Recent rumors suggest that Apple is preparing to launch a long-awaited refresh of the iMac to the M4 platform, along with upgrades to the Mac Mini.
This enhancement is part of Apple’s ongoing initiative to improve macOS desktops with newer, faster processors that leverage the company’s advanced capabilities.
Despite a decline in market share for Mac desktops in favor of more portable MacBooks and iPads – particularly in the trend toward a post-computer world – Apple continues to focus on developing office workstations for applications that require higher performance in a centralized setting.
Typically, the iMac represents the next logical upgrade following enhancements to the MacBooks equipped with the Apple Silicon M4 chip.
Observations about Apple Store inventories show that stock levels for the iMac, Mac Mini, MacBook Pro, and accessories are very low, indicating that an upgrade is imminent.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the upcoming Apple Silicon roadmap will feature designs similar to the previous M3 models, but with a next-generation M4 chip.
The new iMac is expected to be a 24-inch model with a slightly lower resolution 4.5K display and 500 nits of brightness.
Image Credit – Apple
The Mac Mini is rumored to undergo a complete redesign, making it more space-efficient and compact – the first ground-up redesign since 2010.
Gurman speculates that the Mini will shrink to roughly the size of the current Apple TV puck, about 3.7 inches square and slightly taller. There are also rumors that the Mini will come in a standard M4 configuration like the iPad Pro or a more powerful M4 Pro chip.
Furthermore, Gurman notes that a new M4 MacBook Pro is expected to be announced on November 1st, featuring 14- and 16-inch sizes, a 10-core M4 Apple Silicon CPU, a 10-core GPU, and 16 GB of RAM.
There will likely be two versions, including the M4 Pro and M4 Max.
Image Credit – Apple
After the launch of the 24-inch iMac and the Mac Mini, Apple is expected to shift its marketing focus to the pro-grade Mac Studio and the Mac Pro “cheesegrater” tower, both of which are due for updates but typically receive upgrades during irregular intervals.
Gurman indicates that this time, the goal is to refresh all macOS desktops to support the widespread adoption of Apple’s advanced technology moving forward.
Image Credit – Apple
An announcement about these updates is anticipated within the next 10 days at an online event, with shipping expected to begin on November 1st.
“I have seen no evidence to suggest Apple will hold a large-scale, iPhone-like event at its headquarters with the press,” Gurman stated. “Instead, I expect the announcement to be online-focused, offering press hands-on opportunities, similar to last year’s ‘Scary Fast’ event.”
This means users should be prepared to wait a few more days before upgrading to the next significant advancement in Apple computing. After all, patience is indeed a virtue.
[source: Cult of Mac, Mark Gurman, Bloomberg]
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