Apple’s Extensive 2024 Roadmap: New Macs on the Horizon
Apple is preparing for a substantial product release year, with over 20 new items anticipated to debut throughout 2024. A significant portion of this rollout will focus on the Mac lineup, featuring a more expansive refresh of both laptop and desktop models than usual. This includes a diverse range of updates catering to various user needs and price points.
Revamped MacBook Lineup: Four New Models Expected
The spotlight is particularly bright on Apple’s laptop offerings, with four distinct MacBook models slated for release. These include a MacBook Pro powered by the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, a revived entry-level ‘MacBook’, an M5 MacBook Air, and a next-generation MacBook Pro featuring the M6 Pro and M6 Max processors. This marks the second time since 2023 – following the January M2 and October M3 releases – that Apple will launch two separate MacBook Pro iterations within a single year.
However, the forthcoming models will differ more substantially than simply their processing power. The M5 MacBook Pro is expected to represent the final iteration utilizing the current design language. Conversely, the M6 MacBook Pro is heavily rumored to undergo a complete redesign, potentially boasting a thinner and lighter profile, a vibrant OLED display, and even incorporating touch functionality. Adding to the excitement, the return of the simplified ‘MacBook’ branding aims to capture a broader audience with an anticipated price point around $699, alongside a selection of vibrant color options designed to appeal to users of PC and Chromebook devices. The M5 MacBook Air is projected to receive primarily internal upgrades, with the new chip serving as its core enhancement.
Desktop Updates: Mac Studio, Mac Mini, and iMac
Apple’s desktop computers are also due for revisions this year, though the future of the Mac Pro remains somewhat uncertain. A new Mac Studio is expected to arrive in the first half of the year, potentially accompanied by an updated Studio Display. This Mac Studio will be available in two configurations: one powered by the M5 Max and another featuring the intriguing M5 Ultra chip.
The inclusion of an M5 Ultra is particularly noteworthy, as Apple bypassed the ‘Ultra’ designation with the M4 generation. The Mac mini is anticipated to receive both M5 and M5 Pro options, though historical trends suggest a base M5 configuration will likely be the most widely available. While details regarding a new iMac are currently limited, reports indicate its arrival is planned, with no major design or feature changes currently anticipated beyond the chip upgrade.
