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Highly anticipated: Recent rumors and supply chain leaks have indicated that Apple plans to refresh the entire Mac lineup with M4 processors over the next year, and a recent tweet from the company stops just short of confirming analysts' expectations. However, Apple appears to be planning a rapid string of announcements instead of a monolithic press conference.
Apple senior marketing VP Greg Joswiak recently confirmed that the company will make multiple major announcements throughout the final week of October, starting Monday, October 28. Recent reports suggest that the Cupertino giant will introduce multiple M4-powered MacBook Pro models, followed by other M4 Mac devices.
Apple introduced the M4 SoC earlier this year with the latest iPad Pro model, which remains the sole M4 device. Utilizing a refined TSMC 3nm node, the processor achieves notable performance gains over M3. Furthermore, Apple included a 38 TOPs neural engine to keep pace with emerging AI PC chips like the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite, Intel Core Ultra 200, and AMD Ryzen AI 300.
Mac (ðÂÂÂ) your calendars! We have an exciting week of announcements ahead, starting on Monday morning. Stay tuned… pic.twitter.com/YnoCYkZq6c
– Greg Joswiak (@gregjoz) October 24, 2024
A major software update for Apple's mobile devices will utilize the neural engine to power Apple Intelligence, which exits beta later this month. Its generative AI functionality will enable users to automatically revise text, edit photos, summarize messages, and interact with Siri through natural language prompts. Macs are also expected to receive access to the features soon.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman previously predicted that the MacBook Pro would be Apple's first PC to receive M4, with new models arriving at the end of October or the beginning of November. Apple is expected to offer 14-inch and 16-inch variants equipped with the M4 Pro and M4 Max processors.
Apple might also introduce M4 variants of the Mac mini next week. Before the end of 2024, the company is expected to launch the product's first major revision in several years. With options for the M4 or M4 Pro, the new Mac mini will feature five USB-C ports, no USB-A ports, an HDMI port, and a smaller design resembling the Apple TV.
A new M4-powered iMac could also launch this year. However, the MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro won't receive M4 updates until 2025, starting with the MacBook Air in Q1. Apple recently revealed a new iPad mini equipped with an Apple Intelligence-ready A17 Pro processor, and the standard iPad might follow suit next year.