Apple introduced its next-generation breakthrough M4 chip last month with the thinner iPad Pro models with Ultra Retina XDR displays. This was the first time that the new M-series chip debuted on the iPad Pro first. No Macs have featured this chip since then.
So when can we expect future Mac models with the next generation of Apple Silicon? According to reputable display analyst Ross Young, he reports that new panel shipments for both the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models will be ready to start production in Q3 2024. This means that we may see new MacBook Pro models as soon as this fall.
This would fall in line with Apple’s previous release schedules. Back in October 2023, Apple introduced new MacBook Pro and iMac models that are based on the M3 series chips. Specifically, the iMac and base 14-inch MacBook Pro got updated with the standard M3 chip, and the higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros got updated with the Pro-class M3 Pro/Max chips.
According to Mark Gurman, he expects that Apple will update both the MacBook Pro and Mac mini this year. If Apple updates both Macs around October, then we can expect these Mac models to receive the following chip upgrades:
- 14-inch MacBook Pro – M4 / M4 Pro / M4 Max (from M3 / M3 Pro / M3 Max)
- 16-inch MacBook Pro – M4 Pro / M4 Max (from M3 Pro / M3 Max)
- Mac mini – M4 / M4 Pro (from M2 / M2 Pro)
On the other hand, the MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro won’t get the same treatment until sometime next year. We have no word yet on whether the iMac will get updated as well.
The all-new M4 chip is Apple’s next generation of Apple Silicon for its flagship iPad models and future Macs. Built on a second-generation 3nm technology, it’s designed for the latest iPad Pro to be more energy efficient, allowing a thinner design and for tandem OLED display thanks to the next-generation display controller.
We don’t expect the future MacBook Pro models with M4 series of chips to come out with tandem OLED displays as the next update will likely be just a minor spec bump; however, we do expect an all-redesigned OLED MacBook Pro sometime as early as 2026. We also have word recently that Apple is working on making thinner products again, including a future MacBook Pro, so OLED displays may contribute to a thinner design. A spec upgrade to the next generation chip technology is always a welcome change for any product.
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