M4 MacBook Pro Leaks Weeks Before Launch: Real or Fake?
- A mysterious YouTube leak hints at Apple’s next-gen MacBook Pro—but is it a fake?
- Could the new M4 chip revolutionize your MacBook experience? Find out more.
- Skeptics question the authenticity of the Russian channel’s MacBook Pro reveal—read the full story.
A potential glimpse into Apple’s upcoming 14-inch MacBook Pro has stirred excitement and skepticism within the tech community. A YouTube unboxing video uploaded by the Russian channel Wylsacom claims to showcase the unannounced MacBook Pro equipped with Apple’s new M4 chip. The video gained further attention after Bloomberg’s renowned tech reporter Mark Gurman shared it on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), igniting discussions about Apple’s next hardware iteration.
Photo via TechRadar // Everyone's talking about this dudes video. But is it even real?
Unboxing the Alleged M4 MacBook Pro
The video features what appears to be the packaging of the new MacBook Pro, sparking connections to images previously shared by leaker ShrimpApplePro in late September. ShrimpApplePro had hinted that a similar unit was being traded within a private Facebook group, suggesting an imminent release. While Apple has yet to verify the authenticity of this leak, several notable features have emerged from the unboxing.
At the heart of the purported device is the M4 chip, boasting a 10-core CPU, a significant upgrade from the current M3’s 8-core configuration. According to the video, an alleged Geekbench 6 benchmark indicates that the M4 chip delivers up to 25% faster performance compared to its predecessor. This performance boost mirrors the enhancements Apple introduced with the M4 chip in the iPad Pro back in May.
Another striking feature is the increase in RAM. The packaging suggests that the base model of the 14-inch MacBook Pro will now start with 16GB of memory, aligning with rumors that Apple may standardize this specification across future Mac models. Additionally, the new MacBook Pro is rumored to offer three Thunderbolt 4 ports, an upgrade from the existing two Thunderbolt 3 ports found on the current model.
Aesthetic changes also seem to be on the horizon. The leaked box hints at a new color option—Space Black—which was previously reserved for higher-tier configurations featuring the M3 Pro or M3 Max chips. This potential expansion of color choices could make the MacBook Pro more appealing to a broader audience.
Doubts Surrounding the Leak’s Authenticity
Despite the enticing upgrades, several factors cast doubt on the legitimacy of the leak. Notably, the design of the MacBook Pro box in the video mirrors that of the current M3 models, which is unusual as Apple typically refreshes its packaging aesthetics with each new release. This similarity raises questions about whether the leak is genuine or a sophisticated forgery.
Further skepticism arises from the model identification details. The box lists a model number A3112 and SKU MW2U3LL/A, neither of which correspond to any existing Apple devices. Additionally, the Geekbench score references a Mac16,1 identifier, which has yet to be seen in Apple’s product lineup. These discrepancies suggest that the leak might not be authentic.
The port configuration also presents inconsistencies. Transitioning from Thunderbolt 3 to three Thunderbolt 4 ports in the base model is unexpected, as Apple typically introduces the latest port standards first in higher-end models. This anomaly could indicate either a significant shift in Apple’s design strategy or further evidence questioning the leak’s validity.
Moreover, the geopolitical context adds another layer of complexity. With Apple having officially exited the Russian market amidst ongoing sanctions related to the conflict in Ukraine, the likelihood of a Russian YouTuber obtaining an unreleased MacBook Pro becomes highly questionable. This scenario suggests that the device showcased in the video might not be genuine, especially considering Apple’s stringent product security measures.
Photo via YouTube // He somehow has 11.4 million subscribers, adding credibility to this leak. But how he makes money from his channel is unclear, as Google AdSense no longer makes payments to anyone residing in Russia, due to international trade restrictions.
What’s Next for Apple’s MacBook Pro Line
Mark Gurman of Bloomberg has speculated that Apple is expected to officially announce the first Macs featuring the M4 chip by late October, with some units potentially hitting the shelves by November 1. Whether the leaked device is authentic or not, the anticipation surrounding Apple’s next MacBook Pro remains high.
We can’t know for sure until the product is announced.— Mark Gurman
Conclusion
The alleged unboxing of Apple’s next-generation 14-inch MacBook Pro has undoubtedly captured the attention of tech enthusiasts and industry watchers alike. While the promised upgrades, such as the M4 chip and increased RAM, paint an exciting picture, the inconsistencies and geopolitical factors surrounding the leak urge caution. As Apple prepares to unveil its latest MacBook Pro, the tech community remains eager yet skeptical, awaiting definitive proof of what’s to come.
For ongoing coverage and updates on this developing story, stay tuned to Apple Scoop.
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Thank you for visiting Apple Scoop! As a dedicated independent news organization, we strive to deliver the latest updates and in-depth journalism on everything Apple. Have insights or thoughts to share? Drop a comment below—our team actively engages with and responds to our community. Return to the home page.Published to Apple Scoop on 7th October, 2024.
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