Just six months after the debut of Apple’s innovative M3 chip, rumors of the next generation M4 chipset are already making waves. According to insights from Apple insider Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, the tech giant is gearing up to introduce the M4 chip, which will reportedly emphasize AI capabilities across its Mac lineup.
Apple aficionados have grown accustomed to frequent updates in Apple’s Silicon chipset family, and the M4 promises to continue this trend. Gurman reveals that the M4 chip will come in three variants designed to power specific models within Apple’s portfolio.
The entry-level M4 chip, codenamed Donan, is anticipated to be integrated into Apple’s base Mac mini and MacBook Pro models, while the mid-tier Brava variant will support upgraded versions of these devices. At the top end, the Hidra chip is expected to provide unparalleled performance for Apple’s most powerful computer, the Mac Pro.
Notably, the upcoming M4 Mac Pro is set to feature a substantial upgrade in maximum memory capacity, soaring from 192GB to an impressive 512 GB. This enhancement aims to cater to the demanding needs of professional users who rely on the Mac Pro for intensive computing tasks.
While the Mac Pro and select MacBook models are poised for an M4 upgrade in 2025, Apple’s mid-range desktop offering, the Mac Studio, faces a potential delay in receiving the M4 treatment. Gurman suggests that Apple is still contemplating between releasing an M3-powered Mac Studio or fast-tracking the M4 model for 2025.
It is anticipated that the M4 chip will debut in MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini models later this year. Given that the M3 MacBook Pro and iMac were introduced in October 2023, an October 2024 announcement for the M4 iteration seems plausible.
With Apple’s focus on AI capabilities with the M4 chip, users can expect enhanced performance and efficiency across the entire Mac lineup. As the tech industry eagerly anticipates the official unveiling of the M4 chip, Apple enthusiasts are bracing for a new era of innovation and power in their beloved Mac devices.
