-Core Chip
- 32-Core GPU
- 36GB Unified Memory (Max: 128GB)
- 2TB SSD (Max: 8TB)
- 16” Liquid Retina XDR Display
The Mac Pro and Mac Studio, while still very capable systems, have not gotten their respective upgrades yet. With no mention of M4 Max or Ultra, many creatives are wondering when the next updates will be. If you can’t wait for the updates, the following models will be able handle your video projects.
Mac Studio
A Quick Look:
- M2 Max or M2 Ultra Chip
- Compact design
- Requires a keyboard, mouse, and display (all sold separately)
- Expensive
The Mac Studio is essentially the Mac mini with superpowers. Powerful yet still relatively compact, the Mac Studio can handle your 8K video workflow with ease. Available with either an M2 Max or an incredibly powerful M2 Ultra Chip, the Mac Studio empowers creative professionals to take on any project. The M2 Ultra is built from two M2 Max dies connected through UltraFusion, which is Apple’s custom-built packaging technology. With UltraFusion, the M2 Ultra will as a single chip to software, providing over 2.5 TB/s of low latency interprocessor bandwidth.
Like Mac mini, the Mac Studio requires additional peripherals and accessories. You’ll need to purchase a keyboard and mouse separately. You’ll also need to purchase an external display, such as the Apple 27” Studio Display.
- M2 Ultra 24-Core Chip
- 60-Core GPU
- 64GB Unified Memory (Max: 192GB)
- 2TB SSD (Max: 8TB)
Mac Pro
A Quick Look:
- M2 Ultra Chip
- Return to the classic Mac Pro” design
- Can be upgraded later
- Very expensive
When it comes to video editing, the Mac Pro has always been a staple. There were some controversial design choices in the past, such as the infamous “trashcan” Mac Pro, which lacked ports and upgrade options. However, the Mac Pro has returned to form with the “cheese grater” design. Powered by the M2 Ultra Chip, the Mac Pro delivers optimal performance for advanced video editing workflows.
While the Mac Pro and the Mac Studio may perform similarly, the Mac Pro does have one significant advantage, which is you can upgrade components. The Mac Pro gives you the option to install and replace certain components, such as PCIe cards, SSDs, the Apple I/O card, and the Apple Thunderbolt I/O board. Of course, the Mac Pro is considered a traditional desktop computer, so you’ll have to get your own keyboard and mouse, as well as a color-calibrated display.
- M2 Ultra 24-Core
- 76-Core GPU
- 128GB of Unified Memory (Max: 192GB)
- 4TB SSD (Max: 8TB)
Whether it is DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, or Final Cut Pro, the Mac lineup can make high-res video post-production workflows feel fast and fluid. For more information about the Mac lineup, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out the detailed Apple landing page. Or drop us a line below, and we’ll do our best to answer all your comments and questions.
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