A recent report from Bloomberg suggests that Apple is planning to revamp its Mac lineup with a focus on AI capabilities, starting in late 2024 and extending into 2025. According to the report, the new Macs will feature M4 chips that “emphasize” AI capabilities, but it is unclear whether this refers to a true technical change or is merely marketing speak.
For those unfamiliar, Apple’s Neural Engine has been a part of the Mac since 2020, when it was introduced in the M1 chip. This chip was designed to speed up AI workloads, making it more efficient for tasks that involve machine learning and artificial intelligence. However, the recent report suggests that the new M4 chips will take it to the next level, with a stronger emphasis on AI capabilities.
The tech industry is currently undergoing a shift towards AI, with Intel and AMD also incorporating neural processing units (NPUs) into their latest chips. This has led to a “war over AI performance in PCs,” with Intel announcing its next-gen mobile processor, Lunar Lake, which will provide over 100 TOPS of performance in AI workloads. The most impressive part is that 45 of those TOPS come from the NPU, making it three times more efficient than the current generation of Intel chips.
It is unclear whether Apple will aim to match Intel’s new chips, which are rumored to debut in late 2024. If Apple fails to keep up with the competition, it may impact its market share in the PC industry. The report does not specify which laptops will be the first to receive the M4 update, but it is likely that the M4 MacBook Pro will be one of the first to receive the upgrade.
Apple’s AI Revolution: A New Era for Macs
The article also mentions that Apple has been slow to respond to the surge in interest in generative AI, and that the company may finally reveal its plans for AI at WWDC this year. This could include developing its own ChatGPT competitor or licensing from Google. Apple may need to invest in more serious hardware to support its AI ambitions, and the M4 chips could be the answer to this problem.
The report comes amid a change in the PC market, with sales of PCs experiencing a growth surge and the Mac experiencing a decline. This could be an opportunity for Apple to capitalize on the trend and regain its footing in the market. Microsoft, Intel, and their ecosystem partners are convinced that AI PCs will drive a surge in interest in updating PCs, and Apple is apparently looking more and more persuaded by this hypothesis.
The report suggests that Apple is planning a significant overhaul of its Mac lineup, with a focus on AI capabilities. While it is unclear what this means for the company’s future plans, it is clear that AI is becoming an increasingly important aspect of the tech industry. As the competition continues to heat up, it will be interesting to see how Apple responds and whether it can stay ahead of the curve in the AI-driven world of PCs.
