I’ll tell you a little secret: when compiling or running multi-minute test suites, or sometimes even just being in a videochat, the fans rev up, and sound like a weak hair dryer, even on the 16” MBP (which is what I currently use).

The thermals on Apple laptops from the last several years don’t seem to be designed to work without frequently revving the fans way up.

Ugh, I was afraid of that. I've been clinging to my 2013 MBP, waiting for an upgrade with a bearable keyboard, and then when the 2020 MBA came along I thought I might have the ideal machine, but then I started hearing about the thermals. Was hoping the new 13 inch MBP might fit the bill instead, but it sounds like the thermals are just kinda crappy these days.

I am, I don't see much a difference at all compared to my 2016 15" MacBook Pro for Xcode projects. Whenever I need more power, I just ssh into my server with strong specs and start the process.