It’s probably an understatement to call generative AI the tech trend of current times. It mostly started with the public rollout of tools like ChatGPT and its competing variants, followed by the inclusion of a neural processing unit (NPU) of some sort in just about every new high-end smart device. Apple’s computers will be included in the list later in the year, when it releases its M4 chip.
Bloomberg cites sources that claim the bitten fruit brand “is already nearing production” of said M4 chips. There will be at least three main varieties, much like previous generations, which probably means a base, a Pro and a Max variant. These even come with the codenames of Donan, Brava and Hidra, respectively. And just about every model of the Mac will be updated to feature the new chips.
More specifically, there will be M4-powered iMacs, Mac minis, a “low-end 14-inch MacBook Pro”, as well as 14- and 16-inch models of the high-end MacBook Pros. These are said to be releasing within a window of late this year and early next. Following these are MacBook Air models of both 13- and 15 inch varieties coming in Spring (late March – late June) of 2025, a Mac Studio in the middle of the year, and a Mac Pro to close the calendar out.
With this year’s edition of the WWDC scheduled, we will likely see a preview of the generative AI features that the new Macs will sport. Though it remains to be seen if the M4 chip itself would make an appearance. For context, the first Apple Silicon chip, the M1, was unveiled in November of 2020. The M2 followed in June of 2022, with the M3 coming in October of last year.
(Source: Bloomberg)
