Apple Set to Release M4-Powered Macs and iPads in the Near Future

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple is preparing to unveil its first M4-powered Mac and a new low-end iPad in the coming weeks. The announcement falls in line with Apple’s usual fall product launches, which often feature major updates to its hardware lineup.

Apple’s new M4 Macs: What to expect from the upcoming launch

MacBook Pro updates

One of the highlights of the event will likely be the unveiling of the latest 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, featuring Apple’s latest M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max chips. These chips promise improved performance and build on the success of the M-series chips introduced over the past few years.

Despite these internal upgrades, Gurman reports that Apple will not be making any major design changes this time around. The MacBook Pro models maintain their familiar look with key design innovations such as OLED displays and a slim build that wasn’t expected until 2026. The new lineup includes the following models:

J604: An entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro with the standard M4 chip.

J614 and J616: Top-of-the-line models of the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro, offering more powerful versions of the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips.

iMac Update

In addition to the MacBook Pro updates, Apple is also expected to unveil an updated iMac with the M4 chip (codenamed J623). This new iMac will not only get better performance from the latest silicon, but will also come with accessories such as the Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Keyboard, and will move from a Lightning port to USB-C. This is in line with the company’s efforts to standardize this connector across its product range.

Mac mini Revision

Apple’s Mac mini is also expected to be updated. The new version with the M4 and M4 Pro chips is said to be more compact. The J773 model is said to be almost as large as an Apple TV. Notably, this new Mac mini will have the ditched USB-A port, showing Apple’s continued trend towards newer, more efficient ports like USB-C.

iPad Mini and Entry-Level iPad

Apple’s upcoming event will also introduce the next-generation iPad Mini. This model will have a faster processor, improved front and rear cameras, and support Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. It will also fix the “jelly scroll” issue reported by some users in the previous model. Mass production of this iPad Mini is expected to begin in the second half of 2024.

Low-end iPads such as the iPad 11 are also expected to be launched in the market. However, details about these models are still sparse.

Upcoming Launches

Apart from the upcoming events, Gurman hinted that Apple has ambitious plans for its Mac lineup. The top-end MacBook Pro and M4 Pro Mac Mini are already in production and will be available soon. Other products, such as the M4 MacBook Air, are expected to be released in early 2025. A new Mac Studio could arrive in mid-2025, with a redesigned Mac Pro possibly coming later that year.

In summary, Apple is preparing to introduce significant hardware upgrades across its product lineup that continue the company’s trend of pushing the performance limits of its devices while maintaining its signature design philosophy.