According to rumors, the whole Mac lineup will be revamped by introducing almost updated ‘M4’ chips from late 2024 through 2025. The newest M4 chip, made especially for the recently unveiled mid-range desktop computer, the ‘Mac Studio,’ Apple is refreshing their entire Mac lineup in 2024 and 2025, according to a report.
The Upcoming Apple M4 Mac Studio
Sources that the M4 chip lineup contains the normal M4, M4 expert, M4 Max, and a top-of-the-range Hidra version, which might be an “Ultra” edition equivalent for the M2 Ultra or an even stronger version. The M2 Ultra joins together two M2 Max dies; no M3 Ultra version has been made yet, but VR believes it will be a separate chip rather than a dual Max die.
The M3 Max lacks the UltraFusion interconnect hinting that future Ultra chips may undergo dedicated development for robust tasks. Apple might customize core numbers for power optimization and enhance GPU cores.
Current Mac Studio models utilize M2 Max and M2 Ultra chips, likely to be succeeded by M4 Max and M4 Ultra variants. Besides the Mac Pro, the Mac Studio stands as the sole Apple machine employing “Ultra” chips. Targeted at users with demanding workflows, the Mac Studio prioritizes advanced computing and graphics. Given the similarity with the Mac Pro, a beefier M4 Ultra variant could be in the works for the latter.
As Apple pivots towards AI across its products, the M4 is anticipated to amplify AI and machine learning capabilities, potentially featuring an upgraded Neural Engine. Memory capacity could see a boost, with the next Mac Studio and Mac Pro supporting up to 500GB of Unified Memory, a significant increase from the current 192GB limit.
As far as M3 updates go, the iMac and MacBook lines, including MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, received M3 refreshers, but it’s unknown if the desktop machines will get the same treats in 2025. If Apple is skipping the M3 refreshes and heading for an M4 refresh, it seems unlikely.
The Mac Studio design remains unchanged since the 2022 launch, and overhauls are typically done after a few years. A design refresh will not be expected until 2026 or later. The Mac Studio with the M4 is anticipated to be released in mid-2025, which could mean that it will be released in conjunction with the WWDC.
