M4 Macs: Every rumor we know about the next Apple laptops and computers
The next crop of M4 Macs are coming soon, according to Apple leaker Mark Gurman. The first group of M4 Macs are reportedly due later this year (while a few other sets are dropping next year).
We got a sneak peek of the M4 chip’s power when Apple introduced it alongside the iPad Pro. This is the first time the Cupertino-based tech giant has ever rolled out an M-series chip on an iPad before debuting it on a Mac.
Why did Apple make this move? We’re not sure. Perhaps Apple wanted to give us an idea of its beastly capabilities before it rolls out to its laptops and computers. Based on the in-house performance figures we got for the M4 iPad Pro, the M4 Macs are likely going to blow us away.
That being said, let’s take a look at all the leaks and rumors we’ve been hearing across all the Macs.
M4 MacBook Pro
Just like the M3 MacBooks that debuted during last October’s “Scary Fast” event, we’re anticipating the following M4 MacBook models this year:
14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 (cheapest)
14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro
14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Max
16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro
16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Max (priciest)
Apple reports that the M4 processor is 50% faster than the M2 CPU and boasts a four-fold increase in rendering performance
M4 MacBook Pro release date
According to an April report from Gurman, the next MacBook Pro will launch sometime later this year. While he didn’t provide an exact date, it’s expected to arrive before the M4 MacBook Air, which is slated for a spring 2025 release.
This aligns with a rumor from Ross Young, another well-regarded analyst. Young shared on his subscriber-only feed on X (formerly Twitter) that Apple fans can expect an M4 MacBook Pro release ‘later this year.’
Historically, Apple has held Mac events in October or November, making it likely that the new M4 MacBook Pro will be unveiled during that timeframe. However, as BGR noted, October seems to be the most probable date.
According to Gurman, the entry-level M4 14-inch MacBook Pro will be released first, followed by the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models featuring the more powerful M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, likely at the end of 2024 or early 2025.
M4 MacBook Pro design
There haven’t been any design rumors about the M4 MacBook Pro, but a major overhaul seems unlikely. According to MacRumors, Apple is planning a future MacBook launch with a new OLED display, though this isn’t expected until 2026.
M4 MacBook Air
According to Gurman, Apple is working on new M4 MacBook Air models, but they won’t be released until next year.
New 13.6-inch and 15-inch M4 MacBook Air models are likely to launch sometime next spring.
M4 iMac
According to Gurman, a new M4 24-inch iMac, like the M4 MacBook Pro, is slated for a late 2024 launch
Other than the date, we don’t have any other additional details.
M4 Mac mini
We have several meaty details about the M4 Mac mini. According to Gurman, it will be available in two configurations: M4 and M4 Pro, and is expected to launch either at the end of 2024 or early 2025.
While the Mac mini may not undergo a dramatic design change, it will be significantly smaller. The Mac mini hasn’t had a major design update since 2010. As 9to5Mac noted, it lost its DVD drive and changed I/O options, but has consistently been a 7.7-inch aluminum slab. The new model is anticipated to be the smallest desktop Apple has ever produced.
The chassis is reportedly about the size of an Apple TV. Although the M4 Mac mini will have a smaller overall footprint, it is expected to be slightly taller than the current generation.
M4 Mac Studio
According to Gurman, the M4 Mac Studio is also set for a refresh, but not until mid-2025.
M4 Mac Pro
The April Bloomberg report mentioned earlier states that the next Mac Pro, featuring an M4 Ultra chip, is expected to launch in the second half of 2025.