According to reports, Apple is expected to release an update for the MacBook Pro in the coming weeks. The update was initially expected to be nothing more than a chip upgrade from M3 to M4. However, if the new report is anything to go by, this update may have additional content, especially for the 14-inch base model, which would make it a near-perfect laptop for the average consumer.
The first report comes from X leaker VNChocoTaco, who posted a photo of the new MacBook Pro’s box label revealing key specifications. The second report comes from Russian YouTuber Wylsacom, who appears to have gotten his hands on an M4 MacBook Pro, laptop, and more.
If the information in these two reports is valid or not, this would be a very sophisticated scam and we could see some big changes from the base M4 MacBook Pro. Here’s what’s reported and what it means:
Memories that give us the right memories
The current base M3 14-inch MacBook Pro has one glaring issue. The integrated memory is only 8GB. Apple will tell you that this is more than enough, that 8GB is available, and for many buyers this will be true. But considering the amount of RAM that high-end software uses these days, 8GB in a “Pro” laptop isn’t enough. Still not convinced? The MacBook Air, Apple’s “consumer” laptop and laptop for “everyone else,” also starts with 8GB of memory. The MacBook Pro, as the name suggests, is considered a workstation laptop for the “Pro”. All other models start at 18GB. Is 8GB right for a $1,599 MacBook?
Both reports from VNChocoTaco and Wylsacom show what appears to be the specs label for the base M3 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro, showing the laptop with 16GB of memory. Assuming your model isn’t a high-end configuration, it means Apple has finally addressed the entry-level Pro’s biggest flaw. 16GB of RAM allows pro users to run apps and feel comfortable with the laptop’s performance. You may still need more RAM and can upgrade to 24GB or more, but it still won’t cost as much as starting with standard RAM. Configuration is 8GB.
Bring Thunder (Bolt)
VNChocoTaco’s photo is low resolution and much of the text is garbled, but it looks like the 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro will have three Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports. Wylsacom’s label says the same, and he shows three ports on the laptop in his video. This seems to indicate that Apple is adding one more Thunderbolt/USB 4 to the base M4 model. This puts the laptop in the same league as the higher-end MacBook Pro models with Pro and Max chips. It no longer has the same two ports as the MacBook Air, which is another step toward making it a true “Pro” laptop.
Space Black for the masses
With the launch of the M3 MacBook Pro, Apple has unveiled a new Space Black color option that is only available on the M3 Pro or M3 Max models. According to the report, Apple plans to make Space Black an option on the base model as well.
I’m currently using a Space Black MacBook Pro, and my first impression was that the color was good, but it felt like it could be a little darker. But after using this laptop for almost a year, I’ve grown to like Space Black and it’s now my color of choice. If it were released for the M4 MacBook Pro, it would be a popular choice and would bring the entry-level model on par with the others.
Finally, a true entry-level MacBook approval
There are other specifications revealed in the report, including the M4’s 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and the same starting 512GB SSD. However, the three changes above will make the base M4 MacBook Pro a popular laptop. Especially if Apple keeps the price at $1,599.
This will be the first time in a long time that buying the cheapest MacBook Pro doesn’t mean you have to make major compromises like 8GB of RAM, fewer ports, less performance, or even an older design. This is an example of Apple keeping the 13-inch MacBook Pro equipped with a Touch Bar as is after the Apple Silicon redesign was announced.
And if this MacBook Pro is released, it will fit right in with the M4 Pro and M4 Max models in the lineup, giving users a real choice rather than forcing them to choose a higher model due to discounted specs. Apple will sell a lot of them.
Apple is expected to announce the M4 MacBook Pro and other M4 Macs at an event later this month, with a release date rumored for November 1st. Learn more about the upcoming M4 MacBook Pro.
