Why it’s important: Apple is likely to announce a number of M4-powered devices later this month before releasing some on November 1st. These devices include updates for MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini. The iPad mini 7 is also expected to be announced in Cupertino.
According to Bloomberg’s Apple general expert Mark Gurman, Apple plans to announce several products at the end of October. These include low-end and high-end 14-inch MacBook Pro models and 16-inch models, all powered by the latest M4 SoC, currently only found in the new iPad Pro, and a mini LED panel. Equipped with:
Garman believes Apple will also introduce an improved Mac mini with M4 and M4 Pro chip configurations. The Mac mini is reportedly scheduled for its first major design overhaul since 2010. It is expected to be about the same size as the Apple TV set-top box, albeit slightly taller.
According to people involved in the Mac mini’s development, the Mac mini will look like an iPad Pro wrapped in an aluminum shell, and Apple will offer at least three USB-C ports (no USB-A required). They said they tested a model with an HDMI port and power cable.
Garman previously said that the updated M4 Pro version of the Mac mini has five USB-C ports, three on the back and two on the front, similar to the Mac Studio. This model also retains the existing Ethernet port, HDMI connector, and headphone jack.
A new iMac may also arrive this year. This all-in-one doesn’t have the overhauled design of the Mac mini, but it will be powered by the M4 SoC. This also means Apple will likely revamp the Magic accessory to include USB-C rather than a Lightning port.
Hopefully, Apple will address the display issues on the latest iMacs that are affecting many M1 iMac (and some M3 iMac) users.
The last device Garman mentioned is the iPad mini 7. He hasn’t revealed which chips will power that slate – the iPad mini 6 has the A15 Bionic – but Apple could repeat what it did with the latest 11-inch and 13-inch iPads. Air models and the new iPad mini have the M2 chip.
Garman said another big change for Apple is that new Macs will now come with 16GB of RAM as standard, rather than the 8GB that has been the standard for about a decade. Apple Intelligence requirements may have played a role in this decision.
One of the devices Garman expects Apple to release early next year is the new iPhone SE. It is said to eliminate the home button in favor of Face ID, an OLED display, and Apple Intelligence.
