Apple has announced plans to update its entire line of Mac computers with a new family of internal processors called the M4 chips. These new processors are designed to enhance Artificial Intelligence (AI) functions and are expected to be released between the end of this year and the beginning of 2025. The M3 processors were introduced by Apple in October 2023 and were touted as having revolutionary technology, being the first 3 nanometer (nm) chips for computers. They boasted a faster CPU and neural engine.
Apple is working to stay competitive with companies like Microsoft and Google, who have been developing AI capabilities for their products. The goal for 2024 is to add AI-powered features to all Apple products, likely to be discussed at the developer conference in June. The new processors will drive these improvements, some of which will be designed to run on the devices themselves rather than on remote servers. Additionally, these enhancements will also trickle down to the iPhone’s processor.
The M4 chips will come in at least three different models: Donan, Brava, and Hydra. Donan chips will be used in the basic MacBook Pro, the new MacBook Air, and a lower-end version of the Mac mini, while Brava chips will power the advanced version of the next MacBook Pro and a more expensive Mac mini model. The high-end desktop Mac Pro will be equipped with the Hydra chip. These new processors are expected to provide significant performance improvements over their predecessors and help Apple maintain its position as a leader in AI technology for consumer electronics.
