Apple’s M4 MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac Mini: Price, Release Date, and Key Features
- Apple’s iMac gets a glow-up with faster chips and new colors—trust us, it’s worth a look.
- The Mac Mini just got smaller and a lot more powerful… but that power button placement?
- MacBook Pro fans, rejoice: battery life that stretches all day and night is here.
After a never-ending stream of rumors and leaks, Apple has officially rolled out its latest upgrades for the MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac Mini, all powered by the new M4 chip. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new, what it means for users, and where to buy these next-generation devices, all available for pre-order now with an official release on November 8.
Photo via Apple Scoop // The 2024 M4 Mac lineup has officially been announced by Apple.
M4 iMac: Fresh Colors, More Power, Same Iconic Look
Apple started the week strong with the M4 iMac announcement, updating its colorful lineup with notable internal upgrades.
Key Features:
- New M4 Chip: Faster than ever, bringing the iMac’s performance up to current standards.
- Memory Boost: The base model now starts with 16GB of RAM, doubling last year’s 8GB for a more robust Apple Intelligence experience.
- Enhanced Camera: A 12MP Center Stage webcam with Desk View is now standard, ideal for video calls and media creation.
- Expanded Color Options: All seven colors are available across both the 2-port and 4-port models, a feature previously reserved only for higher-end versions.
Pricing:
| Model | CPU | GPU | RAM | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iMac (2-port, M4) | 8-core | 8-core | 16GB | 256GB | $1,299 |
| iMac (4-port, M4) | 10-core | 10-core | 16GB | 256GB | $1,499 |
| iMac (4-port, M4, upgraded) | 10-core | 10-core | 16GB | 512GB | $1,699 |
| iMac (4-port, M4, top-tier) | 10-core | 10-core | 24GB | 512GB | $1,899 |
With a November 8 release, the M4 iMac brings a significant value boost, particularly in the four-port model, which combines storage and processing power for an optimal balance of cost and performance.
Photo via MacRumors // You can pre-order Apple's M4 iMac right now, with shipping on November 8.
M4 Mac Mini: Powerful Punch in a Smaller Package
Apple’s M4 Mac Mini brings a big leap in both form factor and power.
Highlights:
- Compact Size: Shrinking down to 5x5 inches while maintaining a full suite of ports, including two USB-C, HDMI, and Ethernet.
- Performance Boost: 1.8x CPU and 2.2x GPU performance compared to the M1 Mac Mini, now with 16GB RAM standard.
- M4 Pro Option: For $1,399, the Pro version offers up to 20-core GPU power, making it suitable for intensive applications like Logic and Photoshop.
Starting at $599, the M4 Mac Mini is expected to outperform MacBooks at twice the price in some use cases. Apple’s smallest desktop might be its best value in 2024.
Photo via Apple Inc. // Another shot of Apple's 2024 M4 Mac mini.
MacBook Pro with M4 Chip: Extended Battery, Peak Performance
In the final reveal of Mac week, Apple announced the new MacBook Pro lineup with an M4 (or M4 Pro/Max) upgrade. This powerhouse includes:
Major Upgrades:
- Unmatched Battery Life: Up to 24 hours on a single charge, setting a new standard for the MacBook Pro.
- Nano-Texture Display Option: 1000 nits of brightness and a Center Stage 12MP camera.
- Thunderbolt 5 Ports: Higher-speed data transfers and better power delivery for pro-level workflows.
- Memory Increase: 16GB RAM as a baseline, with models starting at $1,599.
Photo via Apple Inc. // Apple's latest notebooks, the MacBook Pro series with M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, has finally arrived.
Apple Intelligence Officially Goes Public
In addition to hardware, Apple debuted the official release of Apple Intelligence, its advanced AI suite, previously available only in beta.
Available Features:
- Writing Tools: Enhanced natural language tools.
- Siri Improvements: New speech processing for more intuitive interactions.
- Photo Search and Editing: AI-driven search within the Photos app and an advanced editing suite.
- Focus Mode: Reduce Interruptions mode, ideal for managing work-life balance.
Compatibility:
Only certain devices with sufficient processing power support Apple Intelligence. The list includes:
- iPhone 16, iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max
- iPad Pro M4, M2, M1, and iPad Air M2, M1
- iMac and MacBook Pro models from M1 onward
Apple Intelligence is available as part of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 updates, making it a game-changer for Apple’s user ecosystem.
Photo via iDB (YouTube) // A sneak peak at Apple's upcoming iOS 18.1, now available for select iPhone, iPad and Mac models.
Where to Buy
Apple’s latest M4-powered Mac Mini, iMac, and MacBook Pro are available for pre-order on Apple’s website, with options for added storage and performance on each model. After November 8, these devices will be available in Apple Stores around the world for in-store purchase, subject to availability of course.
Release Date: November 8, 2024
These releases mark a significant step for Apple in both hardware and AI, positioning its devices as versatile tools for both professional and personal use.
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