Apple announces plans to enhance its Mac lineup with M4 chips, focusing on advanced AI performance, starting late next year
Apple is gearing up to significantly enhance the artificial intelligence capabilities of its Mac computers with the introduction of the M4 chips, slated for release in late 2024. This next-generation silicon is expected to propel Apple’s computing power further, emphasizing improvements in AI applications and performance efficiency.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the rollout of the M4 chips will span from late 2024 into early 2025, updating Apple’s entire Mac lineup. This strategic update will begin with the iMac, various models of the MacBook Pro, and the Mac mini. The subsequent phases will see the new chips incorporated into the MacBook Air models by spring 2025, followed by the Mac Studio and the Mac Pro later in the year.
The M4 processor will come in at least three variants tailored to different levels of computing needs. The entry-level ‘Donan’ chip will power the base models of the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and Mac mini. The mid-tier ‘Brava’ chip is designated for the higher-end MacBook Pro and Mac mini models. For the most demanding users, the ‘Hidra’ chip will equip the Mac Pro, indicating a focus on ultra-high performance for professional-grade tasks.
Further advancements are expected with the incorporation of up to 512GB of Unified Memory in the Mac desktop versions, a substantial increase from the current maximum of 192GB. This upgrade is indicative of Apple’s commitment to meeting the intensive memory requirements of modern software applications, particularly those driven by AI.
These M4 chips will be constructed using an improved version of the 3-nanometer process technology by TSMC, which was initially utilized in the M3 chips. This enhancement promises better performance and greater power efficiency, crucial for handling complex computational tasks without sacrificing battery life.
Additionally, Apple plans to upgrade the Neural Engine in the M4 chips, increasing the number of cores dedicated to AI processes. This enhancement will likely boost the Macs’ abilities in machine learning and other AI-driven functionalities, setting a new standard for what users can expect from Apple’s computing hardware.
As Apple continues to push the boundaries of what its technology can achieve, the upcoming M4 chips are poised to offer a significant leap forward in performance and capabilities, reinforcing Apple’s position at the forefront of innovation in the tech industry.
