US tech giant Apple Inc. reportedly plans to update all its Mac models by equipping each with its new in-house M4 artificial intelligence- (AI) powered chip., in a bid to drive momentum into slow PC sales.
People with knowledge of the matter said the Cupertino-based company is close to producing the next-gen M4 computer processors, which would feature AI functions. The new chip will be offered in three key versions, and the iPhone maker aims to overhaul the whole Mac line with it.
Apple launched its first iMacs and MacBook Pro laptops equipped with an M3 chip in October.
The upgraded Mac computers are expected for a 2024 and 2025 release, according to the report. New iMac desktops, Mac Minis, a low-end 14-inch MacBook Pro, and high-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros are among the models that will reportedly debut with the M4.
PC Industry Relying on AI-Powered Computers to Revive Sales
The news came as computer manufacturers saw the pandemic boom that shored up their sales due to a work-and-learn-from-home setup fade.
The industry has relied its recovery expectations on next-gen desktops and laptops with more advanced chips capable of managing AI tasks such as summarizing documents without the need to store data in the cloud.
Such chips are currently being built by semiconductor giants, including Intel Corp. and Qualcomm Inc., while Nvidia Corp. is said to be planning to enter the PC market with a new AI chip to be released early next year.
The report stated that Apple would focus on the AI processing features of M4 and how they will be integrated into the next version of macOS as it looks to keep pace with other tech giants, including Microsoft Corp. and Alphabet Inc.’s Google LLC.
The latest version of macOS is expected to be introduced at the firm’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June.
Apple has also been reported to be discussing a possible team-up with Chinese search giant Baidu Inc. to bring generative AI (genAI) solutions into its devices sold in China as part of its broader goal to further its AI capabilities and meet regulations in the country.
Additionally, the iPhone maker might announce major changes to the iOS.
