Apple is gearing up for a significant overhaul of its Mac lineup, with plans to transition its entire range of computers to the new M4 chip over the next year. This ambitious move will mark the first time that Apple has used the same chip generation across all its Mac products, from the compact Mac mini to the powerful Mac Pro. The M4 chip, which promises enhanced performance and efficiency, is poised to redefine Apple's computing devices, offering a glimpse into the company's future design philosophy.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the M4 transition will begin as early as this year, with updates to the MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac lines. This rollout will continue into 2025, culminating in new versions of the MacBook Air, Mac Pro, and Mac Studio. Apple's decision to leapfrog the M3 chip entirely for certain models underscores its confidence in the M4's capabilities and its determination to stay ahead in the competitive tech landscape.
The M4 chip, built on a 3nm process and featuring advancements from Apple's supplier TSMC, will include an improved Neural Engine capable of performing 38 trillion operations per second. This enhancement will be particularly beneficial for AI-driven tasks, a growing area of focus for Apple as it integrates more machine learning features across its devices.
One of the most anticipated updates is the MacBook Air, which is expected to debut with the M4 chip in the spring of 2025. The MacBook Air has long been a flagship product for Apple, known for its combination of portability and power. The new model is expected to continue this tradition while benefiting from the M4's increased efficiency and performance.
The Mac Pro, Apple's high-end desktop aimed at professional users, is also set for an upgrade in the summer of 2025. The current Mac Pro, which houses the M2 Ultra chip, has faced criticism for not fully meeting the needs of its demanding user base. The new Mac Pro will feature the top-tier M4 chip, codenamed "Hidra," which could be marketed as an "Ultra" or "Extreme" variant. This move is likely in response to feedback that the M2 Ultra wasn't sufficient for a machine of its caliber.
Meanwhile, the Mac Studio, another powerful desktop designed for creative professionals, will also receive an M4 update around the same time as the Mac Pro. The Mac Studio is expected to be available in both M4 Max and M4 Ultra variants, catering to users who require a robust machine for intensive tasks such as video editing and 3D rendering.
Perhaps one of the most intriguing developments is the rumored redesign of the Mac mini. Reports suggest that Apple is working on a new, ultra-compact version of the Mac mini that could be its smallest desktop computer ever. This redesigned Mac mini is said to be closer in size to an Apple TV set-top box, though slightly taller. The current Mac mini measures 1.4 by 7.7 by 7.7 inches, while the new model is expected to be significantly smaller, making it a versatile option for users with limited desk space.
The new Mac mini will reportedly feature at least three USB-C ports and an HDMI port, ensuring that it remains functional despite its reduced size. The device will run on the M4 chip, with a more powerful version utilizing the M4 Pro chip, making it a potent machine in a compact form factor.
Apple's strategy with the M4 chip appears to be part of a broader push toward creating thinner and lighter products across its lineup. The company has already implemented this design philosophy with the ultra-thin M4 iPad Pro and is expected to apply similar principles to future Macs. While the Mac mini is the first to receive a significant redesign, there are reports that Apple is also working on a thinner version of the MacBook Pro, which could debut later in 2025.
