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M4 Macs Are Expected to Launch in This Order Starting Later This Year
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If you don't like the M3 iMac, not sure why you would like the M4 (which will likely be exactly the same design, just with an updated chip)
As a motion designer/editor, I care more about the # of performance cores, amount of ram, storage size/speeds, and the number of hardware encoders/decoders. Maybe I'll have a need for AI as it continues to evolved and have an impact on content creation.
When the M series officially doubles the amount of performance cores of the M1 Max chip, that is when I'll pull the trigger on an update so long as it doesn't break the bank. Either that or if I can find a great deal on a 16" M3 Max with at least 64GB ram and 2TB ssd.
When the M series officially doubles the amount of performance cores of the M1 Max chip, that is when I'll pull the trigger on an update so long as it doesn't break the bank. Either that or if I can find a great deal on a 16" M3 Max with at least 64GB ram and 2TB ssd.
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
Nice table but I doubt there are any patterns to be seen or projected from it (yet)... unless now we want to let on that supply chain/Covid were non-events. Conceptually, the implications of this and even Gurman's guesses should be a bit faster overall than the apparent story told here.
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
Remember "supply chain" and "covid"? Conceptually, M-series is A-series for Macs. If A-series is an annual update, M-series can update annually too. History shows that not to be the case but there's that "supply chain" excuse again.
Yeah, we now have some data, but it is not enough to set expectations, except that: Apple doesn't always ship desktops, even if they have the chips.
When the M5 ships, we might have a clearer idea... but then Apple might move to full-on chiplets and everything goes out the window.
It might be slightly more accurate to say that the M*-Series is the A*X series... which ALSO tended to be released on an 18 month cycle, never annually.
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
Of course, you know that if you are buying that M4 MBA in the Spring, rumors will be hot & heavy for M5 as soon as the Fall.
I think Apple could really refine their strategy for releasing chips. Launching their most advanced chips first would greatly benefit them, pleasing professional users and setting a high-performance standard right from the start. For example, I'm considering the upcoming Mac Studio with an M3 chip, but if it launches at WWDC and is soon overshadowed by the M4 in the fall, I'll feel like I purchased outdated technology right off the bat.
The incremental upgrades between generations aren't monumental, but it's disheartening to see the Max series chips make their debut in the MacBook Pros more than six months before they reach the Studio line. This timing feels like Studio buyers are just getting the last batch of the Max chips before the next generation starts rolling out. By flipping this release order—contrary to industry predictions like those from Gurman—Apple could motivate more customers to opt for their top-tier products. I'd be thrilled if Apple introduced the M4 Max in the Mac Studio this summer instead of the M3 Max, allowing them to start releasing chips in the opposite order.
Regular users may not be as concerned about chip specifics, but those investing $3000 or more in a Mac Studio deserve to enjoy top-notch performance for more than just a few months. Honestly, it's exhausting to see Mac Studio enthusiasts consistently last in line for the latest advancements when there’s no real barrier to Apple launching them sooner.
The incremental upgrades between generations aren't monumental, but it's disheartening to see the Max series chips make their debut in the MacBook Pros more than six months before they reach the Studio line. This timing feels like Studio buyers are just getting the last batch of the Max chips before the next generation starts rolling out. By flipping this release order—contrary to industry predictions like those from Gurman—Apple could motivate more customers to opt for their top-tier products. I'd be thrilled if Apple introduced the M4 Max in the Mac Studio this summer instead of the M3 Max, allowing them to start releasing chips in the opposite order.
Regular users may not be as concerned about chip specifics, but those investing $3000 or more in a Mac Studio deserve to enjoy top-notch performance for more than just a few months. Honestly, it's exhausting to see Mac Studio enthusiasts consistently last in line for the latest advancements when there’s no real barrier to Apple launching them sooner.
Mark Gurman has reached a new level, where everything he says is wrong.
Remember this is Marc ‘nothing launching this month’ Gurman and literally 20 minutes later Apple released M3 MacBook Airs.
I still think, if feasible, Apple should continue releasing the chips in reverse order (largest to smallest as they did with M3). This was the topic of a recent MaxTech video...probably their best one in a while...and it makes a lot of sense.
It makes sense financially...and it makes sense reputationally by getting the latest and greatest out in the market ASAP (the halo effect) with the smallest volume/highest margin products.
It makes sense financially...and it makes sense reputationally by getting the latest and greatest out in the market ASAP (the halo effect) with the smallest volume/highest margin products.
I know. Hard to overcome the feeling something better is just around the corner!
Apple should 100% make an 18-inch MacBook Pro.
Given that the studio’s small market share among apple computers it would be very possible apple decides to hold of until M4. Hope not personally as I’d like to get a M3 studio this summer.
Before I read the article, let me see how my educated guesses compare to Gurman's-
MacBook Pro
Mac Mini
Mac Studio
Mac Pro
MacBook Air
Alright, let's see how I did.
I was very close. I forgot about the iMac, and was really only off with the MBA.
MacBook Pro
Mac Mini
Mac Studio
Mac Pro
MacBook Air
Alright, let's see how I did.
I was very close. I forgot about the iMac, and was really only off with the MBA.
You're saying Apple got it wrong with M4 and they shouldn't have released it at the same time as the Pro and Max?
Like I said, I don't need a crazy fast processor for my personal use. Work provide me with a computer for that stuff... no concerns or worries to be found here. 👍🏼
No. It would be very expensive. High-end chips lack the vast volume to reap economies of scale benefits to quickly drive down production costs. Moreover, the high-end chips are built upon the base chips and are slightly later in the development stage.
Great. Apple will just have to wait another year for my (2) maxxed out Mac Pros money.
Until then I'll make due with my intel iMac for my Dolby Atmos mixes.
Until then I'll make due with my intel iMac for my Dolby Atmos mixes.
...have you seen how long Apple has allowed its "pro" products to wither on the vine over the past decade?
Gurman goes from the ridiculous to the sublime (?):
But this rumor is worth featuring on Rumor “News” at 11 pm.
After all, this is actually sounds like a new and different product — “a low-end 14-inch”! That’s intriguing...
Of course, it may come standard with 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD, one port, and no power adapter, but upgrades, dongle hubs, and chargers will be available in $35 to $350 increments!
4. A Mac mini in both M4 and M4 Pro configurations, coming between the end of 2024 and early 2025.
In other words, midnight December 31, 2024! 😁1. A low-end 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M4, coming around the end of 2024.
Not bad — “around” = +-6 months.But this rumor is worth featuring on Rumor “News” at 11 pm.
After all, this is actually sounds like a new and different product — “a low-end 14-inch”! That’s intriguing...
Of course, it may come standard with 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD, one port, and no power adapter, but upgrades, dongle hubs, and chargers will be available in $35 to $350 increments!
Regardless of whether this rumour is true or not, Apple really need to fix its releasing schedule. Having the performance of an Ultra chip being equalled/superseded by a Max chip of the next generation 4 months later is like saying to its customers "don't buy our desktop".