Photo credit: www.theverge.com
Apple has officially launched its new M4 Mac lineup, unveiling a range of devices designed to cater to various user needs. This includes an entry-level MacBook Pro equipped with the M4 chip, priced at $1,599. In addition, the lineup features the M4 Pro and M4 Max models available in 14- and 16-inch variants, starting at $1,999 and $2,499 respectively. Also making its debut is a 24-inch M4 iMac, alongside an updated Mac Mini noted for its compact size and powerful M4 chip. Preorders are set to begin at $1,299 for the iMac and $599 for the Mac Mini, with a general release date on November 8th.
In terms of performance enhancements, the 2024 Macs emphasize increased RAM capacity, designed to complement the features of macOS Sequoia 18.1 that focuses on Apple Intelligence. Notably, entry-level models like the M4 MacBook Pro, M4 iMac, and M4 Mac Mini now come with 16GB of RAM, an increase from the previous 8GB. The M4 Pro MacBook models offer 18GB, stepping back from the earlier maximum of 24GB.
While many features appear consistent with previous versions, the M4 Mac Mini distinguishes itself with a significantly smaller footprint compared to the M2 Mini from last year. It also boasts a rearranged input/output configuration, including a 3.5mm audio jack and dual USB-C/Thunderbolt ports on the front, plus three additional USB-C ports, gigabit ethernet, and HDMI on the back. Notably, the base M4 Mini supports Thunderbolt 4, while the M4 Pro variant leverages the improved capabilities of Thunderbolt 5.
Regarding webcam technology, all M4 MacBook variants come with improved 12-megapixel cameras that support Apple’s Desk View mode, enhancing the video conferencing experience. The iMac mirrors this trend with its camera upgrade and also introduces new color options without altering its external appearance significantly. Comprehensive testing of these new models, including the M4 MacBooks, Mac Minis, and iMac, is yet to be conducted, but early adopters have several preorder options available.
Preorder Information for the MacBook Pro with M4
Currently, the entry-level M4 MacBook Pro, available exclusively in a 14-inch model, features 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, maintaining its starting price of $1,599. Noteworthy additions include an additional USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 port and the introduction of a new space black color option. Preorders are now open through Apple, in anticipation of the product’s November 8th launch date.
For customers looking for greater storage, options include upgrading to a 1TB SSD for an additional $200, a 2TB option for $400, and RAM upgrades allowing for 24GB at $200 and 32GB for $400. An optional nano-texture display is also available for an extra $150, aimed at reducing reflections on the screen.
$1599
The base M4 MacBook Pro retains its starting price of $1,599 while providing enhanced features such as doubled RAM and the addition of a new color choice, space black.
Preorder Information for the MacBook Pro with M4 Pro
The 14-inch MacBook Pro featuring the M4 Pro chip can now be preordered from Apple for $1,999. This configuration includes a 12-core CPU and a 16-core GPU, along with 24GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. For those seeking more performance, upgrading to a variant with a 14-core CPU and a 20-core GPU incurs an additional $200. Customers can also upgrade the storage to 1TB for $200, 2TB for $600, or 4TB for $1,200, while doubling RAM to 48GB costs an extra $400.
Additionally, consumers have the option to upgrade to the M4 Max chip, which starts with a 14-core CPU and a 32-core GPU, with an $800 charge for the base configuration that includes 36GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. Further options are available to increase GPU performance or RAM, with the highest storage capacity reaching 8TB at a premium of $2,200.
The 16-inch MacBook Pro models follow suit in their pricing structure. Starting at $2,499, they come equipped with a 14-core / 20-core M4 Pro chip, along with similar memory and storage options as the 14-inch counterpart. The M4 Max version begins at $3,499, maintaining the same RAM and upgrade features as the 14-inch model, but requiring a step up to the $3,999 model for memory upgrades.
Both the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro configurations can feature the glare-reducing nano-textured display option for an additional $150 and are available in either space black or silver.
$1999
The 14-inch MacBook Pro, equipped with a 12-core / 16-core M4 Pro chip, sees an increase to 24GB of RAM compared to its predecessor, reflecting a significant boost in performance. It retains a 512GB SSD and introduces improved connectivity features with Thunderbolt 5 ports.
$2499
The 16-inch MacBook Pro features enhanced computing capabilities, including additional processing cores compared to the 14-inch model while sharing the same connectivity benefits and camera upgrades.
Preorder Information for the M4 iMac
The new iMac comes bundled with a Magic Keyboard and either a Magic Mouse or a Magic Trackpad (the latter incurs an additional $50 charge) and boasts USB-C port compatibility. Preorders for the iMac can be made through Apple, with the base model starting at $1,299 available in a variety of colors, including green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver.
Standard base configurations of the iMac include Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, an 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU, and 16GB of RAM, with upgrade options available for both RAM and storage. Notably, an additional $200 will increase RAM to 24GB, or storage to 512GB, while 1TB and 2TB storage upgrades are available for $400 and $800 respectively. There is also an option for nano-textured glass to mitigate glare, available for an extra $200.
$1299
The new 24-inch iMac features Apple’s M4 chip and provisions for Apple Intelligence, offering significant upgrades from its predecessor, including higher standard RAM and improved webcam functionality.
Preorder Information for the M4 Mac Mini
The M4 Mac Mini is available for preorder from Apple, Amazon, and Best Buy, starting at $599 in its base configuration that includes a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. Upgrades for storage range from $200 for 512GB, $400 for 1TB, to $800 for 2TB. Additionally, RAM can be expanded to 24GB or 32GB for $200 and $400 respectively.
An M4 Pro variant is also available for preorder starting at $1,399, featuring a 12-core CPU, a 16-core GPU, and 24GB of RAM with a 512GB SSD.
$599
The latest Mac Mini showcases Apple’s advanced M4 chips in an even more compact design, starting with 16GB of RAM across models and offering a robust variety of ports, including five Thunderbolt connections and HDMI.
Update, October 30th: Added preorder details regarding Apple’s new M4 MacBook Pro models. New retailer links for the M4 Mac Mini have also been included.
Source
www.theverge.com