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| Everything We Know So Far About the Highly Anticipated Apple MacBook Pro M4 |
The Apple MacBook Pro lineup is one of the most popular and powerful laptops among creative professionals, software developers, and other power users. With each new generation, Apple raises the bar even higher with faster processors, longer battery life, and other enhancements. The newest addition to this lineup - the MacBook Pro M4 - is one of the most eagerly awaited laptops of 2022. While the device has not been officially announced yet, rumors and leaks have provided an early look at what we can expect.
In this blog post, we'll cover everything known so far about the MacBook Pro M4's specs, release date, and more. We'll also address some of the most common questions users have about Apple's next flagship laptop. Let's dive in!
What We Know About MacBook Pro M4 Specs
One of the biggest areas of interest around any new MacBook is the processor. The M4 chip promises to take Apple Silicon to new heights with even more powerful performance in a more efficient package. Here are some of the key specs we've heard about the MacBook Pro M4 so far:
Processor: Apple M4 chip with 10 CPU cores (8 performance cores and 2 efficiency cores) and 10 GPU cores.
Memory: Starts with 16GB of unified memory but expected to go up to 64GB.
Storage: SSD storage capacities of 512GB, 1TB, 2TB and 4TB.
Display: Liquid Retina XDR displays of 14 and 16 inches with ProMotion technology for 120Hz refresh rates.
Ports: HDMI, MagSafe, SD card slot and multiple Thunderbolt/USB-C ports.
Camera: 1080p FaceTime HD camera.
Battery Life: Up to 20 hours of video playback promised.
If Apple delivers on these specs, the M4 promises breakthrough levels of power and performance for resource-intensive workflows like video editing, 3D modelling, programming and more. The inclusion of an SD card slot and HDMI port will also please pro users.
MacBook Pro M4 Release Date Rumors
At this point, the release timing for the MacBook Pro M4 is Apple's biggest secret. But the rumors point to an unveiling happening sometime in the fall, likely in October or November 2022. Here are a few indications we have about when it may launch:
- Development cycles point to a yearly refresh of the MacBook Pro lineup in the fall.
- The M1 Pro and M1 Max MacBooks launched in October 2021, so a fall 2022 debut for the M4 models aligns with that timing.
- Supply chain reports have mentioned components ramping up in the third quarter of 2022, suggesting launch preparations are underway.
- WWDC 2022 in June came and went without any hardware reveals, pushing expectations to a fall special event instead.
Unless any delays pop up, most analysts are confident Apple will officially take the wraps off its latest pro laptops in the coming months ahead of the holiday shopping season. Of course, the ongoing chip shortage could still impact mass production and availability.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the MacBook Pro M4
Now that we covered what's known about specs and release timing, let's take a look at some of the top questions users have regarding Apple's next pro laptop.
How much will the MacBook Pro M4 cost?
Pricing details have not leaked out yet, but based on previous models, here are reasonable estimates for the MacBook Pro M4 price range:
- 14-inch entry model: $1,999-2,299
- 14-inch high-end model: $2,499-2,799
- 16-inch entry model: $2,499-2,799
- 16-inch high-end model: $2,999-3,499
Of course, more premium configurations with maximum RAM and storage could push costs even higher. Education discounts may lower the entry price slightly as well. Overall, expect a similar price bracket to the current M1 Pro/Max models.
Will the MacBook Pro M4 have a Mini LED display?
All signs point to yes! The 2021 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models ushered in a new era of pro laptop displays with their stunning Liquid Retina XDR screens featuring Mini LED backlighting, ProMotion refresh rates and super-high brightness. It's a safe bet the M4 will continue offering the same great displays. The Mini LED technology helps produce incredible HDR content and wide color gamuts ideal for creative work.
How much faster will the M4 chip be than M1/M1 Pro/M1 Max?
Based on leaked benchmark results, the M4 should offer significant generational performance gains over previous Apple silicon chips:
- Single-core scores showed around a 30-40% increase over the M1 Pro.
- Multi-core showed around 25-35% higher than the M1 Pro and M1 Max.
Real-world usage will vary, but pro users can expect noticeably snappier response and the ability to handle bigger workloads faster than before thanks to the 2 additional CPU cores and higher memory bandwidth of the M4. Video exporting, 3D rendering and other intensive tasks should fly in comparison.
In Closing
With a faster M4 chip on the way along with display, port and design refinements, the MacBook Pro 2022 lineup promises to set a new standard for high-end laptop computing. While Apple is keeping further details under wraps for now, the leaks and rumors paint a promising picture of what's to come. Be sure to stay tuned for official launch events this fall where the MacBook Pro M4 will likely dazzle and impress. With performance leaps like this, it's easy to understand why the MacBook Pro remains such a popular choice among creative professionals.