Apple plans to release new M4 chip models of its MacBook Pro, Mac mini and iMac later this year, according to a renowned Apple leaker Mark Gurman.
Gurman had previously stated that these M4 Mac devices would be unveiled at an Apple event in October, but while he has now reiterated that those products are coming, the language has now shifted to “this year” – implying that while there will be a unveiling could come this month, an actual release may not be so imminent. It should be noted that Gurman correctly predicted the unveiling of M3 Macs at last year’s ‘Scary Fast’ October event.
Apple’s most recent update to the Mac Mini was in January 2023, where the device received the M2 chip – in other words, the need for a processor upgrade is long past due. There were also major updates to the MacBook and iMac models during the October 2023 virtual event, moving to the M3 chip.
The MacBook Pro saw improved performance and efficiency thanks to the new 3nm architecture of the M3 chip. This provided a huge performance improvement compared to the previous M1 and M2 models. The 14- and 16-inch models were equipped with the M3, M3 Pro and M3 Max chips, with the M3 Max variant supporting up to 128 GB of unified memory. An M4 upgrade for the MacBook Pro will likely have the same configurations as last year’s models, with M4 Pro and M4 Max models also available.
As for the MacBook Air? Well, there are no signs of this getting an M4 boost this year – this wouldn’t be entirely surprising though, as it was also late to the M3 party.
M4 to the Max
The M4 chip has already made its debut in the latest iPad Pro models, which launched in May 2024. In terms of performance, the M4 chip does well, with impressive multi-core CPU speeds Geekbank 6.
While the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models likely won’t see design changes, they will, Gurman says confirmedget the M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max makeovers.
The appearance of the iMac and Mac Mini will also get the M4 chip treatment. The Mac Mini in particular will see the biggest design change in four years. The new chassis will include five USB-C ports, three on the back and two on the front, but will have no USB-A ports – a big change that will undoubtedly upset some users.
There’s anticipation for what’s to come with Apple’s M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, but little has been announced so far: currently only the base M4 is available in the new iPad. While we still don’t know exactly when this rumored reveal event will take place, our best guess would put it at that time October 29 – this closely matches the live stream of last year’s unveiling, and lines up with Apple’s strange insistence on always scheduling live events on Tuesdays. Fingers crossed…