Apple · 2021 · end of life
Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M1 Max, 2021)
M1 Max, 2021
The 16 inch M1 Max with a 32-core GPU, 100 Wh battery and a 1000-nit ProMotion XDR panel, still strong in 2026 if you find a used one and the only large Apple flagship with mature Asahi Linux support.
from $2,199 last seen 2024-11-20
Find remaining Apple stockAs an Amazon Associate (US, NL, DE, UK programs), qualifying purchases via these affiliate links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Other markets not yet enrolled. How we make money. Verified 2026-05-20.
- Best for creative work programming AI and data work
- Linux: minor fixes
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 9/10
- Display 10/10
- Build 9/10
- Keyboard 8/10
- Speed 9/10
- Value 6/10
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
- Discontinued, sold from remaining stock
- RAM is soldered, no upgrade later
- Heavy at 2.2 kg for daily carry
Linux
Excellent via Asahi · Best on fedora. Confidence: high · How we score
Linux compatibility, per distro
- Fedora Minor setup
- Wi-Fi : works
- Bluetooth : works
- Fingerprint : broken
- Webcam : works
- Audio : needs tweak
- Suspend : works
M1 Max sits inside the M1 Pro/Max chassis and runs the same mature Asahi M1 support path: GPU works via linux-asahi, WiFi and Bluetooth in upstream kernels, display and NVMe upstream, suspend stable. The big six-speaker array has audio artifacts on Linux, HDMI audio is preview quality, and Touch ID never works under Asahi.
Asahi Linux: M1 feature support →Show full report
Fedora Asahi Remix is the recommended distro.
See the broader picture in the Linux compatibility hub, the full compatibility matrix, and the buying guides.
Specs
| CPU | Apple M1 Max (10-core) |
|---|---|
| GPU | Apple M1 Max GPU (32-core) |
| RAM | 32 GB (soldered, not upgradeable) |
| Storage | 1 TB |
| Screen | 16.2" 3456x2234 @ 120Hz, 1000 nitsvery bright, easy in direct sun, smoother scrolling and motion |
| Weight | 2.2 kgaverage weight |
| Battery | 100 Wh, around 14 h real-world |
Common questions
- Does the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M1 Max, 2021) work with Linux?
- Mostly: it runs after one or two known fixes (checked on Fedora). M1 Max sits inside the M1 Pro/Max chassis and runs the same mature Asahi M1 support path: GPU works via linux-asahi, WiFi and Bluetooth in upstream kernels, display and NVMe upstream, suspend stable.
- What does the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M1 Max, 2021) cost?
- Last seen around 2199 USD (2024-11-20). It is discontinued, so prices vary with remaining stock.
- How heavy is the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M1 Max, 2021)?
- 2.2 kg (4.85 lb). That's average weight.
- What's the battery life like?
- A 100 Wh pack, around 14 hours real-world mixed use. We score battery 9/10.
- Can I upgrade the RAM or storage?
- RAM is soldered, so the 32 GB it ships with is the RAM it dies with. Storage starts at 1 TB on this configuration.
- Which operating systems are supported?
- Ships with macOS. It also runs Linux; see the Linux block above for per-distro detail.
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M1 Max, 2021) is discontinued
The price below is the last we saw, kept for reference. See the current alternatives further down.
from $2,199 last seen 2024-11-20
Find remaining Apple stockAs an Amazon Associate (US, NL, DE, UK programs), qualifying purchases via these affiliate links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Other markets not yet enrolled. How we make money. Verified 2026-05-20.
