An unboxing video that surfaced on YouTube courtesy of Russian channel Wylsacom might have just given Apple enthusiasts a lot to talk about. The video, picked up and shared on social platform X by Bloomberg’s tech guru Mark Gurman, showcases what appears to be a 14-inch MacBook Pro armed with the formidable M4 chip—a tech spec yet to be confirmed by Apple itself. The curiosity doesn’t just end there; accompanying discussions and shared photos from other tech leaders, including ShrimpApplePro, suggest this could be the same device they spotted being quietly sold in a private Facebook group last month.
As of now, while the authenticity of this reveal is up for debate, the video spills details on potentially game-changing upgrades for the seemingly base model of the 14-inch MacBook Pro. Let’s dive into what could be the new standard for Apple’s much-loved MacBook Pro line.
Power Leap: The M4 Chip
The rumoured device boasts an M4 chip with a 10-core CPU, a notable jump from the current 8-core CPU M3 chip-equipped models. Speculations are strengthened by a shared Geekbench 6 benchmark result suggesting a performance leap of up to 25% over the M3 chip. This isn’t the first appearance of the M4 chip; it made its debut in the iPad Pro earlier in May, heralding enhancements that resonate with these new MacBook Pro rumours.
More RAM, More Speed
The packaging whispers of another significant enhancement: a minimum of 16GB of RAM. If this pans out, it will echo the buzz around Apple’s internal discussions about setting this as the new standard for all future Macs. While the possibility of this being a customized order exists, the standardization would certainly align with Apple’s push towards more powerful, professional-grade tools for creatives and tech professionals.
Connectivity and Aesthetics: Ports and Colors
Connectivity takes a forward leap as the box hints at three Thunderbolt 4 ports, an upgrade from the two Thunderbolt 3 ports seen in current models. This aligns with the ongoing industry trend towards faster and more versatile connectivity options, suitable for high-speed data transfers and connecting multiple external displays or devices simultaneously. Moreover, the box teases a new colour option—Space Black, previously reserved for higher-end models configured with the M3 Pro or M3 Max chips. This introduction to the base model could be a strategic move to unify the product line’s aesthetic appeal across different price points.
Impending Official Announcements?
Mark Gurman, a noted authority on Apple leaks, anticipates Apple will officially unveil the first Macs with M4 chips towards the end of October, with a potential release date pegged for November 1. This timeline fits neatly into Apple’s historical product launch patterns, often aimed at capturing the lucrative holiday shopping season.
As we edge closer to these dates, the tech community is buzzing with anticipation, ready to see how these upgrades could reshape the professional laptop market. Apple, as usual, holds its cards close, leaving room for speculation and excitement. What is clear, however, is that Apple continues to push the boundaries of what its devices can achieve, possibly setting a new benchmark with the MacBook Pro M4.
