According to the latest industry forecasts, the company is expected to introduce the M4 chip in the first quarter of 2025, opening a new door on the MacBook. So what will the next generation MacBook models offer?
M4 chip could be introduced in the first months of 2025
Analytics firm Canalys has shared a roadmap showing that the M4 family could arrive as early as the first quarter of next year. This would mean that Apple is continuing the annual chip upgrade cycle that began with the M1 in 2020. However, it is possible to say that it was introduced relatively early.
Barring any delays within the company, the M4 will power Apple’s next Macbook Pro and Macbook Air models. It could also be the flagship chip for iMac models that are likely to be redesigned.
As with previous models in the M series, the M4 is expected to experience an improved manufacturing process and architectural improvements. This will lead to significant performance increases compared to M3 models. It is possible that the new chip will focus on advanced artificial intelligence capabilities.
However, Apple will face stiff competition during the M4’s launch period. Qualcomm is expected to launch its first computer processor, the Snapdragon X Elite, later this year. This processor, which will power the Microsoft Surface series, will rival the M4 in 2025.
Intel and AMD plan to offer more competitive options against Apple Silicon by then. Both companies want to grow their share in the high-performance laptop segment.