Supply Chain Surge Points to Imminent M4 MacBook Pro Launch—Here’s What to Expect
- New MacBooks? Apple’s M4 chip could be the biggest leap yet.
- More RAM, more power—leaks reveal exciting details about the upcoming MacBook Pro.
- The MacBook Pro you’ve been waiting for is coming soon. This time, it's all about the M4.
Apple is on the verge of introducing its highly anticipated MacBook Pro models, powered by the new M4 chips, with an official announcement expected this month. According to DigiTimes, Apple's supply chain has already begun ramping up production in anticipation of the release.
This development is backed by revenue reports from major component manufacturers like Jarllytec and Shin Zu Shing, both of which have reported increased shipments in September. These reports suggest that Apple's upcoming M4 MacBook Pro models are driving a noticeable surge in the market for related components.
Photo via 9to5Mac // A 14 inch MacBook Pro.
The Lineup: M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max Chips
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman first hinted at Apple’s plans for M4-powered devices earlier this year. According to Gurman, the upcoming lineup will include:
- A 14-inch MacBook Pro with the base M4 chip
- Both 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models featuring the more powerful M4 Pro and M4 Max chips
- A redesigned iMac equipped with the M4 chip
- A completely reimagined Mac mini with M4 and M4 Pro options
Apple has already rolled out the M4 chip in the iPad Pro, which debuted earlier in 2024. However, the M4 Pro and M4 Max versions are expected to be showcased for the first time in this new MacBook Pro lineup.
Photo via YouTube // Multiple Russian tech YouTubers have now published unboxings of Apple's unreleased M4 MacBook Pro. The question is: is any of this real?
Leaks Reveal Key Details
In recent weeks, a leaked entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro surfaced in Russia, offering some insight into what to expect. The leaks suggest a significant shift: the base model may now come with 16GB of RAM, a welcome upgrade from the previous 8GB standard. Externally, the design seems largely unchanged, except for one notable addition — a third Thunderbolt 4 port.
This leak also hinted that Apple might be moving away from two Thunderbolt 3 ports found in the current entry-level 14-inch model. However, there are no major external redesigns reported.
What to Expect from Apple
It remains unclear whether Apple will unveil these new Macs at a dedicated virtual event or through a more low-key press release. While there has been speculation about another event following Apple’s September "It's Glowtime" keynote — which saw the launch of the iPhone 16 series and new AirPods — there has been no official confirmation from Apple about a Mac-focused event.
Just yesterday, Apple introduced the new iPad mini 7 via press release, which might suggest the company is shifting towards quieter, online announcements for product refreshes.
A Boost for a Sluggish Market?
The notebook market has been sluggish in recent months, but Apple's M4 MacBook Pro models are expected to deliver a significant uptick in demand. As DigiTimes noted, the spike in component shipments points to a temporary boost as Apple gears up for the release.
"Apple is expected to unveil new MacBook Pro models equipped with the latest M4 chip in October, which could boost related component shipments," according to the paywalled DigiTimes report.
Photo via Laptop Mag // A colorful graphic of the Apple M4 chip.
Commentary
The potential shift to 16GB of RAM as the new base standard is likely to be well-received by power users and professionals alike, who have long been asking for more RAM in the base models of the MacBook Pro. While external design changes might be minimal, the introduction of a third Thunderbolt 4 port could offer more flexibility for users who need additional connectivity options without relying on dongles.
If the M4 series delivers the same leaps in performance we've seen with previous generations of Apple Silicon, these new MacBook Pros will undoubtedly be a hit with consumers, further solidifying Apple’s dominance in the premium laptop space.
As we wait for official word from Apple, the excitement builds. Whether it's a press release or a full-blown event, the M4 MacBook Pro models are on the horizon, and it looks like they’ll be well worth the wait.
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