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This year, Apple has introduced an engaging new event unofficially named Mac Week, coinciding with its earnings call on Thursday. Over three days, the tech giant unveiled exciting updates and new products focused on the new M4 chip, designed specifically for enhanced Apple Intelligence capabilities. The announcements included an updated iMac, Mac mini, MacBook Pro, and the integration of Apple Intelligence across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.
iMac (M4)
The M4-powered iMac maintains its familiar design with some fresh color options, but it boasts significantly improved performance. Apple claims this all-in-one desktop can achieve productivity speeds that are 1.7 times faster and is 2.1 times faster in demanding tasks such as gaming or photo editing. A key upgrade is that the base model now features 16GB of RAM, a considerable increase from the previous 8GB.
This model retains the 24-inch 4.5K Retina display and the aluminum unibody structure, now complemented by a new nano-texture glass screen option to minimize glare. Additionally, it comes equipped with a 12MP Center Stage camera supporting Apple’s Desk View feature.
Pre-orders for the M4 iMac start at $1,299, with deliveries and in-store sales set to begin on November 8.
Mac mini (M4, M4 Pro)
The new Mac mini showcases a compact design, measuring only five inches by five inches and standing two inches tall, making it slightly larger than the Apple TV 4K. It offers both M4 and M4 Pro configurations. Apple states that the M4 version is up to 1.8 times faster than its M1 counterpart, with graphics performance surging by up to 2.2 times. Impressively, it supports 38 TOPS of AI processing power, eclipsing the M3 chip’s 18 TOPS.
This edition of the Mac mini has transitioned away from legacy USB ports, now featuring two USB-C ports on the front and three Thunderbolt USB-C ports on the back, along with HDMI and Ethernet ports.
The M4 Mac mini is available for pre-order, starting at $599, while the more powerful M4 Pro variant starts at $1,399, with availability set for November 9.
MacBook Pro (M4, M4 Pro, M4 Max)
The new M4 MacBook Pro represents a pivotal moment for Apple, given that most of its sales come from the MacBook category. The new lineup includes options for M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips. Apple highlights that the M4 Pro is up to three times faster than its predecessor, the M1 Pro, while the M4 Max is 3.5 times more powerful than the M1 Max. The base M4 variant also shows significant speed improvements for tasks like photo editing and rendering.
Equipped with a powerful Neural Engine for Apple Intelligence, the M4 series continues to include 16GB of RAM as standard, providing robust performance. The display options mirror those of the iMac, featuring high brightness levels and exceptional video conferencing capabilities thanks to the inclusion of a 12MP Center Stage camera.
Available in both 14-inch and 16-inch designs, the MacBook Pro’s pricing starts at $1,599 for the 14-inch M4 variant, while the M4 Pro begins at $1,999 and the M4 Max at $3,199, with the 16-inch Pro starting at $2,499.
Apple Intelligence Cometh
Apple has introduced a variety of on-device AI features to consumers, eliminating the need for beta software. These new tools encompass capabilities such as proofreading, content restructuring, live transcription for calls, and notification summaries. Enhancements to Siri have also been included, with features for typed queries and improved recognition of speech patterns.
However, it’s important to note that Apple Intelligence is only available on select recent devices across its major product categories. For iPhones, this includes the iPhone 15 Pro and the new iPhone 16 series. iPads require M-series chips, while Macs need Apple Silicon, which has been available on models over the past four years.
To utilize the initial features of Apple Intelligence, users will need iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, or macOS Sequoia 15.1, with further enhancements planned for future OS versions.
AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Features
A noteworthy announcement from Apple includes innovative hearing health tools for AirPods Pro 2 users. These features were first revealed at the September iPhone launch event and offer capabilities such as a clinically validated hearing test, hearing protection for environments like concerts, and the potential to function as a hearing aid for mild to moderate impairment, redirecting to professionals as necessary.
For detailed insights, audio expert Billy Steele has tested these features personally, documenting his experience taking the hearing test and using the AirPods for hearing protection in live settings.
Source
www.engadget.com