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
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- 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.
- Is the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M1 Max, 2021) good for creative work?
- For creative work we score it 6/10 on value and 9/10 on performance.
- How heavy is the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M1 Max, 2021)?
- 2.2 kg (4.85 lb). That's heavy for a daily commute.
- 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 1024 GB on this configuration.
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 this link may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Other markets not yet enrolled. How we make money. Verified 2026-05-20.
