M4 MacBooks Are Almost Here—Here's Why Apple's October Reveal is Worth the Hype
- Apple’s next-gen MacBooks are just around the corner, and the M4 chip is leading the charge.
- Expect boosted performance and a few surprises—16GB RAM might be just the beginning.
- Rumor has it, Space Black could finally hit the entry-level MacBook. It's about time!
- New chips, fresh colors, and bigger upgrades—Apple's October event is shaping up to be a big one.
Apple’s annual fall product refresh is upon us, and while the spotlight in September was on the iPhone 16, AirPods 4, AirPods Max 2 (if you can even call it that), and a refreshed Apple Watch 10, attention is shifting to October—when Apple is rumored to unveil its next-generation MacBooks powered by the all-new M4 chip.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the long-anticipated M4-powered MacBooks are slated for release in "the coming weeks." Historically, Apple has unveiled new MacBook models in October, and this year is expected to be no different. The M4 chip lineup will likely include the base M4, as well as the more powerful M4 Pro and M4 Max variants, all boasting advanced AI capabilities—making this upgrade very AI-centric.
Photo via Tom's Guide // Apple’s October Mac event: Expect the M4 chip, redesigned Mac mini, and USB-C iMac updates with new colors.
What to Expect From Apple's M4 Mac Lineup:
Apple’s upcoming Mac lineup, expected to debut next month, will reportedly feature the following:
- 14-inch MacBook Pro — powered by the base M4 chip.
- Higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro — featuring M4 Pro and M4 Max chips.
- iMac — a new model, with updated colors and rumored to switch to USB-C accessories.
- Mac mini — with M4 and M4 Pro chips, marking a significant update, skipping the M3 generation.
Photo via Apple Inc. // The standard M4 chip features, as shown by Apple with the release of the M4 iPad Pro.
MacBook Air: Don't Expect It Until 2025
The MacBook Air series isn’t expected to join the M4 lineup until early next year, with 13-inch and 15-inch models likely arriving in the first quarter of 2025. Furthermore, more Mac hardware powered by M4 chips—including the Mac Studio and Mac Pro—are expected to roll out over the course of 2025.
Rumored Highlights for This Years M4 Mac Unveiling
1. 16GB RAM as Standard
Apple has stuck to 8GB RAM for its base models for years. But now, according to Gurman, the M4 MacBook lineup will ship with 16GB of RAM as standard. This is a long-overdue change, especially given the increased demand for memory in AI-driven processes.
2. Mac mini’s Major Redesign
The Mac mini is in for its biggest overhaul yet. Reports suggest a smaller, more compact design that will sacrifice USB-A ports but gain additional USB-C options. This marks the biggest change in the Mac mini’s 14-year history, and fans of the budget-friendly Mac should be excited.
3. USB-C Accessories for iMac
The new iMac is rumored to switch to USB-C, a move driven by the EU's mandate to eliminate Lightning ports. This opens the door for Apple to refresh its Magic Mouse, Keyboard, and Trackpad, phasing out Lightning in favor of USB-C compatibility. Expect to see the new accessories launch alongside the iMac. Oh, and expect new colors.
4. Space Black for Base Model MacBook Pro
Currently, the sleek Space Black color option is reserved for higher-end MacBook Pro models, but there’s hope it will trickle down to the base M4 MacBook Pro. While Space Gray has been the default, the change to Space Black would bring a more unified aesthetic across the lineup.
5. M4 Pro and M4 Max Chips Debut
While the M4 chip has already appeared in the latest iPad Pro, the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips are yet to make their debut. Expected to arrive in the higher-end MacBook Pro models by the end of 2024, these chips will be built using TSMC’s 3nm process—offering enhanced performance and efficiency over their predecessors.
M4 MacBook Pro: All the Latest Rumors
As we await official announcements, speculation continues to swirl around the M4 MacBook Pro. The entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro with the base M4 chip is expected to launch first, followed by the more powerful models equipped with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips. While no major redesigns are expected for these models, some reports hint that Apple is preparing a future MacBook Pro with an OLED display—but that’s likely not arriving until 2026.
Apple’s decision to introduce the M4 chip in the iPad Pro before the MacBook lineup was unexpected... [sic] the sneak peek hints at the sheer power the new MacBooks will bring.— Kimberly Gedeon of Mashable
Photo via 9to5Mac // A sneak peek at the highly anticipated M4 MacBook Pro, expected to launch in October.
RAM and Storage Boosts
In addition to increased RAM, rumors suggest these new models will offer improved storage options, potentially starting at 512GB, giving users more flexibility for data-heavy workflows.
The M4 MacBook Pro Release Date
If Apple follows its usual timeline, the M4 MacBook Pro will debut in October, with the premium 14-inch and 16-inch models shipping either late this year or early 2025. Ross Young, a well-known Apple analyst, has similarly hinted at an October or November event for the MacBook Pro release.
Final Thoughts
Apple’s October Mac event is shaping up to be another big moment for the company, especially with its push toward AI-driven hardware. The shift to 16GB RAM as a baseline and the possible USB-C refresh across devices are exciting updates. While the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips remain shrouded in some mystery, the overall direction points to significant performance gains and future-proofing.
With Apple’s consistent track record, fans can expect a powerful, AI-enhanced MacBook lineup that further solidifies its place as the leading choice for professionals and casual users alike. Stay tuned for what’s next—October’s event could bring some of the most exciting Mac releases in years.
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