As September approaches, Apple has several exciting product launches on the horizon for 2024. Alongside the anticipated iPhone 16 and Apple Watch updates, the company is preparing to unveil at least three new Mac models featuring the latest M4 chips.

**MacBook Pro**

Apple is gearing up to refresh its 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with the new M4 chips. The MacBook Pro line last saw an update in October 2023, making this refresh timely. The 13-inch MacBook Pro was discontinued last year, leaving the entry-level 14-inch model, which will now come equipped with the standard M4 chip found in the iPad Pro.

Higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch models will be upgraded with the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips. These new M4 chips, built on a 3-nanometer process, offer enhanced performance, efficiency, and AI capabilities compared to their M3 predecessors, including a more powerful Neural Engine. No major design changes are expected for the MacBook Pro this year, with Apple focusing on these internal upgrades. The company aims to transition its entire Mac lineup to the M4 series by the end of 2025.

**Mac mini**

In contrast to the MacBook Pro, the Mac mini is set to receive a design overhaul. According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, the new Mac mini will be the smallest model Apple has ever released, potentially comparable in size to the Apple TV, though slightly thicker. It will retain its aluminum construction but in a more compact form.

The updated Mac mini will feature at least three USB-C ports, an HDMI port, and a power cable. The new models will use the M4 and M4 Pro chips, moving from the M2 to the M4 series and offering significant performance improvements.

**iMac**

The 24-inch iMac is also slated for an update this year, transitioning from the M3 to the M4 chip. No design changes are expected, so the iMac will continue to feature its current 24-inch display with multiple color options. Although Apple is exploring a larger ~30-inch version, a release for this model is not anticipated in 2024, and its availability in 2025 remains uncertain.

**Expected Release Timeline**

Apple typically reveals Macs at events held later in the year, separate from the September launches that focus on iPhones and Apple Watches. A possible event for new iPhone 16 models is expected around September 10, but Mac announcements will likely follow later in the year.

In the past, Apple has introduced new Macs in October or November. For instance, the company held a Mac-centric event in October 2023 for the MacBook Pro and iMac refreshes. Historical event dates include:

– October 30, 2023: Scary Fast event with the MacBook Pro and iMac.
– October 18, 2021: Unleashed event with new MacBook Pro models and AirPods 3.
– November 10, 2020: One More Thing event with M1 MacBook Air, Mac mini, and MacBook Pro.
– October 30, 2018: Refresh of the MacBook Air, Mac mini, and iPad Pro.
– October 27, 2016: New MacBook Pro and Apple TV app unveiling.

Alternatively, Apple might opt for a press release to announce the new Macs, potentially replicating the smaller event format seen last year for the M3 models.

**Looking Ahead to 2025**

While the MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini are expected to debut with the M4 chips by the end of this year, updates for the MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro with M4 chips are anticipated to be scheduled for 2025.