Apple fans may have something to look forward to as rumors swirl about the potential launch of the company's next generation of in-house processors, possibly as early as this year.
The tech leaker says that new M4 chips are expected to bring huge upgrades, particularly in AI capabilities, which will potentially lift Apple's computing hardware lineup through 2024 and into 2025.
Upcoming M4 Chip: What to Expect
Since AI is now on the front seat of technology, Apple looks forward to incorporating it even in the upcoming Macs, according to a prominent tipster.Wesson Wang from Unsplash
According to reputable Apple leaker Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, the purported M4 chips are nearing production, signaling a memorable moment for Apple as it aims to revive its Mac sales growth, which saw a decline of 27% in the last fiscal year.
Gurman suggests that the M4 chip will be offered in three variants, continuing the trend set by the existing M3 Pro and M3 Max chips. These new chips are anticipated to be integrated across all Mac products, including the Mac Studio and Mac Pro.
Gurman's unnamed sources have assigned codenames Donan, Brava, and Hidra to the three iterations of the M4 chip. Additionally, a potential refresh schedule indicates that the iMac, MacBook Pros, and Mac Mini may be the first to debut with the new chips, albeit without significant design changes.
Subsequently, the MacBook Air and Mac Studio are expected to follow suit later this year, while the Mac Pro may undergo a refresh in 2025.
Short Lifecycle for M3 Chip?
The rumored swift introduction of the M4 chip raises questions about the longevity of its predecessor, the M3 chip, which was only recently launched with new iMac and MacBook Pro models in October 2023.
With the M3 MacBook Air hitting the market just last month, some users may find themselves disappointed by the prospect of the iPhone maker swiftly moving on to the next iteration.
Apple's Pursuit of AI-Focused Hardware
While Apple has traditionally adopted a cautious approach to emerging technologies, preferring to observe before making significant moves, the alleged focus on AI-driven chips signals a shift in strategy.
According to TechRadar, the M4 chip is expected to incorporate a neural processing unit (NPU), dedicated to handling AI-related tasks, aligning Apple with its competitors who have already integrated NPUs into their offerings.
While Gurman's track record lends credibility to these rumors, there is no official confirmation from Apple.
Some may question the necessity of a rapid transition to the M4 chip, especially considering the recent launch of devices featuring the M3 chip. However, the inevitability of technological progress suggests that advancements are on the horizon, whether we're prepared for them or not.
