After months of rumors, Apple is finally about to announce its new M4-powered Macs-squashing fears that these machines may not appear until 2024. At least one prominent leaker says the event is coming on October 30 in the US, which might be when the new hardware will appear.
Refreshes are expected for the MacBook Pro, the iMac, and the Mac mini. Rumors of an in-person keynote do exist, but this time, Apple is predicted to do a more low-key online release, probably combining video presentations with press releases for the announcements.
Famous Apple Analyst Mark Gurman reports that the company has invited media and content creators to its hands-on sessions on the same day, suggesting the official reveal could come sooner-a week as early as next week.
Adding further fuel to the fire, though, are suggestions that iMac, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini stocks are low at Apple retail stores; peripheral devices, such as the Magic Keyboard, Mouse, and Trackpad, are in similarly short supply. Supply shortages of a particular model often precede an upgrade to new versions. Besides, Apple’s not using USB-C on these products would align with its efforts to standardize its product line.
Previous rumors had suggested a date of November 1, and since it’s unlikely to be in person, all signs point to an online-only reveal. That will follow the model of Apple’s event last October, “Scary Fast,” during which the company delivered Mac announcements via slick online presentations.
The M4 chip will undoubtedly provide some welcome boosts, but its arrival isn’t precisely a shock since it’s already appeared on the new iPad Pro launched way back in May. Perhaps this is because Apple opted for the press release method and avoided holding a larger event; after all, only the Mac mini is purportedly receiving a design refresh.
Whether by the medium of press releases or an online event staged to perfection, it seems that new Macs are coming. Watch this space over the next few days as the clock turns to the big reveal.
