Apple recently surprised tech industry by debuting their latest M4 chips in the iPad Pros rather than in a more performance-appreciative device like a laptop. While the MacBook Pros are likely next in line for the M4 upgrade, following the recent MacBook Air M3 update, this move has stirred up a mix of excitement and speculation. In this blog post, what should we expect from the upcoming M4 MacBook Pros?
What We Know So Far
Performance Enhancements
The M4 chips promise significant advancements in performance. Early benchmarks, particularly Geekbench scores, reveal a notable increase in single-core performance, reaching up to 3,800 points. This performance leap positions the M4 chip ahead of any current consumer processor, even those in high-end desktops. Interestingly, these tests were conducted on an iPad Pro, which lacks a cooling fan, suggesting that the performance could be even more impressive in a MacBook Pro with better cooling mechanisms.
This jump in performance isn't solely due to increased clock speeds. It's likely a result of a substantial CPU architecture redesign, despite the M4 chips using a similar 3nm TSMC manufacturing process as their predecessors. Such architectural improvements are something that other CPU manufacturers have struggled to achieve.
Multi-Core and GPU Performance
In terms of multi-core performance, the M4 chip in the iPad Pro slightly outperforms the M3 Pro 11-core chip found in current mid-range MacBook Pro 14 models. Given that the M4 chip in the iPad Pro has one less performance core, it's reasonable to expect that an M4 Pro with a full set of performance cores could deliver at least 25% more multi-core performance.
On the GPU front, early tests suggest minimal changes from the M3 series, which might disappoint some users. However, given the significant GPU performance boost from the M2 to M3 series, this could be seen as a reasonable trade-off.
Improved AI Capabilities
The M4 chips also promise significantly enhanced AI performance, nearing the capabilities of Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X Elite processor. This will undoubtedly be a key marketing point for Apple, highlighting the future-proofing of their devices for AI-driven tasks.
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What We Hope to See in the New MacBook Pros
While the anticipated performance boosts are exciting, there are several areas where Apple could further improve the MacBook Pro experience. Here are our top wishes:
1. Enhanced Media Engines
Apple's media engines accelerate tasks like video and photo editing by decoding, editing, and re-encoding images. Currently, all M-range chips have one media engine, while the Max chips have two. This is why a Max-equipped MacBook Pro renders videos roughly twice as fast as one with a Pro chip. Increasing the number of media engines in the new MacBook Pros would significantly benefit video and photo editors, a substantial portion of Apple's professional user base.
2. Increased Memory Bandwidth
Memory bandwidth is critical for high-performance tasks. Despite Apple reducing the memory bandwidth in the M3 Pro and Max chips, the existing M4 chips have seen a slight increase from 100 Gbps to 120 Gbps. However, compared to Nvidia's highest-end laptop GPUs, Apple still lags. Boosting memory bandwidth in the M4 chips is essential to keep up with competing processors and to support fast access to data for high-speed tasks.
3. More Base Memory and Storage
Currently, the entry-level MacBook Pros come with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. In 2024, this is insufficient for a device marketed towards professionals. We hope to see the base models start with at least 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. This change would prevent performance bottlenecks and eliminate the need for external storage solutions, which can be cumbersome.
4. Modular Upgrades
A dream feature for many users would be user-upgradeable memory, storage, and batteries. This would allow professionals to future-proof their devices and extend their lifespan. However, this is highly unlikely given Apple's current design philosophy prioritizing slim and integrated hardware.
5. Thunderbolt 5 and Wi-Fi 7 Support
Thunderbolt 5, with its increased bandwidth of up to 120 Gbps, and Wi-Fi 7, offering significantly higher wireless speeds, are features we'd love to see in the new MacBook Pros. These upgrades would enhance connectivity and future-proof the devices for the next few years.
6. Reducing the Notch Size and Adding Face ID
The notch on the MacBook Pro has been a point of contention since its introduction. Reducing its size would free up valuable screen real estate, especially on the 14-inch model. Additionally, incorporating Face ID would provide a more seamless and secure login experience, similar to what is already available on many Windows laptops.
7. Smoother Edges for Comfort
The sharp edges of the current MacBook Pros can be uncomfortable during prolonged use, particularly in environments without proper wrist support, like on an airplane. Smoothing these edges would improve user comfort.
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FAQ:
1. What are the expected performance improvements in the new M4 MacBook Pros?
The new Apple M4 MacBook Pros are anticipated to deliver significant performance enhancements. Single-core performance in the M4 chip is expected to surpass 3,800 points in Geekbench scores, making it faster than any current consumer processor. Multi-core performance is also projected to see substantial improvements, with the M4 Pro likely offering a minimum of 25% more multi-core performance compared to its predecessors.
2. Will the M4 MacBook Pros have better GPU performance?
Early tests indicate that GPU performance in the M4 MacBook Pros might not see significant changes from the M3 series. However, given the substantial GPU boost from M2 to M3, this might be a reasonable trade-off. Enhanced AI performance nearing the levels of Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processor is also expected.
3. How much RAM and storage will the new M4 MacBook Pros have?
We hope to see the M4 MacBook Pros start with a minimum of 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. This upgrade is crucial for handling more demanding professional tasks and avoiding performance bottlenecks.
4. Will the M4 MacBook Pros support Thunderbolt 5 and Wi-Fi 7?
While it's uncertain, there's a possibility that the new M4 MacBook Pros could support Thunderbolt 5 and Wi-Fi 7. These upgrades would provide significantly higher bandwidth and faster wireless speeds, future-proofing the devices for the next few years.
5. Are there any design changes expected in the M4 MacBook Pros?
Design changes we hope to see include a reduced notch size and the addition of Face ID for more seamless and secure logins. Smoother edges would also improve user comfort, especially during prolonged use in less ideal environments.
6. What is the likelihood of user-upgradeable components in the M4 MacBook Pros?
While many users desire user-upgradeable memory, storage, and batteries, it's highly unlikely that Apple will implement these features. Apple's current design philosophy favors integrated and slim hardware, which doesn't accommodate easy user upgrades.
