Without a keynote, Apple is set to unveil its new M4 Mac lineup next week via press releases, starting with updated models of the iMac, MacBook Pro and Mac mini. Although there is no official event planned, Greg Joswiak, Apple’s marketing manager, has officially indicated that new Mac products are planned starting this Monday, October 28, with “exciting announcements.” But, as always, we already know everything.
New compact design for the Mac mini M4
The Mac mini should experience a big shake-up, becoming more compact and abandoning USB-A ports in favor of additional USB-C ports. It could also include front ports, like the Mac Studio, for greater accessibility. In total, we are expecting 5 ports.
The most insistent rumors speak of a box practically as small as an Apple TV, while offering increased power with the M4 chip and the Pro variant. Enough to make it a real machine for doing everything, from games to development, including editing and creation.
iMac with Magic accessories via USB-C
With the new iMac M4, Apple is expected to update its Magic Mouse, Keyboard and Trackpad accessories with USB-C ports, in accordance with new European rules that require manufacturers to offer rechargeable products with a single port. Code found in the macOS 15.1 release candidate refers to new models, which could launch with the iMac M4. A practical new feature even for the Mac mini and people who like to add an external keyboard to the MacBook for example.
The all-in-one computer will not change too much, it should retain its 24-inch screen and its starting price of €1,599.00.
Base MacBook Pro M4 in Space Black
For the first time, the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 chip will be offered in Space Black color, previously reserved for high-end models. This aesthetic update will not revolutionize anything, but it is a distinctive sign compared to the MacBook Air. Beyond that, no external changes are expected, the modifications will be under the hood. The miniLED screen will still be there, with OLED technology expected in around two years.
16 GB of RAM minimum
For the first time, Apple is expected to equip all base M4 Macs with at least 16 GB of RAM, including the entry-level 14” MacBook Pro, Mac mini and iMac. That’s a significant change after years at 8GB, making these Macs better suited to memory-intensive Apple Intelligence features. Above all, it will be the end of the eternal debate on 8 GB of RAM in devices costing 2,000 euros.
M4 Pro and M4 Max chips
While the base M4 chip has already been released in the 2024 iPad Pro, the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips are expected to make their first appearance in high-end MacBook Pro models. Built on TSMC’s 3nm process, they promise improvements in performance and power efficiency, although details of the cores remain unknown. We will also find the M4 Pro in the Mac mini, as an option.
Doubled Thunderbolt ports
Another change stemming from the M4 chip design is that computers announced this week will include more Thunderbolt controllers. This means the base M4 models will likely have more Thunderbolt ports, three ports on the new 14” MacBook Pro and potentially four on the M4 iMac.
Wi-Fi 7 support
As a final big change, the new M4 Macs are expected to support Wi-Fi 7, delivering super-fast speeds of up to 46Gbps, reducing interference and improving connectivity. We already find this WiFi 7 on the iPhone 16 and the iPad Pro M4.
See you tomorrow to discover these new features. We can count on one announcement per day, Apple having the habit of monopolizing attention over time.
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