Apple is on schedule in launching new devices and new versions of software this year. The new MacBook Air with M3 chip was launched in March, followed by the iPad lineup, which included the M4-powered thinnest iPad Pro in May. Recently Apple introduced the new generation of Apple software including the new iOS 18, macOS Sequoia and more with Apple Intelligence. Going forward, the Cupertino giant is expected to launch the new iPhones, possibly in late September. And just after the iPhone 16 series, Apple is expected to launch its powerful M4-powered MacBook Pro lineup.

According to industry analyst and supply chain expert Ross Young, Apple is expected to launch the new Pro MacBook lineup with the M4 chip around the fourth quarter, possibly making the latest MacBook Pro models available for the holiday season. The launch will follow the panel shipment timelines for the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, which are likely to debut in the third quarter of 2024.

This report supports an earlier prediction by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who detailed that the M4 MacBook Pro would launch in late 2024 or early 2025.

MacBook Pro lineup with M4

The new lineup is expected to include the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro equipped with the M4 chip, while the higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch models will feature the more powerful M4 Pro and M4 Max chips. The M4 chip, built on an upgraded 3-nanometer node, offers notable performance improvements with up to 25 percent multi-core performance gains compared to the M3 chip.

Additionally, updates are expected for the Mac Mini, which will get both M4 and M4 Pro variants. However, other models like the MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro are expected to get updates with M4 chips in 2025. Notably, while Apple is working on OLED display technology for its devices, OLED MacBook Pro models are not expected until at least 2026.

The MacBook Pro will run on macOS Sequoia

The power of the M4 MacBook will be further enhanced by the newly introduced macOS Sequoia and Apple Intelligence. Introduced during WWDC 2014, macOS Sequoia brings several great features that improve productivity and user experience on MacBooks. Chief among these is iPhone Mirroring, which allows users to access and control their iPhone directly from their Mac, creating seamless interaction between devices. Safari also sees significant improvements with the new Highlights feature making it easier to search for information and a redesigned Reader for reading articles without distractions. There is also a new Passwords app that simplifies credential management, and the gaming experience has been improved with immersive features and a robust lineup of new titles, including major games like Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Frostpunk 2. Additionally, window tiling and video conferencing get user-friendly updates to streamline workflow and communication.

The highlight of macOS Sequoia will be Apple Intelligence, a personal intelligence system that leverages generative models to enhance user interactions on Mac, iPhone, and iPad. The system introduces advanced writing tools for rewriting, proofreading, and summarizing text, as well as new image capabilities such as Image Playground for creative self-expression. Apple Intelligence also powers a more intuitive and contextually aware Siri and ensures privacy through the Private Cloud Compute feature. Additional updates in macOS Sequoia will bring improvements to Messages, Apple Maps, Photos, Notes, and Calendar apps that aim to enrich the overall user experience and productivity on MacBooks, making the upcoming M4 MacBook Pro more powerful and intelligent.