Get ready to dive into the exciting world of Apple’s latest innovations M4 MacBook Pro The tech giant is set to release its much-anticipated 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, now powered by the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips. With rumors swirling and anticipation building, let’s explore everything we know about the upcoming MacBook Pro models that could redefine portable computing by the end of 2024.
In this article, we’ll cover expected release dates, pricing, performance enhancements, and more, so you can make an informed decision about whether the M4 MacBook Pro is worth the wait.
MacBook Pro M4 Release Date: When Can We Expect It?
Potential Launch at an October Apple Event
Though it’s been just a year since the M3-series MacBook Pro was released in October 2023, Apple seems to be speeding up its product cycle. All indications point to an exciting new lineup with M4-powered MacBook Pros arriving before the end of 2024. Following the release of the M4 chip in the iPad Pro earlier this year, Apple has clearly laid the groundwork for the new MacBook Pro lineup.
According to reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, we can expect the M4 MacBook Pro to be unveiled in the coming weeks. In a September 2024 newsletter, Gurman suggested that Apple is gearing up to release a slew of M4-powered devices, including the MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini.
What Models Will Be Released?
The lineup is expected to include:
- MacBook Pro 14-inch with M4 (entry-level)
- MacBook Pro 14-inch & 16-inch with M4 Pro/M4 Max
- iMac with M4 (24-inch)
- Mac mini with M4 and M4 Pro
Apple could choose to stagger the releases, with the entry-level model debuting first, followed by the higher-end versions. However, some experts believe that Apple will launch the entire M4 MacBook Pro range at the same time to avoid confusing buyers.
MacBook Pro M4 Pricing: Will Prices Change?
Expected Pricing in the U.S. and U.K.
While it’s unclear if the M4 models will see a price hike, it’s likely that the new models will retain pricing similar to the current M3 MacBook Pro range. Here’s what the current pricing looks like for reference:
- 14-inch MacBook Pro:
- $1,599/£1,699 for M3 (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 512GB SSD)
- $1,799/£1,899 for M3 (1TB SSD)
- $1,999/£2,099 for M3 (16GB RAM, 1TB SSD)
- $1,999/£2,099 for M3 Pro (11-core CPU, 14-core GPU, 512GB SSD)
- $3,199/£3,299 for M3 Max (14-core CPU, 30-core GPU, 1TB SSD)
- 16-inch MacBook Pro:
- $2,499/£2,599 for M3 Pro (12-core CPU, 18-core GPU, 512GB SSD)
- $3,499/£3,599 for M3 Max (14-core CPU, 30-core GPU, 1TB SSD)
We expect Apple to maintain similar price points with the M4 models. Any price changes will likely come with configuration upgrades like increased RAM or storage.
MacBook Pro M4 Performance: What’s Under the Hood?
AI-Powered Enhancements and Performance Boosts
The biggest talking point surrounding the M4 chip is its enhanced AI capabilities, which could mark a significant step forward in Apple’s hardware. According to industry insiders, the M4 will offer a 20% boost in multi-core CPU performance compared to the M3 chip. This improvement is expected to benefit all users, from creative professionals to casual users.
The M4 MacBook Pro will come with significant performance upgrades, particularly in AI-based tasks such as image processing, machine learning, and video rendering. These advancements will make it a powerhouse for productivity and creative work.
Potential Hardware Upgrades
One of the most exciting updates could be the jump in RAM from 8GB to 16GB for the base model, according to leaks. Additionally, there are rumors about more Thunderbolt ports and a new Space Black color option, offering greater connectivity and a sleek new aesthetic. The M4 Pro and M4 Max variants are expected to follow suit with more CPU and GPU cores, making them ideal for users requiring extreme performance.
Wi-Fi 7 Support and Battery Life
There’s also speculation that the new MacBook Pro M4 models will support Wi-Fi 7, ensuring faster and more reliable wireless connectivity. While Apple hasn’t confirmed whether battery life will be improved, the M4 chip is expected to be more efficient than its predecessor, potentially offering longer usage times on a single charge.
Design and Display: Will There Be Any Changes?
Sticking With a Familiar Design
Since the current MacBook Pro design was introduced in 2021, Apple is unlikely to make any major design changes in the 2024 models. Expect the same sleek, minimalist design that Apple fans love, with small refinements like new color options and additional ports.
Display: What About Screen Quality?
The M3 MacBook Pro boosted display brightness to 600 nits, and it’s expected that the M4 MacBook Pro models will retain this improvement. The display will continue to use Apple’s Liquid Retina XDR technology, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast. Don’t expect any OLED upgrades until 2026, based on recent reports.
Final Thoughts: Is the M4 MacBook Pro Worth the Wait?
With the release date looming, the M4 MacBook Pro promises to be an exciting addition to Apple’s laptop lineup. Whether you’re looking for improved performance, enhanced AI capabilities, or simply the latest in portable tech, the M4 MacBook Pro seems to be worth the wait. While the design and pricing may remain largely unchanged, the internal upgrades alone make this a compelling upgrade for power users.
Keep an eye on Apple’s upcoming events and announcements—we’ll update this guide with the latest information as soon as it becomes available!
Stay Updated with Laptop GEN
For all the latest updates on the M4 MacBook Pro, including detailed reviews, comparisons, and buying guides, be sure to bookmark Laptop GEN. Join our community of tech enthusiasts and stay ahead of the curve with our expert insights and news.
