Mario Bautista
Apple is reportedly gearing up for the mass production of its next-generation 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, according to DigiTimes (via MacRumors).
According to sources within Apple’s supply chain, production is set to begin in August 2024, aligning with insights from display analyst Ross Young, who has confirmed that display shipments for the upcoming M4 MacBook Pro models are currently in progress.
This suggests that Apple is on track to launch these devices in the near future, possibly in line with its traditional October announcement schedule.
Apple has a history of unveiling new MacBook Pro models in October, as seen with the release of the 14-inch and 16-inch models equipped with M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips in October 2023. If this trend continues, consumers can expect the new M4-powered MacBook Pros to hit the market in a couple of months.
Earlier this year, the standard M4 chip made its debut in the iPad Pro, delivering up to 25% faster multi-core CPU performance over the M3 chip, according to Geekbench results.
Mark Gurman previously mentioned in his Power On newsletter that the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips would likely be introduced later this year. In addition to the high-end MacBook Pro models, Gurman expects Apple to release three new Macs equipped with the standard M4 chip before the year’s end.
These models may include a lower-end 14-inch MacBook Pro, an updated iMac, and a refreshed Mac mini.
In terms of design, the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models are not expected to undergo significant changes. While there have been rumours about Apple eventually transitioning to OLED displays for its laptops, this shift is still believed to be several years away.
However, there are reports that Apple is planning to make the MacBook Pro thinner within the next couple of years, although these changes are not expected in the upcoming models.
