Apple’s Next Generation Silicon Chip: The M4
Apple has been making waves in the tech world with its new line of Macs and MacBooks powered by the M3 chip. These devices have been well-received by consumers, with the MacBook Air M3 models recently hitting the market. However, rumors have already started swirling about Apple’s next-generation chipset, the M4.
According to Apple insider Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, Apple is already gearing up for production of the M4 chip. The company is reportedly focusing on integrating AI capabilities into its new lineup, with the M4 chips at the center of this effort.
The M4 chip will follow in the footsteps of previous iterations of Apple’s Silicon chipset, which have been released multiple times a year. Gurman reveals that the entry-level M4 chip, codenamed Donan, will be featured in Apple’s entry-level computers such as the base Mac mini and MacBook Pro models. A more powerful mid-tier version called Brava will power the upgraded MacBook Pro and Mac mini models. The most powerful M4 chip, Hidra, will be reserved for Apple’s flagship computer, the Mac Pro.
Apple plans to increase the maximum memory capacity of the upcoming M4 Mac Pro from 192GB to an impressive 512GB. This move caters to professionals who require high computing power and rely on the Mac Pro for their work. However, this leaves the Mac Studio, Apple’s mid-range desktop, somewhat in limbo. Gurman explains that Apple is still testing an unreleased M3 model of the Mac Studio, along with one featuring the M4 Brava chipset. It remains uncertain whether Apple will proceed with the M3-powered version or extend the life of the M2 Mac Studio.
In addition to the Mac Studio, Apple is expected to release the M4 Mac Pro and MacBook Air models in 2025. However, if you’re eager to get your hands on an M4 Mac, the current plan seems to be launching M4 MacBook Pros, iMacs, and Mac minis later this year. Given that the M3 MacBook Pro and iMac were announced in October 2023, it’s likely that the M4 will be unveiled around October 2024.
Apple has been trailing behind its competitors, such as Microsoft and Google, in terms of AI advancements. To catch up in the AI space, Apple is expected to make significant AI-related announcements at its upcoming WWDC event in June. While there’s a chance of a teaser for the M4 chip at this event, it’s more likely that Apple will first announce a new M3 Mac Studio. So, we might have to wait a bit longer for an official mention of the M4.
Gurman also notes that Apple aims to revitalize its computer line with the M4 chip. Mac sales dipped by 27 percent last year, and it appears that the M3 models didn’t offer enough differentiation from the previous M2 line to generate a spike in sales. The success of the M4 chip will be measured not only by its AI capabilities but also by its ability to boost Mac sales.
In summary, Apple is already working on its next-generation Silicon chipset, the M4. With various iterations of the chip planned, Apple aims to integrate AI capabilities into its lineup. The M4 will power different models, ranging from entry-level computers to the flagship Mac Pro. While the release of the M4 Mac Pro and MacBook Air is expected in 2025, M4 MacBook Pros, iMacs, and Mac minis are likely to be announced later this year. Apple’s focus on AI and revitalizing its computer line with the M4 chip shows its determination to stay ahead in the competitive tech industry.
