Rumor mill: Apple’s 2024 iPad Lineup Unveiled with M4 Chipset
Apple made waves in May by revealing its highly anticipated 2024 iPad lineup, featuring the powerful M4 chipset. Excitingly, reports suggest that Apple is gearing up to launch M4-powered MacBooks and iMacs later this year. However, not all Mac models will receive the M4 refresh in 2024, with some slated for a 2025 debut.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has provided key insights into Apple’s upcoming releases. Several MacBook and iMac models equipped with the M4 chip are expected to hit the market later this year. However, the MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro are not set to receive the M4 update until 2025. Gurman also hinted at a long-overdue update for the Mac mini in 2024, following its last release in January 2023.
While the current Mac Pro boasts the M2-series chips, including the M2 Ultra, Gurman’s reports suggest that the next-gen model could feature the powerhouse M4 Ultra chip, positioning it as one of the most formidable desktop computers available. Additionally, the Mac Studio is rumored to receive a “high-end M4 chip,” potentially launching around mid-2025.
Gurman’s recent newsletter points towards hardware-focused upgrades for the next-gen Mac lineup, while maintaining familiar designs. However, one Mac model could undergo “more dramatic changes,” setting it apart from its predecessor. While Gurman hasn’t specified the model in question, speculation points to either the Mac Pro or the Mac mini.
In recent years, Apple has revamped the designs of the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and iMac, leaving the Mac Pro and Mac mini relatively untouched since the shift to Apple Silicon. The current Mac Pro’s design dates back to 2019, while the Mac mini has seen minimal changes since its 2010 inception. Should Gurman’s predictions hold true, we may witness a long-awaited redesign for one of these devices.
Aside from the new laptops and desktops, Apple is reportedly working on fresh accessories for the iMac. Notably, the company may introduce USB-C accessories for the 24-inch iMac model, aligning with its transition from Lightning to USB-C.
