Apple will launch new updates for its Mac product line in 2025, relying on the next generation of chips. The M4 and M5 are two powerful processors that will play a crucial role in the further development of devices such as the Mac Studio, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. You can find out exactly what's planned and what innovations you can expect here.
The last few years have shown that Apple is keeping the competition at bay with its in-house chips. After the success of the M1, M2 and M3 chips, the next generations are now ready. Apple remains true to its strategy of updating the product range bit by bit while creating new options for professional and private users, as Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reported.
The next candidate: The MacBook Air
The next device to receive the M4 chip is the MacBook Air. Sales are scheduled to begin in the first half of the year. Apple currently offers the MacBook Air in two versions - with M2 and M3 chips. The M3 variant is expected to be replaced by the more powerful M4 model, while the M2 model will remain in the range as a more affordable option. For users looking for a compact but powerful laptop, the M4 MacBook Air should be the ideal choice. It promises increased efficiency and faster speeds without compromising on portability.
The Mac Studio: Powerful and Sooner Than Expected
The Mac Studio, Apple's powerful desktop computer, will also be given an update. Interestingly, Apple is bringing the new version to market earlier than expected - in the first half of 2025. A release was originally planned for the end of 2025. The new Mac Studio models will be equipped with M4 Max and M4 Ultra chips. This update will be particularly important for creative professionals and users who have to handle intensive computing tasks. The M4 chips promise not only more performance but also optimized energy efficiency.
The M5 chip: MacBook Pro gets the next performance boost
Introduction of the M5 in the MacBook Pro
In addition to the M4 generation, Apple is already working on the next generation of chips, the M5. This will be found for the first time in a new MacBook Pro model that will be released in the second half of 2025. The MacBook Pro will once again set standards in terms of performance with the M5 chip. Apple is expected to focus on energy efficiency without compromising on computing power. Users who rely on absolute top performance can therefore look forward to an impressive upgrade.
Outlook for 2026: An anniversary with great expectations
In 2026, the MacBook Pro will celebrate its 20th birthday. This anniversary could be the occasion for Apple to introduce a revised design or groundbreaking new features. For 2025, however, the focus is clearly on optimizing the existing models and introducing the M5 chip.
The Mac Pro: Great Expectations, Uncertain Future
What happens to the “Hidra” chip?
The Mac Pro, Apple's most powerful desktop computer, remains a central topic in the discussion about the 2025 product lineup. Apple was reportedly planning a new high-performance chip called "Hidra" for the Mac Pro. However, there are rumors that this project was canceled in favor of an AI server chip. If development of the "Hidra" chip was indeed stopped, the Mac Pro could be equipped with a variant of the M4 Ultra instead. This would allow Apple to keep the Mac Pro's performance at a high level, even if it doesn't include the advancements originally planned.
Mac Pro remains high-end option
The Mac Pro is traditionally designed for professional users who need maximum processing power for specialized applications. Even without the "Hidra" chip, it is expected to offer impressive performance, especially for video and graphics editing or other demanding tasks.
2025 brings crucial updates for Apple users
Apple is starting 2025 with full steam ahead and is introducing the next generation of Macs with the M4 and M5 chips. The highlights of the year are the M4 MacBook Air, the Mac Studio with M4 Max and Ultra chips, and the MacBook Pro with the new M5. While Apple is focusing on evolution rather than revolution with most devices, 2026 may bring major innovations with the 20th anniversary of the MacBook Pro. For 2025, anyone looking for powerful and energy-efficient devices will find what they are looking for in the new Macs. The next few months could change the way you work with your Mac for good. (Photo by Unsplash / Iewek Gnos)