MacBook Pro M4 Leak: Is Apple’s October Event in Jeopardy?
- Stolen MacBook Pros hit Russia, and Apple’s M4 plans may have just leaked.
- Is Apple about to ditch its October event altogether? Here’s why that might actually happen.
- One detail in the leaked MacBook Pro boxes has everyone talking—old wallpaper, new device. What’s going on?
Apple enthusiasts have been buzzing with excitement over a flood of leaks regarding the upcoming M4 MacBook Pro. Photos, unboxing videos, and early benchmarks have made their rounds on social media, leaving tech fans and analysts debating the legitimacy of these leaks. While some remain skeptical, famed Apple analyst Mark Gurman has confirmed that the leaked devices are indeed genuine M4-powered MacBook Pros—devices that have reportedly been stolen and sold on the black market in Russia.
Photo via YouTube // A leaked image of the rumored M4 MacBook Pro, reportedly stolen and sold in Russia.
Apple’s new MacBook Pro indeed shows up in Russia weeks before announcement. The packaging has the same wallpaper as last year’s M3 MacBook Pro — an odd and rare choice — but I am certain these machines are the real deal. https://t.co/rWPyblo3lH
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) October 13, 2024
The M4 MacBook Pro: What We Know So Far
In recent weeks, multiple leaks have surfaced showing what appears to be Apple's next-generation MacBook Pro equipped with the M4 chip. The leaks started with an unboxing video and soon evolved into more detailed performance tests, demonstrating that the new MacBook Pro significantly outperforms its current iPad Pro counterpart, especially when paired with an active cooling system.
Key Features Expected in the M4 MacBook Pro:
- 16 GB of RAM as the new baseline configuration.
- Improved performance thanks to the M4 chip, which is expected to push beyond the capabilities of the M3 chip.
- A November 2024 release date, as rumored by insiders familiar with Apple's supply chain.
Despite the excitement, some experts initially cast doubt on the authenticity of these leaks. A primary concern was that the leaked packaging used the same wallpaper design featured on the M3 MacBook Pro, a detail that raised suspicions about the legitimacy of the videos.
Photo via YouTube // Could Apple skip its October event this year? The M4 MacBook Pro leaks suggest a low-key launch might be in store.
However, Mark Gurman put many of these doubts to rest. In a statement, he clarified, “These are genuine M4 MacBook Pro units. The reason the wallpaper is the same is likely due to Apple reusing elements from its M3 packaging.” Gurman added that Apple began distributing M4 refreshes to warehouses across Europe a few weeks ago, but some units found their way into Russia under suspicious circumstances.
Stolen MacBook Pros: The Russia Connection
Adding intrigue to the situation, it appears that the M4 MacBook Pro models were stolen from Apple’s supply chain and smuggled into Russia. This development is especially notable given that Apple officially ceased operations in Russia in 2022, in response to geopolitical tensions. The emergence of these devices on the Russian market suggests that criminal networks may have facilitated the theft and resale of Apple's unreleased hardware.
This isn’t the first time stolen Apple products have surfaced before their official release. However, given the significant stakes for Apple's upcoming MacBook Pro, this breach could have long-term implications for the company’s security protocols and global distribution strategies.
Photo via PowerPage // Apple’s next-generation MacBook Pro could be pivotal in reversing slumping Mac sales in 2024.
A Dwindling Supply of Current-Gen Macs
Another key indicator pointing to the imminent release of the M4 MacBook Pro is the rapidly dwindling supply of current-generation Macs. Gurman noted that “retail inventory for iMacs, MacBook Pros, and Mac minis continues to decrease,” suggesting that Apple is clearing out its existing stock to make way for new models.
Retail inventory for iMacs, MacBook Pros, Mac minis, iPad minis, iPad mini accessories continues to dwindle. Not seeing the same for entry iPad, for those wondering.
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) October 14, 2024
In addition to the MacBook Pro, the iMac and Mac mini are expected to receive updates featuring the M4 chip. This aligns with Apple's historical patterns of announcing significant hardware upgrades in the fall, ahead of the holiday season.
The Bigger Picture: Apple’s Struggles in 2024
Apple has had a challenging year, with Mac sales slumping in Q3 of 2024. The introduction of M4-powered devices could be crucial for Apple to reverse this trend and regain its footing in the highly competitive PC market. Analysts predict that the new M4 Mac lineup could provide the sales boost Apple needs to end the year on a high note.
With the PC industry seeing signs of growth earlier this year, Apple’s refreshed hardware offerings, particularly the MacBook Pro, aim to capture consumer interest and drive sales.
Is Apple Skipping Its October Event?
While excitement builds for Apple’s M4 MacBook Pro launch, there’s a lingering question: Will Apple hold its traditional October event? Gurman’s remarks suggest the possibility of a less grandiose unveiling.
I’m skeptical about an October event this year. The reused wallpaper on the leaked M4 MacBook Pro boxes feels like a clue. Apple could be opting for a quieter product launch via press release rather than a big event. If there’s no event, the old wallpaper would be less noticeable.— Alex Blake
Blake’s skepticism has merit. With Apple already unveiling updates to the iPad mini and other products earlier this month, the need for a large-scale October event seems less certain. Furthermore, the M4 chip was already showcased earlier this year in the iPad Pro, so a low-key launch for the MacBook Pro might be in the cards.
Photo via 9to5Mac // Apple's October Apple Event: Could Apple skip its October event this year? The M4 MacBook Pro leaks suggest a low-key launch might be in store.
Final Thoughts: What’s Next for Apple?
As we inch closer to the rumored November release of the M4 MacBook Pro, the anticipation only grows. Whether Apple chooses to make a grand announcement or quietly release the new models, one thing is clear: the M4 MacBook Pro is set to be a significant upgrade, promising more power, better performance, and improved design.
Stay tuned for more updates as Apple’s plans for its next-generation Macs continue to unfold.
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