Tag: Apple M4

April 14, 2025
Mark Gurman: iPadOS 19 to Bring New macOS Features This Year
Key Takeaways
1. Apple is positioning the iPad Pro as a laptop alternative with the new M4 chip in 11-inch and 13-inch models priced at $1,099.
2. Current limitations of iPadOS prevent the iPad Pro from providing a full desktop experience, unlike devices like the Surface Pro.
3. iPadOS 19 is expected to launch in September or October, aiming to make the system more similar to macOS.
4. The update will focus on enhancing app window management, multitasking, and overall productivity.
5. Specific details about the changes in iPadOS 19 have not yet been revealed.
Apple has been promoting the iPad Pro as a substitute for laptops for quite some time. With the introduction of the Apple M4 chip, which is available in both the 11-inch and 13-inch models (currently priced at $1,099 on Amazon), the likelihood of these pricey tablets replacing traditional laptops seems stronger than ever.
Limitations of iPadOS
However, the current restrictions of iPadOS still hinder the full potential of the iPad Pro. As we pointed out in our reviews of the iPad Pro 11 and 13 last year, Apple’s claims aside, the iPad Pro cannot yet deliver the same desktop operating system experience as the Surface Pro, even when using the ARM version of Windows 11.
Upcoming Changes
New insights from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg suggest that Apple is planning to bridge this gap with the launch of iPadOS 19. This update is expected to arrive in either September or October and aims to make the operating system “more like macOS” in three main areas.
Gurman indicates that iPadOS 19 will enhance app window management, building on the Stage Manager feature introduced three years ago. Additionally, the update is rumored to improve multitasking and overall productivity. Unfortunately, specific details about what these changes will entail have not yet been disclosed.
Source:
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Tags: Apple M4, iPad Pro, iPadOS 19
March 3, 2025
Apple Teases M4 MacBook Air Launch Coming This Week
Key Takeaways
1. The new MacBook Air is set to feature the Apple M4 chip.
2. Tim Cook hinted at the launch with the phrase “There’s something in the air.”
3. Expect 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models with upgraded RAM to 16 GB.
4. Additional upgrades beyond the M4 chip and RAM are limited.
5. No specific date for the announcement was provided, leaving some uncertainty.
Now that the Apple M4 chip has had some time to develop, it’s ready to make an appearance in a new laptop: the MacBook Air. Recently, Mark Gurman predicted that Apple would unveil its latest laptops this week, and it seems like Tim Cook has confirmed this.
Exciting Teaser
In a recent post on X, Tim shared a not-so-subtle hint stating, “There’s something in the air,” suggesting that this relates to the M4 MacBook Air or possibly a new iPad Air. Since the iPad Air isn’t expected for a while, we can anticipate the launch of new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models shortly.
Expected Upgrades
Besides the M4 chip, a boost in RAM, and some Apple Intelligence features, there don’t seem to be many other upgrades for this generation of MacBook Air. However, you can relax knowing Apple won’t be offering a laptop with just 8 GB of RAM anymore as 16 GB has become standard, even for the previous generation models.
Date Uncertainty
Sadly, Tim did not provide a specific date for the announcement. This is a bit strange since the teaser for the iPhone 16e included a clear date. Perhaps more details will come later, or you might need to stay alert for a quietly announced press release on Apple’s site.
Source:
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Tags: Apple M4, MacBook Air, Tim Cook
January 28, 2025
Coloware Launches Retro Apple Mac Mini with M4 Chip
ColorWare is bringing back the Mac mini as a Retro Edition, which comes in beige or black. This special version features a matte finish and an aluminum body with CNC-milled vents, mimicking the style of computers from the 1980s.
Classic Design Touches
On the top of the device, the modern Apple logo has been swapped for the vibrant logo that Apple used starting in 1977. ColorWare refers to this as a “limited edition,” but they haven’t said how many Retro units will be made. For those buying from other countries, it’s important to know that any warranty issues with this Mac mini must go through ColorWare in the US instead of Apple directly.
Hardware Specs Remain
The hardware itself hasn’t changed: The Retro Edition Mac mini can be equipped with either an Apple M4 or M4 Pro chip, along with options for 16 GB to 24 GB of RAM and a storage capacity ranging from 256 GB to 512 GB SSD. On the back, you’ll find three Thunderbolt 4 ports, one HDMI port, and one Gigabit Ethernet port, while the front hosts two USB-C ports and a headphone jack of 3.5 mm.
Pricing and Shipping Details
ColorWare adds an extra $300 for these design changes compared to the standard Mac mini price, so the entry model featuring the Apple M4, 16 GB RAM, and 256 GB storage is priced at $899 in ColorWare’s online shop. They also ship to many countries around the world (you can see the list here), but buyers need to be aware of added shipping charges and potential import taxes.
Source:
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Tags: Apple M4, ColorWare, Mac mini Retro Edition
January 24, 2025
New Mac Mini Accessory Makes It Nearly Impossible to Steal
Third parties are slowly changing their accessories to fit Apple’s new Mac mini, which is nearly three months old now. While the previous Mac mini models updated the unibody design that Apple first brought in 2010, last year’s version got smaller, measuring 127 x 127 x 50 mm due to a full redesign.
New Compatibility Issues
As a result, the Mac mini with the Apple M4 chip (curr. $569 on Amazon) isn’t compatible with a lot of current accessories. To address this issue, Kensington has introduced what they call a ‘Security Mount’ specifically for the latest Mac mini. They say this mount has several key functions:
Features of the Security Mount
The Kensington Security Mount for Mac mini includes everything necessary to keep your Mac secure. It can function as a mounting bracket, a locking kit, or even both. This mount is custom-built to provide a tight fit while allowing easy access to the power button and ports on the Mac mini.
The Security Mount is made entirely of steel, weighing in at 500 g and measuring 141 x 137 x 70 mm, or 141 x 161 x 70 mm when the lock bar is attached. To put it another way, Kensington’s accessory is nearly as heavy as the Mac mini itself, which weighs 670 g or 730 g depending on whether you choose the M4 or M4 Pro chip at the time of purchase.
Pricing and Lock Features
Moreover, the weight of the Security Mount doesn’t include its included NanoSaver lock, which features a 183 cm carbon steel cable and can be set to one of 10,000 different combinations. You can buy the Kensington Security Mount for Mac mini from Apple for $69.95 in the US, £69.95 in the UK, and €79.95 in the Eurozone. For more details, check out Apple’s product page.
Source:
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Tags: Apple M4, Kensington Security Mount, Mac Mini
January 4, 2025
M4 Mac Users Face Issues with Ultra-Wide Monitors
The Apple M4 chip, found in devices like the new Mac mini, MacBook Pro, and iMac, allows for the connection of up to three external displays (varies by model). This includes support for two monitors with 6K resolution and one at 5K resolution. Alternatively, users can connect an 8K display at 60 Hz or a 4K monitor running at 240 Hz. Despite these capabilities, there are issues reported with specific monitors, as seen in discussions on Reddit and the Apple Community Forum.
Issues with 5K Monitors
Of particular concern are 5K displays with a 21:9 aspect ratio, which have a resolution of 5,120 x 2,160. While these monitors can operate at full resolution, users cannot enable the "HiDPI" mode. This mode scales a resolution of 3,840 x 1,620 to the monitor’s native resolution without losing clarity. Users affected by this problem have noted that these same monitors work perfectly when connected to older Macs equipped with either ARM or Intel chips using the same cables.
Possible Workarounds
Some individuals have managed to resolve this issue by utilizing third-party applications like BetterDisplay; however, doing so limits the frame rate to 60 Hz. There has been no official response from Apple regarding this situation, leaving it uncertain whether the company is addressing the problem. For those using an M4 Mac alongside a 5K x 2K display, the options available, such as BetterDisplay, SwitchRes X, and EasyRes, do provide ways to adjust resolutions, but they come with compromises in frame rate or overall image quality.
Reddit & Apple Community Forum via 9to5Mac
Source: Link
Tags: 5K Monitors, Apple M4, Mac Mini
December 23, 2024
M4 MacBook Air in Mass Production; M4 and M5 Macs Coming 2025
After the Apple M4 was introduced in the iPad Pro earlier this year, it is now being used in the Mac mini, iMac, and MacBook Pro. Based on recent updates from Bloomberg, the forthcoming MacBook Air will likely be available soon, with both the 13-inch and 15-inch models featuring the Apple M4 reportedly “deep in mass production.”
Sales Timeline
This indicates that sales should kick off in the first quarter, likely by the end of March. Additionally, a Mac Studio equipped with a more powerful Apple M4 is set to launch in the middle of next year, followed by an updated Mac Pro. Our tests of the Apple M4 in the iPad Pro reveal that the chip delivers up to 22% better CPU performance compared to the Apple M3 in the MacBook Air, all without requiring a fan. However, the upgrade is mostly beneficial for those using older Intel Macs or M1 MacBook Airs, since the new ARM chip is as much as 70% quicker.
Future Upgrades
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the MacBook Pro is anticipated to receive an upgrade to the Apple M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max by late 2025, but this will not include the much-awaited redesign. The new aesthetic, which will feature a dual OLED display and a 2 nm ARM chip, is now pushed back to 2026, meaning that next year’s version will be focused solely on performance enhancements. It’s still unclear whether other models, like the iMac or Mac mini, will also see an upgrade to the Apple M5 in 2025.
Source: Link
Tags: Apple M4, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro
November 16, 2024
Apple’s New MacBook Pro Could Feature Quantum Dot Displays
Ross Young has shared some new details about the latest MacBook Pro 14 and MacBook Pro 16 models, which come with Apple’s M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chipsets. Apple has not made any alterations to the mini-LED screens in these devices. However, customers can now choose a nano-texture display finish for both models, though this option comes with an extra cost.
Display Brightness Comparison
Apple states that only the nano-texture displays can achieve higher peak brightness levels. They mention that these displays can reach up to 1,000 nits of peak brightness, while the standard displays on both the MacBook Pro 14 and MacBook Pro 16 max out at 600 nits (curr. $1,654 on Amazon).
Technological Advancements
According to Young, the M4 series marks the first time Apple has incorporated Quantum Dot technology into its machines. Previously, Apple used KSF phosphor films for their displays. The reason for this switch is that KSF films were more efficient and did not contain Cadmium, which is heavily regulated in the European Union and several other regions.
Improved Efficiency
The newer Quantum Dot films are claimed to be more efficient than the older versions. These films are said to offer better motion clarity and color accuracy compared to the KSF films, which might explain why Apple has chosen to implement them. In our recent reviews of the MacBook Pro 14, we noticed only slight declines in color space and response times. As per the latest whispers, it seems Apple won’t be introducing significant redesigns for the MacBook Pro 14 and MacBook Pro 16 for at least another two generations.
Ross Young’s insights provide a clearer picture of these exciting developments in Apple’s laptop lineup.
Source: Link,Link,Link
Tags: Apple M4, MacBook Pro 14, MacBook Pro 16
November 5, 2024
Apple’s New Mac Mini: A PS5 Pro Alternative with M4 Chip
Macs have always been in the shadow of PCs when it comes to gaming, and there are a few reasons for this. Firstly, Intel-based models have not performed very well in games. Secondly, the variety of games available on macOS has been limited, and this issue continues even with the introduction of the Apple M series chips.
A New Hope for Gaming on Mac
However, things might be changing with the Mac mini (curr. $799 – 512 GB on Amazon) featuring the new Apple M4 and M4 Pro chipsets. Apple seems to be pushing this new mini-PC as a gaming machine, showcasing titles like Control, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Myst, and Layers of Fear on its website. This is a big step for Apple in the gaming world.
Enhanced Gaming Experience
Additionally, notable games such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Death Stranding are now compatible with the M4 and M4 Pro chipsets, thanks to their upgraded integrated graphics processing units (iGPUs). The compact design of the new Mac mini makes it a great fit for most TV setups. Plus, it offers a high level of Smart TV compatibility, as it comes with a full-sized HDMI 2.1 port included.
Advancements in Technology
The Apple M4 series chipsets also bring support for advanced features like hardware-accelerated ray tracing, mesh shading, and MetalFX AI upscaling, among other enhancements over earlier models. Yet, we have heard similar claims from Apple in the past regarding gaming performance. Therefore, it might be wise to hold off until we see independent reviews. Still, it’s worth noting that the new Mac mini is priced lower than a PlayStation 5 Pro, even though it has a smaller and non-upgradeable storage drive.
Bloomberg & Mark Gurman.
Tags: Apple M4, gaming, Mac Mini
October 24, 2024
Apple Analyst Reveals Insights on MacBook Air, iPhone SE 4, iPhone 17
Apple’s upcoming hardware launch appears to be just around the corner, especially after the new iPad mini was revealed last week. As mentioned yesterday, three new Macs are set to launch together on October 30, all powered by Apple M4 series chipsets. To summarize, the lineup includes the Mac mini, MacBook Pro, and a 24-inch iMac, with 14-inch and 16-inch versions of the popular laptop also expected. Notably, only the Mac mini is likely to see a redesign compared to the current model, which is priced at $529 on Amazon.
New MacBook Airs on the Horizon
According to a recent report from Mark Gurman, Apple has solidified its launch plans for 2025. It seems the company will start the year by introducing new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models. The Apple analyst suggests that these laptops will be released between January and March, and they are codenamed J713 and J715, respectively. Unfortunately, they will not show much visible change apart from the expected upgrade to the Apple M4 chipsets.
iPhone SE 4 and More
In the meantime, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to make its debut sometime next spring, bringing all the features that have leaked thus far. Additionally, an eleventh-generation iPad and a new iPad Air are on the way, along with compatible keyboard accessories. Furthermore, the Mac Studio, which will also be equipped with the M4 chipsets, is anticipated to launch between March and June under the codename J575.
Future of the Mac Pro
Looking ahead, Gurman predicts that Apple will unveil the Mac Pro in the second half of 2025, with an emphasis on internal upgrades rather than external ones. Additionally, Apple’s first smart home display is set for a 2025 release, details of which have been discussed in a separate report. As always, Apple is expected to conclude the summer with the iPhone 17 series, which is still rumored to include the iPhone 17 Air instead of a new “Plus” model.
Tags: Apple M4, iPhone SE 4, MacBook Air
September 30, 2024
Snapdragon X Elite Core Architecture Unveiled: Surprising Insights
The initial shipment of laptops featuring the Snapdragon X Elite began in June this year. This ARM-based chip differentiates itself from Intel processors mainly due to its exceptional power efficiency. This efficiency translates to extended battery life and enables manufacturers to create thinner and lighter devices since less cooling is required.
Qualcomm’s Bold Claims
Despite starting with ambitious efficiency promises from Qualcomm and ending with favorable reviews on battery longevity, there has been limited detailed information available about the chipset until now. Recent developments have unveiled kernel images and the module distribution map of the Snapdragon X Elite, allowing for a comparison with the Apple M4, revealing some intriguing insights.
Size and Transistor Density
The Snapdragon X Elite is only marginally larger than the Apple M4. Its core area measures 169.6 square millimeters, closely matching that of the Apple M4. However, the Snapdragon chip utilizes TSMC‘s 4nm process, while the Apple M4 is manufactured using a 3nm process. This means the Apple M4 can accommodate more transistors per square millimeter than the Snapdragon X Elite. Generally, as manufacturing processes shrink, the space between transistors decreases, enabling a higher transistor count in the same die area. Thus, the Apple M4 is expected to deliver better performance and energy efficiency compared to Qualcomm’s chip, although the performance disparity does not appear to be substantial.
Performance Influencers
While transistor density plays a crucial role, other elements such as architecture, design choices (like the number of CPU cores, cache sizes, and clock speeds), and optimization also greatly influence performance outcomes. For example, the design of individual cores and the integration of AI accelerators are essential factors to consider.
CPU and GPU Specifications
The Snapdragon X Elite features up to 12 Oryon architecture CPU cores, dubbed Phoenix, with each core occupying a single area of 2.55mm². This size is slightly less than the performance core of the Apple M4, which is 3mm², and matches the performance core of the A16. Each core includes 192KB of L1 instruction cache and 96KB of L1 data cache, while every four cores share a total of 12MB of 12-way L2 cache (36MB combined), with a single group area of 6.1mm².
In contrast, the Adreno X1 GPU in the Snapdragon X Elite is only 24.3mm², making it 25% smaller than the GPU in the Apple M4.
Tags: Apple M4, ARM-based PC chip, Snapdragon X Elite