- Apple is about to produce the M4 computer processor with artificial intelligence processing power and plans to update every Mac model with it.
- The M4 chip line includes an entry-level version dubbed Donan, more powerful models named Brava, and a top-end processor code-named Hidra.
- Apple is currently lagging in the field of artificial intelligence, so the new chip is part of Apple’s efforts to integrate AI into all of its products.
Apple is about to produce the M4 computer processor with artificial intelligence processing power, overhauling the entire Mac lineup and aiming to highlight the role of AI.
AI-focused chip
According to people with knowledge of the matter, the company released its first Mac computer with an M3 chip five months ago, and production of the next-generation M4 processor is nearing completion.
The company plans to release updated computers late this year and early next year, including a new iMac, a low-end 14-inch MacBook Pro, high-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros, and a Mac mini.
Apple is pinning its hopes for a revival on a new generation of laptops and desktops with more powerful chips that can handle AI tasks, such as aggregating documents, without having to send the data to the cloud.
Also read: Apple uses AI technology to overhaul Mac product line
Three main varieties of M4 chips
The M4 chip line includes an entry-level version dubbed Donan, more powerful models named Brava, and a top-end processor code-named Hidra.
The Donan chip will be used in the entry-level MacBook Pro, the new MacBook Airs, and the lower-end Mac mini, while the Brava chip will be used in the higher-end MacBook Pros and a pricier version of the Mac mini. The highest-end Apple desktop, the Mac Pro, is set to get the new Hidra chip.
Apple is currently lagging in the area of AI development
Apple is catching up in the field of artificial intelligence compared to Microsoft, Alphabet’s Google, and other tech peers.
Intel is preparing AI chips, as are rivals like Qualcomm. Besides, according to Reuters reports Nvidia also plans to use its strength in artificial intelligence chips to enter the PC market with new chips as early as 2025.
Apple’s new M4 chips are part of a broader push to weave AI capabilities into all its products.
