In a rather unexpected move this year, Apple introduced its latest chip, not to the Mac lineup, but to the iPad Pro. However, it won’t be long before Apple’s computers receive the same upgrade.
The end of the year promises to be busy for Apple. Alongside the launch of the iPhone 16 and the official release of Apple Intelligence, the company is also set to unveil a slew of new Macs equipped with the M4 Apple Silicon chip.
iPad Pro Leads the Way
Currently, only the latest generation iPad Pro is powered by Apple’s cutting-edge processor. Meanwhile, the MacBook, Mac Pro, and Mac Mini are still running on older components. Fortunately, as noted by industry expert Mark Gurman a few months ago, Apple’s computers are due for a significant update in the coming months, according to Bloomberg.
A Quiet Refresh
The MacBook Pro and iMac, which saw their latest models released last year, are expected to receive their annual updates shortly after the back-to-school season. The major change will be the introduction of the M4 chip, with not much else expected to change. It’s likely that we’ll see Pro and Max versions of the chip, but the design and overall ambitions of these machines should remain largely the same. One possible exception is the transition of iMac accessories—mouse, trackpad, and keyboard—to USB-C. Finally.
The Mac Mini, which missed out on the M3 chip earlier this year, should also get some attention. Interestingly, it might come with a new design. According to Bloomberg, one of the Macs planned for 2024/2025 will feature a more significant change beyond just a processor update. Given that the Mac Mini’s design hasn’t changed much since 2010, Apple might be planning something new, although the simplicity of its aluminum cube design is one of its strengths.
A More Compact Mac Pro?
There’s also speculation that the upcoming Mac Pro could sport a new design. The new model, expected in early 2025, will likely be powered by the M4 Ultra chip. Since the shift to Apple Silicon, the “cheese grater” design of the Mac Pro has become less relevant because the modularity and flexibility that were the hallmarks of Intel models are no longer necessary. As a result, the current Mac Pro’s chassis is quite empty, which might prompt Apple to reduce its overall footprint.
However, a more compact design could make the machine less accommodating for adding new components. This could be an issue for a device aimed at creative professionals, but Apple seems increasingly willing to favor all-in-one designs, even at the expense of modularity.
Conclusion
Apple’s upcoming refresh of its Mac lineup, with the introduction of the M4 chip, signals exciting times ahead for tech enthusiasts. While the updates might seem modest on the surface, they underscore Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and design. Whether you’re a professional needing the latest tech or just an Apple aficionado, the end of the year holds much promise.
For the latest updates and more information on the new Mac lineup, trusted sources like Bloomberg provide in-depth insights into what we can expect from Apple’s next moves.
