Apple’s entire Mac lineup is expected to receive M4-based updates starting in late 2024.
The Mac The update cycle for the rest of 2024 and into 2025 will include the expected M4 chip updates – and, according to a new rumor, at least one major product design update.
So far, only one Apple device has received Apple’s next-generation M4 chip, namely the iPad ProAs Apple introduces its next-generation chip to its Mac lineup, it’s also taking the opportunity to make hardware updates big and small – starting with the iMac, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini.
All three Mac updates in 2024 are expected to retain the same basic design, but Apple’s move away from Lightning connectors is likely to impact the Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, or Magic Trackpad accessories included with the Mac. iMac and available for other devices.
Currently, these accessories rely on the included Lightning to USB-C cables for charging, but will likely be updated to use USB-C ports across the board. No other major design changes to the iMac, Mac minior MacBook Pro Form factors are currently expected.
Redesigns likely to come in 2025
Users looking for M4-based updates for the Mac Pro, Mac StudioAnd MacBookAir will have to wait until sometime in 2025, writes Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. He suggests that at least one upcoming revision will represent a “dramatic change” from the current design.
If true, this is the first report to suggest that a Mac design change could be coming sooner rather than later.
The most likely candidate for a major design overhaul would be the Mac Mini, which has used essentially the same design since 2010, changing only the ports and other connectors to match general industry trends. Some Mac products did not receive the M3 chip at all, including the low-end MacBook Air, Mac mini, and Mac Studio.
The M4 chip family, which will be used in the upcoming updates, is said to be significantly more powerful than the M3. In particular, the graphics processing and the Neural Engine are expected to experience significant improvements compared to the M3 chip family, based on early benchmarks.
