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Apple May Boost RAM In latest M4 Mac Models
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Before their expected debut later this year, Apple is reportedly testing four new M4-Mac models. It also appears that a significant increase to the entry-level MacBook Pro’s RAM loadout (as well as a possible twist in the CPU stakes) is on the horizon.
Anticipated Models and Release Timeline
All of this information comes from the most recent rumour published by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg (via MacRumors), a reliable source of Apple leaks, which claims that Apple is actively “ramping up” the testing of four Macs equipped with the M4 chip.
The leaker has already disclosed to us (on many occasions) that the M4 SoC-powered MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac models will probably ship in October of 2024.
Insights from Mark Gurman’s Rumors
Gurman’s most recent hints come from examining developer logs, which revealed four Macs running low-end M4 processors. According to the rumour, three Mac models include a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU. Some of the latest Mac M4 machines will employ the same M4 SoC found in high-end iPad Pros.
The other M4 that was observed includes an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU, which is a novel setup for the M4 silicon that isn’t included in the iPad Pro devices that are currently available for purchase.
This is where we learn about the possible significant RAM increase since all of these M4 Mac models have 16GB or 32GB of unified memory installed; 8GB variants are unavailable. Note the twist in the CPU front as well: Gurman only discusses the standard M4 processor, not the more potent M4 Pro or Max variations.
RAM Upgrade for Base-Level M4 Mac Models
Keeping in mind that these are basic-level Mac models, it is evident that Apple intends to match the 16-inch version of the MacBook Pro with a RAM specification of 16GB for the base-level M4 MacBook Pro 14-inch. It’s also possible that 16GB will be the standard for the Mac mini, iMac, and, when it releases the following year, the MacBook Air M4.
The Reason for Upgrading RAM
Also, it makes some sense that Apple’s Macs running the M4 generation should all come with this RAM update. Undoubtedly, with the MacBook Pro, a professional-targeted laptop built for heavily demanding computing operations having MacBook Pro versions with 8GB of RAM appears a bit absurd in 2024 and perhaps cynical (a tactic to induce users to pay through the nose for a necessary upgrade to 16GB).
Apple’s AI Approach and Future RAM Requirements
However, taking a broader view, we must consider Apple’s present strategy with its products, which is to use AI and place a major bet on Apple Intelligence. As we’ve previously observed, Xcode 16, Apple’s app development tool, has AI-related coding capabilities that need 16GB to function. In the future, macOS’s Apple Intelligence capability may require even more RAM. Apple would also be keeping up with the AI Joneses by moving to an all-around basic configuration of 16GB since Microsoft and its Copilot+ PCs demand 16GB of RAM as a minimum.
Therefore, 16GB for all Macs is a real possibility, although it looks most likely to happen with the M4 MacBook Pro 14-inch. The relocation is extremely overdue for that laptop.
The absence of any M4 Pro or Max models might simply indicate that for whatever reason, they weren’t included in the development logs (they might exist, but testing on them is a little behind schedule). We doubt it, but it may imply that in 2024, only Macs with vanilla M4 Mac models will be available. Why? By all accounts, screens for the MacBook Pro 16-inch are already shipping, which would appear to rule out the device. This is supported by another well-known Apple leaker, who pointed out the authenticity of this story.
Pricing and Market Expectations
Therefore, we’d probably set the CPU suspect aside for the time being. However, since the M4 Mac models are expected to deliver stronger AI performance, pairing it with 16GB of RAM across all Macs makes some sense. The question is, though, how that will affect pricing, especially for the entry-level MacBook Pro 14-inch. Hopefully not nearly as much as what an 8GB upgrade currently sets you back.
In conclusion, Apple’s strategy towards efficiency has changed with the anticipated RAM upgrade and AI improvements in the future M4 Mac models. In response to the increasing demand for AI, Apple has made 16GB RAM standard. Price adjustments are unsettling, but for many users, the increased performance may outweigh the expense.
