The Mac Week rundown: New M4 processors and more!

Apple’s Mac lineup is usually launched in separate months, spread throughout the year. This year though, Apple updated most of the lineup in one week leading to a great view of the direction they are taking with the desktop models. From the new M4 to the smaller Mac Mini, here’s everything that happened in what I call Mac Week.

Updated iMac

The iconic desktop Mac is now powered by the M4 processor that was launched earlier this year alongside the new iPad Pro. It made the iMac 1.7x faster (compared to the M1 version) and up to 2.1x faster in gaming and photo editing. There’s also new bits to it like the 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View, and now up to 4 Thunderbolt 4 ports.

Starting at PHP 84,990, the new iMac now starts with 16GB of Unified Memory, along with 256GB of storage. There’s also now an option for nano-texture glass that reduces reflections and glares. There are new shades of green, yellow, orange, pink, purple and blue along with the Apple silver. It comes with a color-matched Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse (or optional Magic Trackpad) that all feature USB-C so you only need one cable to charge your devices (if you’ve bought into the latest iPad and iPhone). 

M4 Pro and M4 Max

With new Macs are new processors and this year isn’t different. Apple has beefed up their second-generation 3nm process to create the more powerful version of the M4, the M4 Pro and M4 Max. 

The M4 Pro has up to 14 CPU cores with 10 performance cores and up to 20 GPU cores allowing for faster 3D rendering. It can support up to 64GB of Unified Memory with 273GB/s of memory bandwidth. It also allows for Thunderbolt 5 support doing 120Gb/s data transfers. 

Those who demand more power will find a home in the new M4 Max. It has up to 16 CPU cores with 12 performance cores, and up to 40 GPU cores. It can handle up to 128GB of Unified Memory and 546 GB/s reading speeds. It can also support Thunderbolt 5 with up to 120 GB/s data transfers. 

Smaller Mac Mini

The updated Mac Mini now takes less space in your table. It’s now 5” x 5” but a bit taller at almost 2 inches, weighing 0.67kg – 0.73kg depending on the variant. Remember the previous generation Mac Mini takes 7.7” x 7.7” and is 1.4 inches tall weighing 1.2 kg. 

Aside from the size, the new Mac Mini has a different orientation for its ports. There are now USB-C ports in front, along with the audio jack. At the back are the standard connections like additional Thunderbolt ports, and HDMI. What’s weird is Apple moved the power button from the rear corner into the underside of one corner.

Its taller height is thanks to the more robust cooling system that doubles as its stand. It can take in more air to make sure the whole unit stays cool under pressure and renderings. 

The new Mac Mini is also the first carbon neutral Mac from Apple. More than half of its parts are made from recycled materials. Some are 100% recycled like the aluminum body, gold plating in the circuit boards, and the rare Earth element in the magnets. It’s also made with 100% renewable energy.

Recycling has its perks as the new, smaller, but more powerful Mac Mini starts cheaper at PHP 36,990 and already comes with 16GB of Unified Memory and 256GB of SSD Storage. You can also opt for the M4 Pro processor for an additional fee. 

M4 Macbook Pro

Of course, the most popular laptop for creators get its slice of update too. The M4 batch of processors finally found their way into the 14 and 16-inch Macbook Pros that are available in Silver and Space Black colors. 

Aside from the new chip, the M4 Macbook Pro can now support 2 high-resolution external displays in addition to the built-in display. There’s also 3 Thunderbolt 4 Ports for the M4 model, while Thunderbolt 5 is on the M4 Pro and M4 Max iterations. 

Another advantage of the new generation processors is the longer battery life. The M4 14-inch MBP can now run up to 24 hours with video streaming (22 hrs with M4 Pro, 18 hrs with M4 Max). The bigger 16-inch model that starts with M4 Pro can also last for 24 hours with video streaming, or 21 hours with the M4 Max.

Just like the iMac, the new Macbook Pros now have the option for a nano-texture display to reduce glare and reflections. The screen is also brighter at 1000 nits for SDR content and 1600 nits for HDR content. It also received the new 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View.

The 14-inch Macbook Pro starts with the M4 processor with 16GB of Unified Memory and 512GB of SSD Storage for PHP 99,990 and comes with the 70W Power Adapter. The bigger 16-inch Macbook Pro begins with the M4 Pro processor, 24GB of Unified Memory, and 512GB of SSD Storage for PHP 159,990 with a 140W power brick. 

A small update was also given to the existing Macbook Air lineup with M2 and M3 processors. Their base model now has 16GB of Unified Memory while still starting at PHP 59,990. 

With these, it would be a waiting game if Apple will also update the existing Mac Studio and Mac Pro along with a new M Ultra processor. Although reviving the iMac Pro wouldn’t be a bad deal either.