Apple is facing shipping delays on custom configurations of its M3 MacBook Pro, M2 Mac mini, and M3 iMac models. If you order one today, it won’t arrive until nearly the end of the month. Shipping delays on custom configurations of outgoing models are common and tend to happen when Apple is about to refresh a product.
However, it isn’t a surefire way to know something is coming. Apple is expected to begin transitioning its Mac lineup to the M4 family of chips this month, starting with the 14″ and 16″ MacBook Pro, 24″ iMac, and Mac mini. The Mac mini, in particular, is anticipated to have an exciting refresh with a completely new design.
Additionally, all base model M4 Macs are expected to come with at least 16GB of RAM by default, breaking Apple’s tradition of including 8GB of RAM, which started in 2016.
Apple prepares for new M4 lineup
We’re excited to bring the power and efficiency of the M4 chip to more of our Mac lineup,” said an Apple spokesperson.
The new MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini models will deliver incredible performance for our customers.”
The M4 chip is built on a 3nm process and features an 8-core CPU, up to a 10-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. It promises up to 20% faster CPU performance, up to 30% faster graphics performance, and up to 40% better power efficiency than the M3 chip. Apple is also rumored to be working on the chip’s M4 Pro and M4 Max variants for higher-end MacBook Pro models.
These chips could feature up to a 12-core CPU and 38-core GPU. The new Macs are expected to be announced at an event in October, alongside updates to the iPad lineup. The event could also see the launch of Apple’s new AI technology, Apple Intelligence.
