Highlights
- Apple’s new M4 chips include “Donan”, “Brava”, and “Hidra” variants.
- Entry-level Donan M4 expected in MacBook Air and base Mac mini.
- Mid-tier Brava M4 designed for higher-spec MacBook Pros and Mac Studio.
- High-end Hidra M4 targeted for the top-tier Mac Pro lineup.
According to reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is already developing three new M4 chipsets that will follow up on last year’s M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max processors.
The upcoming M4 lineup is expected to bring improved performance and added AI capabilities.
Three Tiers of M4 Chips in the Works
The report claims Apple’s M4 chips will come in at least three different variants.
There will be an entry-level M4 chip codenamed “Donan”, a mid-tier option called “Brava”, and the highest-end version dubbed “Hidra”.
Bloomberg suggests the basic Donan M4 will make its way into lower-end Macs like the entry MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and base Mac mini models.
The more powerful Brava is tipped for higher-specced MacBook Pros, Mac minis, and the Mac Studio desktop.
While the top Hidra chip is reportedly being reserved for the premium Mac Pro lineup.
This multi-tier strategy appears to mirror Apple’s existing M1/M2/M3 generations, with standard, Pro, and Max variants.
All three forthcoming M4 chips are expected to feature integrated AI capabilities.
First M4-Powered Macs Could Arrive This Year
According to the report, the first batch of Macs with Apple’s new M4 processors could launch as early as later in 2023 or in early 2025.
Potential first M4 models mentioned include new iMac desktops, a base 14-inch MacBook Pro, higher-end 14/16-inch MacBook Pros, and an updated Mac mini.
However, M4 versions of the 13/15-inch MacBook Air and Mac Studio may not arrive until around mid-2025.
The entry MacBook Air is tipped to use the baseline Donan M4.
While a high-end Mac Pro with up to 512GB of unified memory could pack the range-topping Hidra M4 Max chip by the end of 2025.
FAQs
What are the different variants of the M4 chipset Apple is developing?
Apple is reportedly working on three variants of the M4 chipset. The entry-level “Donan” M4 chip is likely to be used in more affordable Mac models such as the MacBook Air and base Mac mini.
The “Brava” M4, a mid-tier option, is expected to power higher-spec MacBook Pros and the Mac Studio. The most powerful, “Hidra” M4, is being developed for the premium Mac Pro models.
How will the M4 chipset improve over the previous generations?
The upcoming M4 lineup from Apple is anticipated to offer significant enhancements in performance and AI capabilities compared to its predecessors.
These improvements will likely enable more efficient processing, better handling of AI tasks, and overall faster operations across Apple’s Mac range.
When can consumers expect the first Macs with the M4 chips to be available?
The initial Mac models equipped with the new M4 chips could hit the market by late 2023 or early 2025.
Prospective models include new versions of the iMac, 14-inch MacBook Pro, higher-end 14/16-inch MacBook Pros, and an updated Mac mini.
Which Mac models will use the different M4 chips?
Based on the reports, the entry-level Donan M4 chip will be integrated into the base models of the MacBook Air and Mac mini.
The Brava M4 is expected in more powerful configurations of the MacBook Pro and Mac Studio.
The most advanced Hidra M4 chip is reserved for the high-end Mac Pro, which may also feature up to 512GB of unified memory.