Apple Inc. (AAPL) is poised to make a significant leap in its Mac lineup with the integration of its powerful M4 processor. According to Bloomberg columnist Mark Gurman, the new chip will not only boost AI and gaming performance but also significantly increase core counts, resulting in a noticeable improvement in everyday usage compared to older models.
This move signifies Apple’s commitment to providing users with an enhanced computing experience. Gurman predicts a flurry of new Mac releases this week, including a 24-inch iMac, a revamped Mac mini, and updated 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.
The upcoming iMac will feature an entry-level M4 processor, while the Mac mini will offer both M4 and M4 Pro options. The MacBook Pro models will boast even higher-end M4 configurations. The Mac mini is also set to introduce ray tracing, a graphics technique that delivers more realistic images, a significant advantage for gamers. The new Mac mini will also be smaller in size, resembling an Apple TV, and feature additional front and back ports.
Apple plans to extend the reach of the M4 chip further in early 2025, equipping the MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro with this powerful processor.
The M4 chip has already made its debut in the Apple ecosystem, powering the latest iPad Pro models released in May 2024. At the time of its introduction, the M4 chip was hailed as “more powerful than any AI PC NPU today,” with its Neural Engine achieving 38 trillion operations per second (TOPS).
This shift to Apple-designed chips, initiated in 2020, marks a strategic move away from Intel Corporation (INTL) chips. By integrating the M4 chip across its Mac lineup, Apple continues to prioritize performance and efficiency, offering users a seamless and powerful computing experience.
