Apple is preparing to revamp its entire Mac lineup with M4 chips focused on artificial intelligence (AI).
Having introduced its initial Macs featuring M3 chips just five months ago, the company is now on the verge of manufacturing the next generation – the M4 processor.
With the aim of revitalizing sluggish computer sales, Apple is gearing up to revamp its entire Mac lineup with a new series of in-house processors emphasizing artificial intelligence.
Having debuted its first Macs featuring M3 chips just five months ago, the company is now close to commencing production of the next iteration – the M4 processor, according to sources familiar with the matter. The upcoming chip will be available in at least three main variants, and Apple intends to incorporate it into every Mac model, the sources, who requested anonymity as the plans have not been officially announced, revealed.
The development of the new Macs comes at a crucial juncture. After reaching its peak in 2022, Mac sales experienced a 27 percent decline in the last fiscal year ending in September. Revenue from the computer line remained stagnant during the holiday period. Apple’s efforts to inject new momentum into the Mac business with an M3-focused launch event last October did not yield significant performance enhancements over the M2 chip introduced the previous year.
Apple is also striving to catch up in the field of artificial intelligence, where it is perceived as trailing behind Microsoft, Alphabet’s Google, and other tech rivals. The introduction of the new chips is part of a broader initiative to integrate AI capabilities into all of its products.
Apple intends to roll out the updated computers starting late this year and continuing into early next year. The lineup will include new iMacs, a budget-friendly 14-inch MacBook Pro, premium 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros, and Mac minis – all equipped with M4 chips. However, these plans are subject to change. A spokesperson for Apple declined to provide any comment.
Apple’s stock surged by 4.3 percent to $175.04 on Thursday in New York, marking its largest single-day gain in 11 months. Prior to this, shares had experienced a 13 percent decline for the year up to Wednesday’s closing.
The decision represents a rapid update cycle for the iMac and MacBook Pro, given that both product lines were recently refreshed in October. The Mac mini, on the other hand, received its last upgrade in January 2023.
Following the initial release, Apple intends to introduce additional M4 Mac models throughout 2025. This lineup will encompass updates to the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air in the spring, the Mac Studio in the middle of the year, and the Mac Pro later in 2025. While the MacBook Air recently transitioned to the M3 chip, the Mac Studio and Mac Pro were equipped with M2 processors last year.
The M4 chip family consists of an entry-level variant named Donan, more robust models referred to as Brava, and a high-end processor codenamed Hidra. Apple plans to emphasize the AI processing capabilities of these chips and their integration with the upcoming version of macOS, slated to be unveiled in June at the company’s annual developer conference.
The Donan chip is slated for deployment in the entry-level MacBook Pro, the upcoming MacBook Air models, and a budget-friendly variant of the Mac mini. Meanwhile, the Brava chips will power the high-end MacBook Pros and a more expensive edition of the Mac mini. As for the Mac Studio, Apple is currently evaluating versions equipped with both an unreleased M3-era chip and a variation of the M4 Brava processor.
The top-tier Apple desktop, the Mac Pro, is scheduled to receive the new Hidra chip. Although the Mac Pro has lower sales compared to other models in Apple’s computer lineup, it boasts a dedicated fan base. In response to customer feedback regarding the specifications of Apple’s proprietary chips, the company is planning significant enhancements for this machine in the coming year.
