Apple is Readying New AI-Focused M4 Chips [Report]

Apple is working on new AI-focused M4 chips that will support enhanced AI capabilities and memory improvements, according to a new report from Bloomberg.

The company, which released its first Macs with M3 chips five months ago, is already nearing production of the next generation — the M4 processor — according to people with knowledge of the matter. The new chip will come in at least three main varieties, and Apple is looking to update every Mac model with it, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the plans haven't been announced.

It appears that Apple is aiming to quickly replace the M3 with the new M4 chip, with the first models getting updated late this year and early next year. It's suggested the company will start with the MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini, then the MacBook Air by spring 2025, Mac Studio in mid-2025, and Mac Pro later in 2025.


The entry-level M4 chip is purportedly dubbed 'Donan', more power models are named 'Brava', and the top-end processor is codenamed 'Hidra'.

The Donan chip is coming to the entry-level MacBook Pro, the new MacBook Airs and a low-end version of the Mac mini, while the Brava chips will run the high-end MacBook Pros and a pricier version of the Mac mini. For the Mac Studio, Apple is testing versions with both a still-unreleased M3-era chip and a variation of the M4 Brava processor. The highest-end Apple desktop, the Mac Pro, is set to get the new Hidra chip.

Notably, Bloomberg predicts that Apple is looking to beef up the Mac Pro next year, following complaints from Pro users. One upgrade considered is increasing max RAM to 512GB, up from 192GB currently. Apple's previous Intel-based Mac Pro could handle 1.5 TB of RAM.

Apple is widely expected to announce new AI powered features for macOS and iOS at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June. Please download the iClarified app or follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS for more Mac updates.