Apple confirms new M4 Mac models coming next week. Here’s what we expect

In lieu of a dedicated event next week, Apple has confirmed it will be announcing its upcoming plans for its lineup of Macs, possibly unveiling new devices with the M4 processor.

Also: The Mac Studio feature keeping me from buying a new M4 Mac Mini this fall

Despite the M4’s first appearance in the new iPad Pros in May of this year, Apple has been rather quiet regarding the M4 chip, instead centering the conversation around Apple Intelligence — the company’s AI model — at WWDC and later with its integration in the iPhone 16. 

Now would be the logical time to make the announcement. Around this time last year, Apple announced the M3 processors on MacBook Pros and the 24-inch iMac. However, as Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported earlier this month, Apple is shifting away from the annual product upgrade cycle, opening the door for smaller, more frequent software rollouts and product launches.  

Earlier this week, marketing executive Greg Joswiak‘s announcement on X (complete with the Mac logo) guaranteed that new Macs would be on the horizon. Rumors abound about what we can expect, but Mark Gurman reported he expects to see several new models with the M4 processor, including a low-end 14-inch MacBook Pro, and a high-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro.

Also: Apple Intelligence is finally coming to your iPhone at the end of October

In terms of iMacs, we’re likely to see a revamped Mac Mini with 16GB of RAM that’s about as big as an Apple TV device. The Mini will reportedly come in both an M4 and M4 Pro processor configuration, skipping over the M3 entirely as the current on-market device is equipped with the M2.

A new iMac with the M4 chip is also likely to be announced. Rumors are inconclusive about an M4 chip in a new Mac Studio and Mac Pro, but it seems likely those won’t be announced until more accessible core consumer products get the new chip. 

Additionally, Gurman reports that the M4 chip isn’t likely to be available in the MacBook Air line of laptops until the first part of next year. The iPad Air 11 and 13-inch models will likely also see the new chip early in 2025, along with peripherals such as a new Magic Keyboard. 

Also: Every new feature Apple unveiled for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and more this fall (including AI)

Apple’s “week of announcements” will be anchored by product news for its MacBook and Mac desktop lineups, but that won’t be the only thing unveiled. The latest iOS version, 18.1, is expected to be released on Monday, and it includes call recording and transcription features powered by Apple Intelligence. 

New Apple devices with the next-gen M4 chip would propel Apple forward in the AI race currently playing out on PCs with the explosion of Windows’ Copilot+ products and Qualcomm, Intel, and AMD processors. Here’s to hoping the Cupertino giant brings the firepower going into what will be a bustling holiday shopping season.     

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