Sales packaging of the M4 MacBook Pro allegedly leaks

Apple’s upcoming M4 MacBook Pro has reportedly been leaked, offering a first look at its specs and suggesting an official launch may be closer than expected. The leak shared by a well-known tipster, ShrimpApplePro, includes a photo of what appears to be the retail box of the new 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro. Along with the image, more details have emerged about the new machine’s internal hardware, pointing to significant improvements over the M3 model, including more powerful processing, memory and storage capabilities. Here’s what the leak says about the next-generation MacBook Pro.

Key Specs: 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB RAM and 512GB storage

According to the leaked image, the M4 MacBook Pro will feature Apple’s new M4 silicon chip, which features a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU. This configuration is identical to the high-end OLED iPad Pro and reinforces the idea that the MacBook Pro is optimized for more performance-intensive tasks like video editing, graphic design and gaming.

The leaked retail box also reveals that this version of the M4 MacBook Pro has 16GB of unified RAM paired with 512GB of solid-state NVMe storage. These specs suggest that this particular model may be a higher-end variant, especially since Apple’s base M3 MacBook Pro comes with just 8GB of RAM and the same 512GB of storage. This potential improvement in base storage could address a common criticism of Apple’s entry-level models, which often ship with storage that some users say is insufficient for professional use.

M4 SoC Performance: Significant improvements over the M3

According to previous reports and benchmark tests, the M4 SoC is expected to deliver significant performance gains over the M3 and M2 chips, especially in multi-threaded tasks. Based on ARMv9 architecture, M4 will introduce features such as Scalable Matrix Extension (SME), designed to handle complex workloads more efficiently. This could lead to noticeable improvements in areas such as gaming, video rendering and other tasks that require large computing resources.

In fact, benchmark leaks for the M4 have shown that even the 9-core version of the CPU outperforms both the M3 Pro and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite in Geekbench 6 tests. The inclusion of ARMv9 architecture and SME is expected to improve multi-threaded performance and give Apple’s MacBook Pro lineup a significant advantage over previous generations.

Same design, more performance: No major changes are expected in terms of hardware

Despite the impressive internal upgrades, the leak suggests that Apple is unlikely to introduce any major design changes to the M4 MacBook Pro. This is in line with Apple’s strategy in recent years, which has focused on improving internal components rather than overhauling the physical design. The M4 MacBook Pro models are expected to retain the slim aluminum chassis and high-resolution mini-LED displays first introduced with the M1 series MacBook Pros in 2021.

The display, for example, is expected to continue using Mini-LED technology, which offers excellent color accuracy, brightness and contrast ratios, making it ideal for creative professionals. Apple is reportedly increasing production of these mini-LED panels for both the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, suggesting that the new M4 MacBook Pro could be coming soon.

Higher memory and storage options

While the 16GB RAM and 512GB storage configuration seen in the leak suggests a mid- to high-end model, Apple is known to offer a range of configurations, including versions with more RAM and storage. Given the M4’s higher performance, users can expect options that include up to 32GB or 64GB of unified RAM and possibly 1TB or 2TB of NVMe storage.

One of the main criticisms of Apple in recent years has been its tendency to offer little basic storage, even on professional devices. Since this leak suggests 16GB of RAM as the new base configuration, Apple may be addressing these complaints, especially from power users who need more memory to handle demanding workflows.

In addition to the standard M4 MacBook Pro, Apple is also rumored to be working on even more powerful M4 Pro and M4 Max versions. These chips are aimed at professionals who need the absolute best performance, such as video editors working with 4K or 8K content, developers running complex simulations, or gamers looking for top-notch performance.

Previous leaks suggest that the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips will offer significantly more CPU and GPU cores than the standard M4, which will likely take performance to new levels. These high-end models are expected to compete directly with some of the most powerful laptops and desktops on the market, continuing Apple’s push into the professional market segment.

Apple’s M4 chip will face stiff competition from other leading chipmakers such as Intel and AMD, as well as Qualcomm, which has made significant progress with its Snapdragon X Elite. However, initial benchmarks have shown that the M4 outperforms Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and even Apple’s own M3 Pro in both single-core and multi-core tests.

These performance gains are largely due to Apple’s new ARMv9 architecture and the efficiency of its integrated silicon design. As Apple continues to advance its proprietary chip designs, the M4 MacBook Pro lineup is expected to set a new performance standard for both consumer and professional laptops.

The alleged leak in the M4 MacBook Pro retail box suggests that Apple’s next generation MacBook is just around the corner. With improved specs like a 10-core CPU and GPU, 16GB of unified RAM, and 512GB of NVMe storage, the M4 MacBook Pro promises a powerful boost in performance. While the external design may remain unchanged, the internal improvements – particularly the new M4 chip – suggest that Apple is focused on making its MacBook Pros even more powerful for professionals and power users.

Whether you’re a creative professional or looking for a powerful laptop for gaming or productivity, the M4 MacBook Pro should offer a significant upgrade over previous models. For those waiting for the ultimate MacBook experience, the M4 Pro and M4 Max versions may offer even more performance, making the next few months exciting for Apple fans.