Apple has announced its latest MacBook Pro, integrating the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips and bringing advanced AI tools under the Apple Intelligence suite. The new devices are already available for pre-order, and they are scheduled to reach users by November 8, marking a significant expansion of Apple’s silicon lineup this fall.
The announcement comes one day after Apple presented its new Mac Mini, also outfitted with its latest M4 and M4 Pro chips and an array of updated connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 5.
M4 Chips and Enhanced Thunderbolt 5 Connectivity
The new MacBook Pro lineup, available in both 14-inch and 16-inch models, incorporates the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips, each tailored to different performance needs. Starting at $1,599, the 14-inch model offers the M4 base configuration with a 10-core CPU. The M4 Pro and Max options expand processing power significantly, with the M4 Pro adding a 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU, suited for complex media editing and 3D modeling. The M4 Max version offers up to 128GB of unified memory, meeting the needs of users handling high-resolution video and AI-based projects.
The new MacBook Pro models introduce Thunderbolt 5, a major update enabling data speeds of up to 120 Gbps, ideal for users managing heavy data workloads. Thunderbolt 5 supports a wide range of high-speed peripherals and backward-compatible devices, enhancing the flexibility of both the M4 Pro and Max configurations for creatives, engineers, and developers.
AI Productivity Tools and M4 Performance
At the heart of Apple’s latest release is Apple Intelligence, the company´s AI-driven set of tools in macOS Sequoia that enhances productivity with AI-supported editing and summarizing features, available on-device for quick access and privacy. Apple’s Neural Engine within the M4 chip enables faster machine-learning tasks, including automated proofreading, image generation, and voice-based actions via Siri. Apple’s privacy-focused design leverages on-device processing for simpler tasks, while the Private Cloud Compute feature handles complex operations on secure servers.
More extensive AI capabilities are expected in December with Siri’s ChatGPT integration, enabling voice and text commands that bridge different applications and provide interactive support across the Apple ecosystem.
Thunderbolt 5: Triple the Speed and Versatility
The inclusion of Thunderbolt 5 marks a shift for both the MacBook Pro and the high-end Mac Mini, expanding data transfer speeds up to 120 Gbps and supporting new high-resolution displays and external storage. Backward-compatible with Thunderbolt 4, this update allows Apple users to maintain legacy peripherals while taking advantage of the enhanced speed for newer workflows, especially for creative professionals working with large files or multiple displays.
| Model | Chip | CPU | GPU | RAM | Thunderbolt | Storage | Price | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14-inch | M4 | 10 | 10 | 16GB, 32GB | Thunderbolt 4 | 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | $1,599 | Up to 18 hrs |
| 14-inch | M4 Pro | 14 | 20 | 32GB, 64GB | Thunderbolt 5 | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | $1,999 | Up to 18 hrs |
| 14-inch | M4 Max | 16 | 40 | 32GB, 64GB, 128GB | Thunderbolt 5 | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB | $2,499 | Up to 18 hrs |
| 16-inch | M4 Pro | 14 | 20 | 32GB, 64GB | Thunderbolt 5 | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | $2,499 | Up to 22 hrs |
| 16-inch | M4 Max | 16 | 40 | 32GB, 64GB, 128GB | Thunderbolt 5 | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB | $3,099 | Up to 22 hrs |
Supply Chain Security Concerns After M4 MacBook Pro Leak
This latest release also brings attention to Apple’s supply chain security, following leaks earlier this month that revealed the M4 MacBook Pro before its official announcement. In early October, two videos surfaced showing retail-ready models of the M4 MacBook Pro, including a YouTube video on October 8 that gave detailed views of the laptop’s specifications and design. The presence of packaged units in these leaks hints at a possible security gap within Apple’s distribution network, raising questions about the company’s control over pre-launch products.
While Apple has not issued a public statement, industry experts suggest that the distribution channels may require a closer review to prevent similar breaches, especially as Apple’s new products, like the MacBook Pro, are highly anticipated in the tech market.
Compact Redesign of the Mac Mini, Now Carbon-Neutral
Apple yesterday also unveiled a redesigned Mac Mini, emphasizing compactness and sustainability, which Apple states is the first carbon-neutral desktop in its lineup. This version shrinks to a five-by-five-inch frame, achieved through a new internal cooling design. Built with 100% recycled aluminum, the Mac Mini’s compact frame reflects Apple’s broader commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality by 2030.
Starting at $599, the standard Mac Mini includes the M4 chip, while the M4 Pro option supports Thunderbolt 5, adding more capability for professional workflows. This new Mac Mini provides a range of port options, including HDMI and Thunderbolt 5 (Pro model only), that cater to professionals needing a versatile desktop setup without occupying much space.
With options for the M4 and M4 Pro, Apple’s new Mac Mini offers performance in a smaller format, supporting users needing high memory bandwidth for projects involving media, modeling, or data science. The M4 Pro version expands capabilities with a 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU, providing desktop-grade performance that can support demanding tasks without the need for a larger workstation.
Ongoing Evolution of Apple’s M-Series Chips
Apple’s M4 series marks another step in the M-series evolution that began with the M1, each chip generation building on the last to add higher core counts and GPU improvements. While the original M1 models laid the groundwork for energy efficiency, the M4 chips expand on performance and memory options, giving users a range of choices from entry-level to high-performance models.
| Model | CPU Cores | GPU Cores | RAM Support (GB) | Thunderbolt Support | Memory Bandwidth (GB/s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M1 | 8 (4P + 4E) | 8 | 16 | Thunderbolt 3 (40 Gbps) | 68.25 |
| M1 Pro | 10 (8P + 2E) | 16 | 32 | Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps) | 200 |
| M1 Max | 10 (8P + 2E) | 32 | 64 | Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps) | 400 |
| M1 Ultra | 20 (16P + 4E) | 64 | 128 | Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps) | 800 |
| M2 | 8 (4P + 4E) | 10 | 24 | Thunderbolt 3 (40 Gbps) | 100 |
| M2 Pro | 12 (8P + 4E) | 19 | 32 | Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps) | 200 |
| M2 Max | 12 (8P + 4E) | 38 | 96 | Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps) | 400 |
| M2 Ultra | 24 (16P + 8E) | 60 | 192 | Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps) | 800 |
| M3 | 8 (4P + 4E) | 10 | 24 | Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps) | 100 |
| M3 Pro | 12 (6P + 6E) | 18 | 36 | Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps) | 150 |
| M3 Max | 14 (10P + 4E) | 30 | 96 | Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps) | 300 |
| M4 Pro | 14 (10P + 4E) | 20 | 64 | Thunderbolt 5 (80 Gbps) | 273 |
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 2:16 pm CET
