Revolutionary M4 Chips Take Center Stage in Apple’s 2024 Mac Lineup

On Monday, the 28th of October, Apple kicked off its three-day Mac event, which was streamed on the Apple YouTube channel and Apple TV. Each day of the event focused on a specific Mac model: the iMac, the Mac mini, and the MacBook, respectively. In recent years, Apple has invited journalists to a pre-recorded presentation of new products, but this year, they decided to take a different approach. Let's dive in and explore the exciting ways Apple has revamped the Mac lineup this year.

What’s New?

The standout feature? The chip—Since Apple first introduced the M1 chip in 2020, it has cemented Macs as some of the most powerful and efficient computers available, and each iteration has raised the bar. The M1 was so impressive that many users overlooked the M2 and M3, not because they were lacking but because the M1 was already setting such a high standard. Now, with the new M4 chip, Apple aims to change the game once again. This latest release features three powerful variants: the standard M4, the M4 Pro, and the M4 Max, each offering substantial boosts in speed and efficiency.

Products Unveiled

iMac

Apple began the three-day event on Monday with the launch of the M4-powered iMac. This model boasts a 10-core GPU and CPU, delivering an average of 1.2x faster performance than the M3. Apple has also upgraded the RAM to 16GB, doubling the capacity of its M3 predecessor's 8GB, making the new iMac more efficient for intensive tasks.

Though it maintains the same 24-inch Retina display, Apple has added an optional nanotexture glass coating to reduce glare and reflections—originally introduced with the M4 iPad Pro. This upgrade enhances visual clarity, making it a compelling option for users who prioritise an unobstructed view.

The iMac is now fitted with a new 12MP Center Stage camera, which intelligently follows your movements and offers a “Desk View” mode—This feature is particularly beneficial for unboxing videos, tutorials, and showcasing desk setup from a top-down angle, enhancing the overall user experience.

Starting at $1,299 (approximately R24,000), the M4 iMac is available for pre-order on Apple’s website, with shipping beginning next week in the US. South African customers can expect it to be available sometime in November.

Mac Mini

The Mac mini just became even “mini-er.” Measuring just 5 by 5 inches, the new M4 Mac Mini is compact—nearly as small as the Apple TV—making it almost pocket-sized! This updated version is 40% smaller and 40% lighter than the previous M2 Mac Mini, a feat Apple achieved by reducing aluminium usage by 85%. Despite its smaller footprint, the new Mac Mini packs a faster, more efficient chip and an expanded selection of ports.

The M4 Mac Mini features an Ethernet port, one HDMI port, and three Thunderbolt ports on the back, along with two USB-C ports and a headphone jack on the front—a new, convenient addition for the Mac Mini. Performance-wise, the M4 Mini is powered by a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, offering a 1.6x speed boost over the M2 and supporting advanced capabilities like ray tracing. For those needing even more power, an M4 Pro option is available, which is rated as 2x faster than the M2 Pro chip. The M4 Pro model also includes Thunderbolt 5 support and can connect to three displays.

The M4 Mac Mini is priced from $599 (approximately R10,500), making it a powerful yet affordable choice in Apple's lineup.

MacBook Pro

Apple did not only unveil its latest MacBook models but has also introduced its most powerful chip to date — the M4 Max chip. The MacBook Pro can now be configured with either the standard M4, the M4 Pro, or the M4 Max, offering a range of performance options tailored to different needs.

The M4 MacBook Pro, equipped with a 10-core CPU and GPU, delivers a 1.3x speed improvement over the previous M3 chip. It also includes 16GB of RAM (up from last year’s 8GB) and an extra Thunderbolt 4 port, bringing the total to four. Notably, the regular M4 MacBook Pro is now available in a striking Space Black finish, while the classic Space Grey option has been discontinued. The M4 chip is exclusive to the 14-inch model, starting at $1,599 (approximately R28,000).

For those seeking even greater power, the M4 Pro offers a 14-core CPU and a 20-core GPU, doubling the speed of the M4 and achieving a 1.3x performance boost over the M3 Pro. The M4 Pro is available in both the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, allowing users to customise their device to match their requirements.

The top-tier M4 Max, featuring a 16-core CPU and a 40-core GPU, provides a 1.2x performance increase over the M3 Max. Now configured with 24GB of RAM, the M4 Max chip can be integrated into both 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, offering peak performance for professionals who need it.

Both the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips come with advanced features not available on the regular M4, such as Thunderbolt 5, which supports transfer speeds up to 120Gb/s and the ability to connect to four displays. All M4 MacBooks, however, now offer an optional nanotexture display for glare reduction and the 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View for more dynamic video capabilities.

The 16-inch MacBook Pro, with its powerful M4 Max option, starts at $2,499 (approximately R44,000).

That’s Not All: A Boost for the MacBook Air

In a final surprise, Apple has given the MacBook Air a noteworthy upgrade as well. Now, all new MacBook Air orders—whether configured with the M2 or M3 chip—will feature a base 16GB of RAM. This enhancement allows the Air to handle more demanding tasks with ease, making it an even better value in Apple's portable lineup.

With a diverse array of updates across its Mac range, Apple’s latest releases continue to push the boundaries of speed, power, and efficiency. From the compact yet powerful M4 Mac Mini to the ultra-fast M4 Max MacBook Pro, each device has been refined with thoughtful upgrades that cater to both casual users and professionals alike. As Apple consistently raises the bar for performance and innovation, the new Mac models look set to keep Apple firmly at the forefront of computing technology.