Apple is reportedly gearing up to refresh its Mac lineup with the much-anticipated launch of M4-powered devices, according to industry insiders. Speculation suggests that Apple is planning a Mac-focused event later this month, with a possible announcement set for October 31, the same day as its quarterly earnings report. The company is expected to unveil the new M4-based MacBook Pro models, a redesigned Mac mini, and an updated iMac, aiming to introduce these products just in time for the holiday shopping season.
Mark Gurman of Bloomberg has indicated that Apple's fall event will focus on the Mac lineup, possibly signaling the introduction of the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips across different models. Historically, Apple has held fall events for Mac and iPad updates, making this rumored event in October highly likely. Recent reports suggest that Apple could launch these new devices as soon as November 1, continuing its tradition of aligning product releases closely with its financial announcements.
The next-generation MacBook Pro models are at the forefront of these rumors, with leaks pointing to significant upgrades in hardware and performance. The upcoming 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models are expected to feature M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chip configurations. Recent leaks suggest the base 14-inch MacBook Pro could come equipped with three Thunderbolt 4 ports, increased RAM starting at 16GB, and support for two external monitors even with the lid open-an upgrade from the M3 models, which required the MacBook to be in clamshell mode for dual-monitor functionality.
A recent review by YouTuber Romancev768 showcased the M4 MacBook Pro's ability to drive two external monitors while the lid is open, addressing a limitation of its predecessor. This improvement is believed to be due to the increased number of Thunderbolt controllers in the M4 chip, enhancing connectivity and overall performance. This change will likely be a welcome upgrade for professionals who rely on multi-monitor setups for productivity without the need for additional peripherals.
Apple is also expected to introduce a redesigned Mac mini, featuring both M4 and M4 Pro chip options. The new Mac mini is rumored to be more compact, potentially similar in size to the Apple TV but slightly taller to accommodate its advanced hardware. Reports suggest that the redesigned Mac mini will include five USB-C ports and increased memory configurations, starting at 16GB of unified memory, rather than the 8GB standard in earlier models.
Meanwhile, the 24-inch iMac is anticipated to receive its first update since 2021, with the inclusion of the M4 chip aimed at boosting its performance. This updated iMac is likely to feature configurations with 16GB or 32GB of RAM, optimized for handling Apple's enhanced AI capabilities. The focus on increased memory and processing power indicates Apple's intention to make these machines more suitable for demanding tasks and professional applications.
While the excitement around the MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac updates is growing, Apple's high-end desktop computers like the Mac Studio and Mac Pro might not see immediate upgrades. Gurman has noted that new Mac Studio models with M4 Ultra or Max chips are likely to arrive in mid-2025, with the Mac Pro following later that year. The next-generation Mac Pro is expected to feature a high-performance "Hidra" chip, which could be positioned as an Ultra or Extreme variant, potentially supporting up to 512GB of unified memory-a substantial increase from the current 192GB limit.
Benchmark leaks for the M4 chip have already begun to circulate, giving a glimpse into its potential performance gains. The new M4 chip, expected to power devices like the iMac, Mac mini, and MacBook Pro, reportedly features a 10-core CPU with single-core and multi-core scores significantly higher than its predecessors. This improvement suggests that Apple has made considerable advancements in computational speed and efficiency, particularly in AI processing capabilities. Apple claims that the new Neural Engine in the M4 chip is capable of performing up to 38 trillion operations per second, marking a significant leap forward in the company's machine learning technology.
The MacBook Air models, which received M3-based updates earlier this year, are not expected to be refreshed until the first half of 2025. Apple appears to be prioritizing its higher-performance laptops and desktops in this phase of its M4 rollout, likely aiming to cater to professional users who demand more robust computing power. This strategy highlights Apple's focus on gradually transitioning its entire Mac lineup to the latest M4 architecture while addressing user feedback on performance needs.
Apple's timing for these releases seems deliberate, aligning with its quarterly earnings call on October 31. By announcing the new M4-powered Macs at this time, Apple could boost its market visibility and capture the attention of both investors and consumers. The integration of M4 technology across multiple devices also signifies Apple's commitment to pushing the boundaries of its chip development, maintaining its competitive edge in the tech industry.