Apple reportedly accelerates Mac refresh with AI-focused M4 chip

Image: Apple

While the M3 chips in Macs just launched a few months ago, Apple is wasting no time. They're supposedly gearing up for an annual Mac refresh cycle, mirroring their iPhone strategy. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, new M4-powered Macs are on the horizon, arriving later this year.

The M4 chip prioritizes on-device artificial intelligence, requiring significant processing power. Apple plans three variations: a base "Donan" chip, higher-performance "Brava" chips replacing M3 Pro and Max, and a potential "Hidra" for an M4 Ultra (though an M3 Ultra never materialized outside of the company). Notably, this marks the first time all Macs will transition to a new chip generation simultaneously. Previously, some models skipped chip iterations.

Here's a glimpse into Apple's upcoming M4 Macs (release dates are subject to change):

• Late 2024: Low-end 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 chip and a new 24-inch iMac with M4
• Late 2024 - Early 2025: High-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros with M4 Pro/Max chips, alongside Mac mini configurations with M4 and M4 Pro
• Spring 2025: New 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Airs
• Mid-2025: Mac Studio featuring a high-end M4 chip
• Late 2025: Mac Pro with the rumoured M4 Ultra chip