Mac Studio with MacBook Air 15" or MacBook Pro 16"

[zachwiddicombe]

I work in IT consulting and use my computer for my work, but also personal use(personal projects and light gaming). I was handed down my base model 2019 16" MacBook Pro when my wife bought a new laptop, and I am not loving the short battery life, fan noise, thermals, or performance for my needs. I work from my desk around 70% of the time, my wife's office or a hotel the other 30%, so portability is important to me, but not the top priority. At my home desk I use 2 24" monitors on either side of a 29" ultrawide monitor, but I plan to upgrade to an Apple Studio Display at some point instead of the ultrawide. When I am away from my desk for longer than an hour or so, I use either my iPad in sidecar, or a 15.6" USB-C monitor for a secondary display for my laptop.

I am wanting to upgrade to a new setup and I am currently between 2 similarly priced options:
1) Mac Studio & 15" MacBook Air
2) 16" MacBook Pro Max with Thunderbolt Docking Station

Requirements:
1) Drive 3+ external monitors for home desk setup
2) Ability to work away from home desk with laptop and portable monitor/iPad in sidecar
3) 15"+ screen for laptop so it fits comfortably in my lap(I am 6'9", so the 13" or 14" is too small to comfortably use in my lap)
4) Able to run multiple VMs/docker containers for my work
5) Able to play my video games on decent settings(WoW and HoTS)

I am leaning towards the Mac Studio and MacBook Air option for a best of both worlds situation, but I worry about the MacBook Air not being able to meet my needs when away from my desk, specifically the VMs/docker containers.

TLDR: Should I get a Mac Studio for home and a 15" MacBook Air for portability OR a 16" MacBook Pro Max for both home and portability?

 

[Bigwaff]

Consider the MBA can only drive a single ext display. Consider your x86 Docker containers may not work on Apple Silicon. You may need to rebuild your images from base ARM images. I don’t play games so consider whether those games run native on Apple Silicon.

 

[Andrey84]

What are the Pros of the "Mac Studio + MacBook Air" option in your view?

I don't think you will have significant noise & thermal issues with the 2023 MBP like you're having with the 2019 Intel MBP. The apple silicon Macs are much more energy efficient and hence colder & quieter. Keep the lid open when it's docked, and you should be fine. Performance will be the same as Mac Studio with the same CPU - i.e. outstanding.

I only see Cons of "Mac Studio + MacBook Air" vs "MacBook Pro":

1. Two devices instead of one. You might have to wait for your work files to sync with iCloud (both upload and download) when switching between the devices.
2. MBA is not a professional machine. It's not designed to run multiple VMs, as it only supports up to 24GB unified memory. It might be OK still, but I'd not risk it personally.
3. MBA & Mac Studio are in the middle of their product refresh cycles, so they can only run M2, not M3.

Overall, I see the MBP as a more simple, clean and seamless setup, which doesn't compromise on performance or noise.

 

[17fox]

Drive 3+ external monitors for home desk setup

Only MBP 16, since MBA doesn't support many external displays.

 

[zachwiddicombe]

Consider the MBA can only drive a single ext display. Consider your x86 Docker containers may not work on Apple Silicon. You may need to rebuild your images from base ARM images. I don’t play games so consider whether those games run native on Apple Silicon.

I knew I would have to move from x86 containers and VMs over to ARM ones, and that is not an issue. The games I typically play support ARM natively, so there are no issues there either.

 

[kschendel]

The question for me would be how intense your away-from-home requirements are. Do you need compute power comparable to being at home? If you need to run 3-4 significant VM's on the road, the Air is probably not your best bet. If you can accept some performance downgrade on the road, and if the VM's you need while traveling can fit in 24 GB or even 16 GB, and if the single external display limit of the Air isn't an issue either away or home, then I'd lean towards Studio at home and the Air on the road; the Air is a very nice traveling machine as long as it fits the need.

 

[zachwiddicombe]

What are the Pros of the "Mac Studio + MacBook Air" option in your view?

I don't think you will have significant noise & thermal issues with the 2023 MBP like you're having with the 2019 Intel MBP. The apple silicon Macs are much more energy efficient and hence colder & quieter. Keep the lid open when it's docked, and you should be fine. Performance will be the same as Mac Studio with the same CPU - i.e. outstanding.

I only see Cons of "Mac Studio + MacBook Air" vs "MacBook Pro":

1. Two devices instead of one. You might have to wait for your work files to sync with iCloud (both upload and download) when switching between the devices.
2. MBA is not a professional machine. It's not designed to run multiple VMs, as it only supports up to 24GB unified memory. It might be OK still, but I'd not risk it personally.
3. MBA is in the middle of the product refresh cycle, so it can only run M2 at the moment, not M3.
4. MBP Max should be a little cheaper than MS + MBA.

Overall, I see the MBP as a more simple, clean and seamless setup, which doesn't compromise on performance or noise.

Pros:
1) The MacBook Air is almost 2 pounds lighter, so much easier to carry/transport
2) Not having to use a docking station at my desk since the monitors and other peripherals are able to be directly attached(I have had issues with docking stations in the past)
3) Mac Studio should be quieter under load than the MacBook Pro would be due to a bigger heatsink
4) Having 2 devices allows for 1 to fail and still be able to work

I would probably get the MBA model with 16GB of RAM but I do not run multiple VMs at one time usually, and they are usually just jump boxes to connect to different clients with their different VPN tools/configurations. The docker containers I use are primarily for ease of development and testing and won't be running all the time.

I am hoping they refresh the MBA and MS to the M3 lineup in the next month or so(which it looks like they are considering the rumors) and I'm not in a huge rush right now.

The cost difference between the 2 options is so small(less than 10% difference), so it is not really a determining factor for me.

I do see your point about having a single device for simplicity sake though. I just like the concept of having an ultraportable laptop and a powerful desktop at home.

 

[profH]

Air + Studio is a beautiful option (love my 15" Air), but for that kind of usage you'll need at least 16GB ram (I mean, I need that just to use 1 VM comfortably) or even 24. Is the price then still comparable?

 

[Allen_Wentz]

Pros:
1) The MacBook Air is almost 2 pounds lighter, so much easier to carry/transport
2) Not having to use a docking station at my desk since the monitors and other peripherals are able to be directly attached(I have had issues with docking stations in the past)
3) Mac Studio should be quieter under load than the MacBook Pro would be due to a bigger heatsink
4) Having 2 devices allows for 1 to fail and still be able to work

I would probably get the MBA model with 16GB of RAM but I do not run multiple VMs at one time usually, and they are usually just jump boxes to connect to different clients with their different VPN tools/configurations. The docker containers I use are primarily for ease of development and testing and won't be running all the time.

I am hoping they refresh the MBA and MS to the M3 lineup in the next month or so(which it looks like they are considering the rumors) and I'm not in a huge rush right now.

The cost difference between the 2 options is so small(less than 10% difference), so it is not really a determining factor for me.

I do see your point about having a single device for simplicity sake though. I just like the concept of having an ultraportable laptop and a powerful desktop at home.

Warning TL;DR
I have been doing versions of your choices since 2011. Went from desktop plus laptop to 17" MBP for everything in 2011 when Apple introduced Thunderbolt and desktop replacement laptops became feasible. My 2016 MBP was maxxed at 16 GB RAM, so it rammed-out circa 2021 and I limped along with it waiting for the M2 Studio. The M2 Studio was delayed so long that I bought an M2 MBP with 96 GB RAM instead. Currently 64 GB RAM is all my workflow needs to optimize, but I expect apps/OS to take advantage of the full 96 GB and probably want more in a few years.

The M2 MBP is mostly used sessile as a desktop box driving three 4K displays plus the laptop display, effortlessly and quietly. It truly is a superb device, performance-wise probably the equal of a Studio; I notice no apparent excessive heat leading to fan usage. When I do undock it and redock it, it resynchs nicely. Using the 2016 MBP redocking was a big PITA, always taking 10-15 minutes with the displays hippity-hopping around trying to synch. No problem with the M2 MBP. A Studio of course would have lots more ports.

The 2016 MBP is now used as a portable box, and the 16 GB RAM is adequate as long as I do not forget and try to do multiple concurrent things like I do when desktop working. However at some point I probably will buy a Studio, give away the 2016 MBP and use the M2 MBP as a portable computer. Going back and forth from the M2 MBP with 96 GB RAM to the 2016 MBP with far less RAM is irritating, even though I no longer attempt full-on work on the 2016 MBP.

Your choices are very similar to what mine were. My suggestions are to:
A) Wait if you can until the M3 Studio is announced and decide M2 Studio versus M3 Studio based on available pricing then.
B) Buy a Studio Max with at least 96 GB RAM (not an Ultra).
C) Play with the MBPs and the MBAs at an Apple Store for an hour or two and see what you think.
D) Buy an MBP with similar RAM, or a maxxed-out MBA if you think you can tolerate it. Constantly going back and forth from the superb MBP or Studio to an MBA lesser in every regard and doing similar work to what you do at the desktop can be quite frustrating.

The good news is that IMO you have no bad choices as long as you do not cheap out on RAM. If you have any RAM doubts read up on Apple's Unified Memory Architecture.

Enjoy.

 

[zachwiddicombe]

Warning TL;DR
I have been doing versions of your choices since 2011. Went from desktop plus laptop to 17" MBP for everything in 2011 when Apple introduced Thunderbolt and desktop replacement laptops became feasible. My 2016 MBP was maxxed at 16 GB RAM, so it rammed-out circa 2021 and I limped along with it waiting for the M2 Studio. The M2 Studio was delayed so long that I bought an M2 MBP with 96 GB RAM instead. Currently 64 GB RAM is all my workflow needs to optimize, but I expect apps/OS to take advantage of the full 96 GB and probably want more in a few years.

The M2 MBP is mostly used sessile as a desktop box driving three 4K displays plus the laptop display, effortlessly and quietly. It truly is a superb device, performance-wise probably the equal of a Studio; I notice no apparent excessive heat leading to fan usage. When I do undock it and redock it, it resynchs nicely. Using the 2016 MBP redocking was a big PITA, always taking 10-15 minutes with the displays hippity-hopping around trying to synch. No problem with the M2 MBP. A Studio of course would have lots more ports.

The 2016 MBP is now used as a portable box, and the 16 GB RAM is adequate as long as I do not forget and try to do multiple concurrent things like I do when desktop working. However at some point I probably will buy a Studio, give away the 2016 MBP and use the M2 MBP as a portable computer. Going back and forth from the M2 MBP with 96 GB RAM to the 2016 MBP with far less RAM is irritating, even though I no longer attempt full-on work on the 2016 MBP.

Your choices are very similar to what mine were. My suggestions are to:
A) Wait if you can until the M3 Studio is announced and decide M2 Studio versus M3 Studio based on available pricing then.
B) Buy a Studio Max with at least 96 GB RAM (not an Ultra).
C) Play with the MBPs and the MBAs at an Apple Store for an hour or two and see what you think.
D) Buy an MBP with similar RAM, or a maxxed-out MBA if you think you can tolerate it. Constantly going back and forth from the superb MBP or Studio to an MBA lesser in every regard and doing similar work to what you do at the desktop can be quite frustrating.

The good news is that IMO you have no bad choices as long as you do not cheap out on RAM. If you have any RAM doubts read up on Apple's Unified Memory Architecture.

Enjoy.

Thank you for your perspective. I think another option I overlooked is using my current 2019 MBP as my portable computer and get a Mac Studio once they upgrade to the M3 chips and then get a new laptop once my 2019 dies on me. I don't know what your workflow is, but do you run into any issues using an Intel Mac with your 2016 MBP since your primary machine is Apple Silicon?

Also, what is your docking station situation to be able to drive 3 4k monitors? I have tried multiple types of thunderbolt 3/usbc docks and not had great luck with any of them in the past.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

Thank you for your perspective. I think another option I overlooked is using my current 2019 MBP as my portable computer and get a Mac Studio once they upgrade to the M3 chips and then get a new laptop once my 2019 dies on me. I don't know what your workflow is, but do you run into any issues using an Intel Mac with your 2016 MBP since your primary machine is Apple Silicon?

Also, what is your docking station situation to be able to drive 3 4k monitors? I have tried multiple types of thunderbolt 3/usbc docks and not had great luck with any of them in the past.

Yup. The option I am currently following is the "using my current 2019 [M2] MBP as my portable computer and get a Mac Studio once they upgrade to the M3 chips and then get a new laptop once my 2019 [2016] dies on me" one. I see no issues around my primary apps between the M2 MBP and the 2016 Intel MBP (Filemaker, Apple Photos, Affinity Photo, Affinity Designer, Apple Mail, Apple Maps, Pages, Messages, PDF Expert, Apple Notes, Safari), just RAM limits as I get into multitasking among multiple apps. Currently anything I do runs effortlessly under 64 GB RAM even though I have 96 available.

EDIT: There are some issues around going between my two Macs. Not IMO due to anything about going 2023 M2 MBP to 2016 Intel MBP, but rather about features that Ventura/Sonoma have that Monterey (last OS supported on the 2016 MBP) lacks, like Continuity. Some things I can hop direct from the 2016 to the M2 and keep working on the same document, but on other things I cannot; and I never really know, so it is problematic. It will in fact be the big reason when/if I get a Studio. There is huge value add in having all modern Apple devices when living in an Apple ecosystem. <sigh>

Ports are an MBP's big limitation for desktop usage. Using the M2 MBP I dock the three 4K Viewsonic displays 1) using the MBP's HDMI port to display; 2) USB-C (TB) port to display; and 3) USB-C (TB) port to display. That leaves only one MBP USB-C (TB) port still available, and I use it to serve to a powered USB-A dock. I separately power the MBP via MagSafe port, but that is redundant because power also feeds from displays.

It all works great but all ports are filled, which means there is no readily available bandwidth for things like uploading Nikon images captured at 46 MP in batches of 100-800 pix like I used to do daily and may again. I own a couple of docks but seldom use them due to past anomalies that I do not have the inclination to chase (probably bandwidth issues). A Studio is made to be a desktop monster and has the ports to prove it; not so much with an MBP (even though it works). Taking the MBP mobile means unplugging every port then replugging every port, but it works very well with M2 MBP.

I use all 4 displays, some for different apps and some at different set resolution. Using the M2 MBP if one display goes off (my oldest display now shuts itself off once in a while) the others quickly reconfigure in seconds, which is well done tech by Apple.

The 2016 MBP also drove the same three external displays adequately in desktop mode. And the older MBPs have 4 Thunderbolt ports, not 3 like today. Bandwidth is better today, but we have lost a TB port. I say adequately in desktop mode because it works fine once settled down as long as it is kept without changes, but with the 2016 MBP moving back to desktop mode after unplugging or if a display shuts itself off briefly typically takes 15 minutes for displays to get operationally stable again. Sometimes it takes an hour, including a reboot. But it always did ultimately work.

Dock anomalies are mostly because of bandwidth. Just plugging a dock into a TB port does not mean each dock port gets full bandwidth. I always drive just one display per TB port and it always worked in even the 2016 MBP once settled down. IIRC MBAs have less TB ports (only 2) with less badwidthaand also less memory bandwidth (100 GB/s); a big limitation on MBAs, so review MBA specs very, very carefully.

Note that things like memory bandwidth vary hugely among Apple device versions (100 or less GB/s to 800 GB/s) and like RAM affect varying workflows in different ways. UMA RAM is different and affects everything, so I (repeatedly) recommend that everyone study up on Apple's Unified Memory Architecture, then configure with more RAM than necessary simply for today.

 

[Andrey84]

Pros:
1) The MacBook Air is almost 2 pounds lighter, so much easier to carry/transport
2) Not having to use a docking station at my desk since the monitors and other peripherals are able to be directly attached(I have had issues with docking stations in the past)
3) Mac Studio should be quieter under load than the MacBook Pro would be due to a bigger heatsink
4) Having 2 devices allows for 1 to fail and still be able to work

I would probably get the MBA model with 16GB of RAM but I do not run multiple VMs at one time usually, and they are usually just jump boxes to connect to different clients with their different VPN tools/configurations. The docker containers I use are primarily for ease of development and testing and won't be running all the time.

I am hoping they refresh the MBA and MS to the M3 lineup in the next month or so(which it looks like they are considering the rumors) and I'm not in a huge rush right now.

The cost difference between the 2 options is so small(less than 10% difference), so it is not really a determining factor for me.

I do see your point about having a single device for simplicity sake though. I just like the concept of having an ultraportable laptop and a powerful desktop at home.

Makes sense. A really small correction, the weight difference of MBP 16" vs MBA 15" is just 1.5 pounds, or 0.65 kg. It's noticeable when you pick it up, but in a backpack I don't think you'll notice the difference.

MBA 15": Weight 1.51 kg (3.3 pounds)
MBP 16": Weight 2.14 kg (4.7 pounds) M3 Pro; 2.16 kg (4.8 pounds) M3 Max

 

[Zest28]

16" M3 Max MacBook Pro, because it is more powerful than a M2 Max Mac Studio.

And you can bring that same power with you anywhere you want.

Also, having all your software and packages identical on the go is less headaches too.

 

[gpat]

16" Pro regardless.
Relying on only 1 machine saves you from sooooooo many headaches.

 

[Fishrrman]

Choice #1.

Nothing beats having a good desktop for "desktop things", AND a good laptop for "laptop things"...

 

[Andrey84]

Choice #1.

Nothing beats having a good desktop for "desktop things", AND a good laptop for "laptop things"...

Can you elaborate please?

I switched to using a laptop for work around 10 years ago. I'm using a docking station and two monitors at home - I cannot see the difference between a laptop and a desktop. I kept the lid open on laptops open and I'm not using a cover of my Surface Pro. There is an occasional revving up of the fans - doesn't happen often enough to become annoying.

Is your work really demanding on CPU/GPU and hence do you have issues with heat or performance? Didn't this problem go away with Apple Silicon chips?

 

[Allen_Wentz]

16" Pro regardless.
Relying on only 1 machine saves you from sooooooo many headaches.

IMO in 2024 Studio + MBP is the superior approach for anyone also driving external displays like the OP. After years of experiencing both approaches the big reasons for my opinion evolution 2011 to 2023 are
- A) Mass storage file transfers are much faster and more reliable today, even though file sizes are larger and
- B) Mac OS. 2024 devices in the Apple ecosystem, Macs in particular, are interacting better with each other all the time (e.g. Continuity). And powerful iPhone Pro Max and/or iPad Pro mean field data input is now done less often on laptops.

Differing use cases will of course vary. For instance multiple external mass storage connections probably also mitigate in favor of the two-box solution, while mission-critical need to work mobile with onboard files mitigates in the other direction toward one mobile box with large SSD because "Relying on only 1 machine saves you from sooooooo many headaches."

Back in 2011 (when Apple brought us the first real desktop-replacement laptop with the 17" MBP) I evolved to one machine, because "Relying on only 1 machine saves you from sooooooo many headaches." And I lived that for 11 years until getting the M2 MBP (because M2 Studio was delayed). Now the M2 MBP Max has been used almost totally desktop, with the old MBP for mobile and I find it preferable.

Important Note: My commentary applies to using two strong modern Macs. Older, or weaker new boxes in either position desktop/mobile will make my arguments less applicable.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

Can you elaborate please?

I switched to using a laptop for work around 10 years ago. I'm using a docking station and two monitors at home - I cannot see the difference between a laptop and a desktop. I kept the lid open on laptops open and I'm not using a cover of my Surface Pro. There is an occasional revving up of the fans - doesn't happen often enough to become annoying.

Is your work really demanding on CPU/GPU and hence do you have issues with heat or performance? Didn't this problem go away with Apple Silicon chips?

I can elaborate: convenience and ports. The desktop + laptop solution is not just about performance/heat; my current "desktop" is an M2 MBP equally as powerful as any Studio except the Ultras, the fans seldom run because it never gets hot to speak of and it drives three 4K displays. But all ports are filled and I want more for mass storage/file transfer reasons.

And it is much more convenient to just go sit on the couch for a ten-minute surfing break with a laptop that does not have to first be disconnected (physically, electrically and logically) from mission-critical files then reconnected (physically, electrically and logically) from mission-critical files in ten minutes. Some folks like me do not want to constantly be needing to figure out whether or not some background activity is running that should not be disconnected.

 

[Zest28]

I can elaborate: convenience and ports. The desktop + laptop solution is not just about performance/heat; my current "desktop" is an M2 MBP equally as powerful as any Studio except the Ultras, the fans seldom run because it never gets hot to speak of and it drives three 4K displays. But all ports are filled and I want more for mass storage/file transfer reasons.

And it is much more convenient to just go sit on the couch for a ten-minute surfing break with a laptop that does not have to first be disconnected (physically, electrically and logically) then reconnected (physically, electrically and logically) in ten minutes.

Non-sense. The M3 Max 16" MBP is just as fast as the M2 Ultra Mac Studio. And the 16" MBP destroys the M2 Max Mac Studio that the OP wants to buy.

And external displays such as the Apple Studio Display can act as an USB hub so you can keep the ports on the 16" MBP free.

The 16" M3 Max MacBook Pro is connected with a single ThunderBolt 4 cable, so there is no inconvience to disconnect it really. That is just pure laziness if disconnecting a single TB 4 cable is too much effort for someone.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

Makes sense. A really small correction, the weight difference of MBP 16" vs MBA 15" is just 1.5 pounds, or 0.65 kg. It's noticeable when you pick it up, but in a backpack I don't think you'll notice the difference.

MBA 15": Weight 1.51 kg (3.3 pounds)
MBP 16": Weight 2.14 kg (4.7 pounds) M3 Pro; 2.16 kg (4.8 pounds) M3 Max

Yup. I schlepped a 6 pound 17" MBP around everywhere in a backpack, atcched to me like a tattoo. No problem. Personally I would never trade away MBP competence to save 1.5 pound.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

16" M3 Max MacBook Pro, because it is more powerful than a M2 Max Mac Studio.

And you can bring that same power with you anywhere you want.

Also, having all your software and packages identical on the go is less headaches too.

But the question is not M3 Max MacBook Pro versus M2 Max Mac Studio. The question is desktop plus laptop versus only laptop. E.g. (M3 MBA plus M2 Max Mac Studio) versus (M3 Max MacBook Pro).

Note that saying "16" M3 Max MacBook Pro, because it is more powerful than a M2 Max Mac Studio" is a bit disingenuous because both are similar very powerful boxes using Max chips. Few folks not involved in 3D work will notice a difference. The M2 Max chips are stronger than Basic or Pro chips of any M generation.

 

[Zest28]

But the question is not M3 Max MacBook Pro versus M2 Max Mac Studio. The question is desktop plus laptop versus only laptop. E.g. (M3 Max MacBook Pro plus M2 Max Mac Studio) versus (M3 Max MacBook Pro).

Note that saying "16" M3 Max MacBook Pro, because it is more powerful than a M2 Max Mac Studio" is a bit disingenuous because both are similar very powerful boxes using Max chips. Few folks not involved in 3D work will notice a difference. The M2 Max chips are stronger than Basic or Pro chips of any M generation.

With Apple Silicon, laptops are the same as desktops. This is not a PC laptop.

According to the OP:
1) Mac Studio & 15" MacBook Air
2) 16" MacBook Pro Max with Thunderbolt Docking Station

And the 16" M3 Max MacBook Pro destroys a M2 Max Mac Studio. They are not similar in power at all.

And it is non-sense that you will only notice it in 3D work, because you will notice it in everything due to the superior single core speeds.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

With Apple Silicon, laptops are the same as desktops. This is not a PC laptop.

According to the OP:
1) Mac Studio & 15" MacBook Air
2) 16" MacBook Pro Max with Thunderbolt Docking Station

And the 16" M3 Max MacBook Pro destroys a M2 Max Mac Studio. They are not similar in power at all.

My comments are aimed at (desktop+laptop) versus (laptop) only. I generally mean to not be addressing what specific boxes OP puts in those roles, except that all need to be strong enough for OP and modern.

I will need to look up the comparative performance. I was not aware that M3 Max was hugely stronger than M2 Max, except for 3D-type activities.

 

[Zest28]

My comments are aimed at (desktop+laptop) versus (laptop) only. I generally mean to not be addressing what specific boxes OP puts in those roles, except that all need to be strong and modern.

I will need to look up the comparative performance. I was not aware that M3 Max was hugely stronger than M2 Max, except for 3D-type activities.

The M3 Max is 45% stronger than the M2 Max in multi-core performance. And the single core performance is also superior, so even with basic stuff like e-mails, the M3 Max is going to be faster.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

The M3 Max is 45% stronger than the M2 Max in multi-core performance. And the single core performance is also superior, so even with basic stuff like e-mails, the M3 Max is going to faster.

MR says "the M3 Max shows an approximately 18% increase in single-core performance compared to the ‌M2‌ Max. In multi-core performance, the improvement is even more pronounced, with the M3 Max scoring about 38% higher than the ‌M2‌ Max" and "M3 Max shows an increase of approximately 14% in GPU benchmarks" "a compelling upgrade."

Personally I primarily look at GPU and single core, and I do not call 14% & 18% a significant leap, I call it normal good evolution. IMO the bigger observation is that Max chips own the issue of performance; Pro and Basic chips are weaker regardless of generation.