Earlier this year, Apple updated the iPad Pro with the M4 chip, marking the first time that it introduced a new M-series chip in an iPad instead of a Mac. Below, we outline when the M4 chip is expected to come to the Mac.
First, Apple plans to release new MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini models with M4 series chips "this year," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. He previously said the first M4 Macs would likely be announced during a virtual event this October.
After that, Gurman expects the MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro to be updated with M4 series chips throughout 2025.
Here's the complete order in which M4 Macs are expected to launch:
- 14" and 16" MacBook Pro (M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max): This year (likely this month)
- iMac (M4): This year (likely this month)
- Mac mini (M4 and M4 Pro): This year (likely this month)
- MacBook Air (M4): January to March of 2025
- Mac Studio (M4 Max and M4 Ultra): Mid-2025
- Mac Pro (M4 Ultra): Mid-2025
Geekbench 6 benchmark results showed the iPad Pro's M4 chip offers up to 25% faster multi-core CPU performance compared to the M3 chip found in several current Macs. The M4 chip is available with up to a 10-core CPU, whereas the M3 chip has an 8-core CPU. Apple has yet to announce higher-end M4 Pro, M4 Max, or M4 Ultra chips.
Rumors suggest the Mac mini will receive its biggest redesign since 2010, but no major design changes are expected for any of the other Macs.
