Apple rumoured to launch new M4-powered Macs soon, start shipping from November 1

There is a palpable excitement among tech enthusiasts as rumours grow stronger by the day that Apple is gearing up for its next major hardware event at the end of October, with the anticipated release of several updated devices.

According to reports from Bloomberg and Apple Insider, Apple is expected to unveil its new lineup of M4-powered MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iPad mini models, with these products potentially shipping as early as November 1.

M4 MacBook Pro and Mac mini get the spotlight

The star of the show is rumoured to be the revamped MacBook Pro lineup, featuring Apple’s powerful new M4 processors. The update is expected to introduce a low-end 14-inch model powered by the standard M4 chip, along with higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch variants that will feature the more advanced M4 Pro and M4 Max processors.

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Given that Apple last updated its MacBook Pro series in the autumn of 2023, this one-year gap between models seems right in line with their release strategy.

The Mac mini is also expected to see significant upgrades. Rumours suggest it could sport a smaller, sleeker design, moving away from its long-running form factor.

Notably, it’s speculated that the new Mac mini may come equipped with five USB Type-C ports, signalling a move towards more modern connectivity options, potentially replacing the older USB-A ports.

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A New iPad mini in the Works?

In addition to the MacBook Pro and Mac mini, Apple is also rumoured to be refreshing the iPad mini, a device that hasn’t seen an update in nearly three years. While specific details remain under wraps, it’s expected that the iPad mini could see several new features, including a repositioned front camera for better usability in landscape mode and an upgraded rear camera — potentially a 48MP sensor, in line with the latest iPhone models.

More updates possible for iPad and iMac

There are also whispers of a base iPad model receiving a performance boost, though it might just be a spec bump with an upgraded processor.

The iPad was last refreshed in 2022, and an update to bring it in line with the latest Apple Silicon chips seems likely as Apple continues pushing its devices towards more powerful in-house processors.

As for the iMac, rumours are sparse, though there has been talk of a possible 32-inch version in the future. However, it seems the MacBook Pro and Mac mini are the most likely candidates for a November 1 release, making them the highlight of Apple’s upcoming event.