It’s Mac week at Apple. And while the Cupertino company didn’t host a big event like it did in September for new iPhones, we still got announcements for three new Macs. Apple has announced new upgrades for the iMac, Mac Mini, and MacBook Pro, all powered by the brand-new M4 (or M4 Pro/Max) chip. All of these machines are now available for preorder in a variety of configurations (and, in some cases, colors) and will be released on November 8. Let’s take a look at what’s new and where you can preorder.
Apple Mac Mini with M4 Chip (2024)
Out November 8
Apple Mac Mini with M4 Chip (2024)
The most exciting new Mac in Apple’s new M4-powered lineup just might be the Mac Mini. It got a tiny new form factor that’s just 5×5", but it packs in a lot more power than previous models. For starters, the baseline model has 16GB of RAM, which is something people have been requesting for a long time now. It also has two USB-C ports and a headphone jack on the front, plus HDMI, gigabit Ethernet, and three Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports on the back. It’s also available in a more powerful M4 Pro model that starts at $1,399. If you're interested in a new display to pair with it, you can also check out our guide to the best Mac mini monitors.
Apple iMac with M4 Chip (2024)
Out November 8
Apple iMac with M4 Chip (2024)
In other Apple desktop news, the iMac got a similar upgrade. The all-in-one computer also starts at 16GB of RAM now, and it comes in seven color options, from a staid silver to bold green, blue, and red, to name a few. The 4.5K display is the standout feature here, measuring 24". And unlike the Mini, this one comes with a Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse, both of which now have USB-C ports for charging.
Apple MacBook Pro with M4 Chip (2024)
Out November 8
Apple MacBook Pro with M4 Chip (2024)
Finally, the MacBook Pro laptop got an M4 (or M4 Pro/Max) upgrade, along with the same boost to 16GB of RAM as a baseline. It comes in 14" and 16" varieties, with an extra USB-C Thunderbolt 4 port on the entry level model. The M4 Pro ones have new Thunderbolt 5 ports, which allow for faster data transfers and improved power delivery. Like the previous gen, this will most likely be a great Macbook for creatives, and the power upgrade could make this one of the best Macs for gaming.
Chris Reed is a commerce editor and deals expert for IGN. He also runs IGN's board game and LEGO coverage. You can follow him on Threads and Bluesky.
Originally posted: Oct 31, 2024 3:44 pm