For what seems like the first time in ages, Apple is gearing up to upgrade every single Mac model with the anticipated M4 chip. If the rumors turn out to be true, this could mark the first widespread overhaul of Apple's Mac lineup since 2013. The last decade has seen the tech giant gradually transition from Intel processors to its own M series chips, and the introduction of the M4 could well be the most significant leap yet.
This fall, Apple unveiled its first Macs featuring the M4 chip: the MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini. These new models come with numerous enhancements including additional and faster Thunderbolt ports, improved display options with nano-texture finishes, and upgraded Center Stage camera capabilities.
While these recent updates covered major portions of the Mac lineup, some models remain on the clock for updates. According to experts like Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the MacBook Air is set to receive its M4 upgrade by spring, followed by both the Mac Studio and Mac Pro, which are expected to receive the updates by mid-2025. If all of this holds up, it means every Mac model will be updated to the latest technology, something Apple hasn't achieved across its entire lineup for more than ten years.
Historical Context of Mac Refreshes
Historically, Apple has had few instances where every Mac model was refreshed at the same time. Back when Apple introduced its M1 chip, almost every Mac received some form of upgrade over the span of 18 months, leaving only the Mac Pro out of the mix. The infrequent refreshes of the Mac Pro have oftentimes served as useful indicators for the entire lineup.
The last refresh of the Mac Pro happened back in 2023, when it got the M2 Ultra chip. This rounded off the updates for most of the Macs, which began with the MacBook Air and the 13-inch MacBook Pro at WWDC22, followed by the Mac mini and MacBook Pro updates early the next year, and concluding with the Mac Studio and Mac Pro later at WWDC23. Notably, there was no refresh for the iMac during the M2 update, which marred the continuity for the lineup.
Looking back even more, 2019 stands out as another year where most Macs received updates, including the iMacs, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro. With the introduction of the new 16-inch MacBook Pro and the Mac Pro late in the same year, it was another situation showcasing Apple's somewhat imperfect refresh cycles, as both the iMac Pro and Mac mini skipped their turn.
The last time there was a comprehensive update across all Mac models within twelve months happened back in 2013, when Apple launched its iconic trashcan Mac Pro along with other updates for the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini.
Looking Ahead
If all the indications and rumors are on point, we can look forward to the M4 chip marking the first occasion in over ten years where Apple has realistically managed to refresh every Mac model simultaneously. With the MacBook Air already appearing as one of the sure bets for upgrade, the expectations surrounding the Mac Studio and Mac Pro also remain optimistic.
There’s certainly hope among Apple enthusiasts and tech fans alike, with many wishing this unification of the Mac lineup continues going forward. Predictability around product releases could take the guesswork out of knowing when to invest in Apple’s offerings, which has often felt like reading tea leaves for consumers.
What are your thoughts on Apple’s upcoming M4 Mac lineup? Do you think this restructuring is a step toward more regular updates across their products? Let us know your opinions!