What Rumors Say About Apple’s Mac Plans
If that happens, Apple’s next event will be its last major launch of the year. Rumor has it that Apple will hold its next keynote towards the end of October, and according to Mark Gurman , the new devices will begin shipping on November 1st.
Apple isn’t trying very hard to keep these details secret either. We even have a full device leak in the form of the M4 MacBook Pro, something that hasn’t happened since the iPhone 4. If you’re on the fence about buying a MacBook or Mac mini, you should really wait until the end of the month.
M4 MacBook Pro, now with 16GB RAM
We’ve already seen a few unboxing videos of the new base model M4 MacBook Pro. This is the most interesting update as it looks like the base MacBook Pro will finally move to 16GB of RAM along with an updated M4 processor. (Currently , only the iPad Pro has the M4 chip .) Previously, MacBook Pros at this price point started with 8GB of RAM, which, while adequate for some, was too little for many professional uses.
Apple will also add an additional Thunderbolt port on the right side of this computer, and it will be available in Space Black for the first time. (This color was reserved for the more expensive last-generation Pro models.) At a base price of $1,599, it no longer feels like a compromise MacBook, especially with a powerful M4 processor. It might even convince some MacBook Air users to pay $500 extra for a better screen, more RAM, and a new design.
Additionally, the more expensive MacBook Pros will also receive M4 upgrades, but with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips.
M4 Mac mini in an updated, smaller form factor
If you have an Apple TV, take a closer look. Word in town is that the new Mac mini will have a form factor similar to Apple’s streaming box. We don’t know the dimensions yet, but rumors suggest it will be a much smaller design with ports at the front. (This was a big hit in Mac Studio). We can also get 16GB of base RAM, which will make this machine very powerful and affordable. It will come with M4 and M4 Pro chips.
M4 iMac, with slight protrusion
The iMac can also be upgraded with an M4 chip and 16GB of RAM for the base mode. Otherwise, most likely, there will be nothing new here.
However, it’s possible that Apple will finally update iMac accessories like the Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad with USB-C ports instead of the Lightning connector. Apple’s deadline to switch to USB-C for all of its products in the EU is quickly approaching , so it would make sense for the company to finally make the switch.
iPad mini 7 is out now
There have been rumors that the iPad mini will finally be unveiled at this supposed October event. However, it seems Apple couldn’t wait. In a press release, Apple announced the latest iPad mini, which features the same 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display as the previous model, but now has the A17 Pro chip inside. It’s significantly more powerful than the A15 Bionic chip in the iPad mini 6, which enables this new iPad mini to power Apple Intelligence . The base model, which still costs $499, now has 128GB of internal storage instead of 64GB.
Rumors have pointed to Apple finally fixing the “jelly scrolling” issue that plagues screens in portrait orientation. The right side of the iPad mini 6 display refreshes faster than the left side, leaving a “jelly” or “wave” effect when scrolling. It wasn’t a deal breaker, but it was a bit of a shame for such a premium product. We won’t know if Apple has fixed this issue in the latest mini device until we hands-on test the device.
For everything else there is 2025.
Even after the above updates, many Apple devices will not be included in the M4 update. That’s normal: According to Gurman , Apple is gradually moving away from an annual product release cycle, starting with updates for the Mac and iPad.
M4 updates could arrive in the first half of the year for the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air, as well as the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air. Apple may also update the iPhone SE along with new AirTags.
But judging by the rumors, Mac Studio with the M4 chip will not be released until the middle of next year, perhaps by WWDC in June. The Mac Pro could be the last to receive the update at the end of 2025.