The tech world is abuzz with rumors about Apple's upcoming M4 MacBook Pro, expected to debut before the end of 2024. This new generation of MacBook Pro is rumored to focus significantly on artificial intelligence, a shift that suggests major advancements in how Apple's laptops will utilize AI technology.
Bloomberg has reported that Apple plans to update its Mac lineup with the introduction of the M4 chips late in 2024, continuing into early 2025. The refresh will include new models of iMacs, a low-end 14-inch MacBook Pro, as well as high-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro units, and even Mac minis. These devices will all feature the M4 chip, which is nearing production stages.
The M4 generation will reportedly come in three main varieties codenamed Donan, Brava, and Hidra. Donan is expected to be the core M4 chip, while Brava could be the M4 Pro and M4 Max, and Hidra might be designed specifically for the Mac Pro.
Sources suggest that Apple will particularly highlight the AI processing capabilities of these chips during its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). This includes possible enhancements to the Neural Engine, which is integral for handling machine learning tasks, and potentially increasing the number of cores dedicated to AI computations.
In terms of technical specifics, it is reported that the high-end Hidra chip could support up to half a terabyte of memory, suggesting significant performance improvements especially in AI-related tasks.
While these reports are based on insights from people familiar with Apple's plans, the exact details of what the M4 chips will entail remain speculative. Nonetheless, if the rumors hold true, this could mark a significant step forward in integrating AI technology into consumer hardware, further enhancing the capabilities of Apple's MacBook Pro lineup.
