Apple usually updates its consumer computers like the iMac in October. But this time around, however, new M4 Macs might drop in November instead.
MacRumors has learned this information from its own source familiar with the matter. “This is the first time a launch month has been singled out for the upcoming M4 Macs,” the publication said. The fact that upcoming M4 Macs may arrive in November doesn’t necessarily mean there won’t be a dedicated event next month.
Apple usually holds annual Mac events in October following new iPhones in September. But here are some exceptions to the rule. In 2023, it announced the M3 MacBook Pro during its “Scary Fast” event held on Halloween Eve night on October 30, but the computers landed on store shelves the following month on November 7.
Mac supply is dwindling ahead of the iPhone 16 event
The supply of some Mac models at Apple’s retail stores is dwindling, which usually (but not always) indicates that inventory is being cleared ahead of upcoming launches, but don’t read too much into it. Apple is holding its Glowtime event on September 9 to unveil new phones, watches and earbuds, that much is certain.
Gurman says M4 Macs won’t be announced “until about a month after the iPhone unveiling.” Neither he nor MacRumors know whether there’ll be a dedicated Mac event or if the new machines will be announced quietly via a press release.
M4 iMac, Mac mini and MacBook Pro coming soon
Upcoming Mac refreshes are also said to include a new base 14-inch MacBook Pro with Apple’s M4 chip, a 14-inch model powered by an M4 Pro chip, a flagship 16-inch model using an M4 Max chip and a new M4 iMac.
We’re also expecting the biggest redesign of the Mac mini since the Steve Jobs era that should ditch the old-school USB-A ports and shrink the machine down roughly to the Apple TV 4K size. All new Macs should have twice the RAM at 16 GB as standard, saving you $200 on Apple’s expensive memory upgrades.