Apple’s M4 chip first appeared in the iPad Pro, but it’s coming to Macs soon. Unlike previous M-series chips, the M4 will upgrade the entire lineup of Mac products, including the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Studio. Here’s when to expect the M4 Macs to be released.
fall 2024: m4 macbook pro, mac mini, imac
If you’re looking for a new MacBook Pro, Mac mini, or iMac, the wait won’t be long. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, these three models are set for M4 updates this fall. Apple will likely introduce them at an October event.
Expect all existing MacBook Pro models to receive the M4 chip. Like last year’s M3 releases, a more affordable 14-inch version with the standard M4 chip will be available. However, the main attraction will be the premium 14-inch and 16-inch models with the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips. The new chip is the primary draw, so don’t expect major changes to the MacBook Pro’s design.
Apple recently updated the MacBook Air with the M3 chip, but an M4 MacBook Air is expected in spring 2025. Both the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air will receive the M4 chip simultaneously, though other changes are unknown. Since the MacBook Air was redesigned with the M2 model, it’s unlikely that there will be significant hardware revisions. If you’re considering a MacBook Air now, the M4 may not offer enough to justify waiting.