(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
According to Bloomberg reporter and Apple insider Mark Gurman, Apple appears to be gearing up to refresh its entire Mac lineup with the upcoming Apple M4 processors, signaling a move away from the relatively new M3 chip.
Gurman’s sources suggest that the M4 processor will debut in “at least three main varieties” and is on the verge of entering production. It’s anticipated that this new chip will emphasize artificial intelligence capabilities, likely in response to the growing trend of “AI laptops” in the market.
The rollout of the first M4-powered computers is expected by the close of 2024, with additional releases slated for early 2025. This lineup refresh encompasses new iMacs, MacBook Pros, Mac minis, and MacBook Airs, alongside the introduction of a new Mac Studio and Mac Pro.
It’s important to note that the information available about the Apple M4 chip stems solely from Gurman’s recent report. As such, it’s prudent to approach these details with a degree of skepticism until further confirmation emerges.
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APPLE M4 CHIP: RELEASE DATE AND PRICE
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As per Gurman’s insights, the debut of Macs equipped with the M4 chip is imminent.
The initial batch of M4 Macs is slated to hit the market later this year, with a projected timeframe around October to November, aligning with past release patterns. This lineup is expected to encompass “new iMacs, a low-end 14-inch MacBook Pro, high-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros, and Mac minis,” all powered by the M4 chip. However, Gurman cautions that these plans are subject to potential adjustments.
Throughout 2025, additional M4-powered computers are anticipated to be introduced. This includes refreshed models of the 13- and 15-inch MacBook Air in the spring, the unveiling of the Mac Studio around mid-year, and the launch of the Mac Pro in the latter part of 2025.
As of now, the pricing for Apple’s M3-equipped devices varies across different models. The entry-level M3 iMac 2023 is priced at $1,299, while the 14-inch MacBook Pro comes in at $1,599. Moving on to the MacBook Air series, the M3 MacBook Air 13-inch and 15-inch models are priced at $1,099 and $1,299, respectively. Lastly, the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Pro starts at $1,999, and the 16-inch MacBook Pro starts at $2,499.
While Gurman didn’t delve into potential price adjustments, it’s plausible that Apple may not significantly increase the prices, if at all. However, this is speculative, and concrete details regarding pricing adjustments are yet to be confirmed.
APPLE M4 CHIP: DIFFERENT CHIP MODELS
(Image credit: Future)
According to Gurman, the upcoming M4 chip lineup will consist of three primary variants: an entry-level iteration known as Donan, more robust models named Brava, and a higher-tier chip codenamed Hidra. Apple purportedly intends to emphasize the AI processing capabilities of these new chips and their integration with the forthcoming macOS version.
As per Gurman’s report, the Donan chip, presumed to be the entry-level M4 chip, will be featured in the entry-level MacBook Pro, the new MacBook Air models, and a lower-end Mac mini. The Brava chips will power the higher-end MacBook Pros and a “pricier” Mac mini variant. Meanwhile, the top-tier Hidra chip is slated for use in the new Mac Pro, Apple’s most premium desktop offering.
Additionally, Apple is experimenting with different configurations of the Mac Studio, including one equipped with a yet-to-be-announced M3 chip (potentially an M3 Ultra) and another featuring a variation of the M4 Brava processor.
Regarding the Mac Studio M4, Apple is contemplating enabling it to support up to a half-terabyte of memory. By comparison, the current Mac Studio and Mac Pro models max out at 192GB of unified memory (RAM).
APPLE M4: AI FEATURES
(Image credit: Future)
Apple’s M-series chips have integrated a Neural Engine since their inception. With the rising popularity of AI-powered PCs, it’s hardly surprising that the company is keen on highlighting the AI capabilities of the M-series chips, as evidenced by the launch of the M3 chips. According to Gurman, Apple “plans to introduce new artificial intelligence features across its product lineup.”
Reportedly, Apple intends to unveil “a host of new features” at WWDC 2024, with many of them optimized for on-device processing rather than relying on remote cloud servers. If this holds true, the anticipated M4 chips, expected to offer superior performance compared to the existing M3 chips, could handle these tasks more efficiently.
During WWDC, we’re expected to receive a sneak peek at the upcoming macOS and witness how these new AI features will seamlessly integrate with the operating system.
APPLE M4 CHIP: OUTLOOK
The Apple M4 chip remains firmly in the realm of rumor at this juncture, so it’s prudent to approach all the information outlined above with a healthy dose of skepticism. However, considering Apple’s track record, it’s not far-fetched to anticipate a successor to its M3 chip, potentially offering even greater speed and capabilities than initially speculated. If Mark Gurman’s sources prove accurate, it may not be long before we witness the purported capabilities of the M4 chips firsthand.
As any developments related to the M4 chip surface, we’ll keep this post updated with the latest information. Stay tuned for further updates!
Source: Tom’s Guide
