While some M4 Macs may arrive in the next week, Apple also gears up for a bigger expansion of its M4 chip rollout, including the M4 MacBook Air coming in early 2025, according to a new report. However, it may push back launch plans for the next Mac Studio desktop computer a few months into next year, amid other release plans next spring. Those include a redesigned iPhone SE and a new entry-level iPad (11th generation).
M4 MacBook Air coming in early 2025
The upcoming MacBook Air models, while maintaining their current design introduced in 2022, will incorporate Apple’s latest M4 chip technology, according to Bloomberg. It said sources indicate production will soon commence on both 13-inch and 15-inch variants, internally designated as J713 and J715. This will follow the imminent release, most likely before the end of October, of M4 Mac mini, M4 iMac, and M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max MacBook Pro models.
This comprehensive chip transition marks an unusual strategy for Apple, as the company plans to upgrade its entire Mac lineup to M4 processors more-or-less simultaneously. The new chip generation is specifically engineered to enhance overall performance and optimize artificial intelligence capabilities — Apple Intelligence — across Apple’s computer range.
January to March 2025 window
The release timeline for M4 MacBook Air is strategically positioned after a December software update. That puts an anticipated launch window between January and March 2025. This follows Apple’s previous updates to the MacBook Air line. M3 chips’ introduction came in March 2024 and the debut of a 15-inch M2 variant in June 2023.
In related developments, Apple has adjusted its timeline for other professional-grade products. It will apparently postpone release of an updated Mac Studio desktop. The model, codenamed J575, is now expected to launch between March and June, following a March software release. Additionally, development continues on an M4 version of Apple’s most-premium offering, the Mac Pro.
The M4 chip architecture brings significant advancements, particularly in gaming and AI capabilities. Notable features include ray tracing technology for enhanced graphics processing and improvements to the Neural Engine, which handles AI computations. These enhancements are crucial components of Apple Intelligence.
Looks like a busy spring
The company’s spring 2025 product cycle is shaping up to be particularly busy. Plans include several other device launches, such as a redesigned iPhone SE, new iPad Air models, upgraded iPad keyboards and the 11th-generation iPad, the report noted.
Apple’s commitment to AI integration is evident across its product line, as demonstrated by recent updates to the redesigned, much smaller iPad mini supporting Apple Intelligence. The upcoming Mac releases are expected to heavily emphasize the AI capabilities enabled by the M4 chip architecture.
Apple declined to comment on the developments.
