Recent whispers about the timing have sparked excitement about Apple’s upcoming M4 Mac. According to well-known sources, the first Macs with M4 chips could arrive “very soon.” Tech fans eagerly await more specifics about when these new machines will be officially revealed. Rumors have been circulating for a while, but a little clarity emerged after Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman indicated that the M4 Mac launch would occur next week. It is uncertain exactly when, though.
Gurman’s recent post is the most important one because, as he predicts, Apple will be very busy this week. The schedule includes the M4 Mac launch sandwiched between two major events: “Apple Intelligence” on Monday and earnings results on Thursday. Gurman also noted that Apple is entailing journalists and content makers from Los Angeles to an analogous occasion the day before the conference.
Busy week for Apple next week: Apple Intelligence on Monday, then M4 Mac launch, then earnings results on Thursday (perhaps the last with the current CFO). Happy Halloween!
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) October 22, 2024
Apple Mac M4 announcement coming soon
But then another rumor popped up. Gurman’s sources seemed lined up for an announcement next week until another one… Sonny Dickson, who has previously detailed Apple’s plans, said the new Mac mini will probably be released earlier this week. Dickson’s claims make things a little more unpredictable. He has been right about some of his leaks, but not all. This creates uncertainty about whether Apple will make these machines available earlier than expected.
According to most sources, the launch of the M4 Macs is still expected to be within the week, so that’s the case. It is unclear if this will be a part of a larger event or a simple press release. Apple has used both approaches in the past, and last year’s “Scary Fast” event, which happened toward the end of October, adds to the speculation about whether this year’s reveal might follow a similar pattern.
I just heard a rumor that the new Mac Mini might be released this week, expected to feature 5 USB-C ports.
— Sonny Dickson (@SonnyDickson) October 22, 2024
New Mac models, accessories, and more
As the timing of Apple’s M4 Mac launch remains a hot topic, attention has also shifted to the products expected to be revealed. The list is promising for Mac enthusiasts, with various updates that could cater to casual users and professionals alike. Here’s what seems to be on the table:
- A 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M4 chip and an extra Thunderbolt port. This could be an entry-level version of the MacBook Pro.
- Upgraded versions of the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro, featuring M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, offer more power for those who need it.
- An updated iMac with the new M4 chip improves Apple’s sleek all-in-one desktop performance.
- A redesigned Mac mini, now sporting a smaller design similar to an Apple TV, with two front-facing USB-C ports and the choice between M4 and M4 Pro chips.
- USB-C versions of popular Apple accessories like the Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Keyboard will be available, aligning with Apple’s transition to USB-C.
Some leaked unboxing videos emerge with one more piece of the puzzle: an entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro as a November 2024 model. If these are real, it’s almost like the M4 Macs may be announced next week, and customers won’t see them in their hands until November.
Apple is hosting a hands on experience next Wednesday in Los Angeles for media/creators. So the new Macs of course need to be announced by then. https://t.co/6sshpckmbL
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) October 22, 2024
As Apple approaches the potential announcement, one key detail remains: Will it be a component of an enormous online occasion or a content of press discharge? In recent years, Apple has used both. While there’s still a possibility of an online event in October, Apple is running out of time to send out invitations. Last year’s event was the most significant one we’ve seen, and if the media ever gets an invitation soon — we could see something larger than what we got this year. Otherwise, Apple’s launch could be largely quiet if it were posted on its Newsroom website.
But wait. In any case, it would appear that the wait for Apple’s new M4 Macs will end, and tech fans won’t have to wait much longer than it takes to boil an egg on a candle to see what Apple has been working on. Regardless of how the reveal is done, it sounds like it will be an exciting event (or press release) for the Mac lineup.
Image credit: Apple
