Mario Bautista
Apple has significantly increased testing for four new Mac models featuring the M4 chip, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The company is preparing to update the MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac with these new chips, with a potential release as early as October.
As reported by MacRumors, the new Macs under testing include configurations with either 16GB or 32GB of Unified Memory. Developer logs reveal that three of the models are equipped with a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, while the fourth features an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU—an M4 configuration not previously reported.
The M4 chip currently used in the 256GB and 512GB iPad Pro models includes a 9-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, while the 1TB and 2TB iPad Pro models use a higher-end variant with a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU. This high-end chip is expected to be included in some of the new Mac models.
Gurman’s report does not cover details about potential M4 Pro or M4 Max chips, which would be used in higher-end versions of the Mac mini, 14-inch MacBook Pro, and 16-inch MacBook Pro. These variants are anticipated to feature additional CPU and GPU cores, along with increased memory capacity.
It remains unclear whether Apple will launch only the lower-end M4 models initially or if there will be plans to introduce M4 Pro and M4 Max versions at a later date. Previous rumors suggest that the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models will be updated, and Gurman has indicated that the upcoming slimmer Mac mini will offer both M4 and M4 Pro chip options.
