Apple is officially done with launching its trio of M4 chipsets, which includes the top-end M4 Max, and it is an exceptional performer. Just recently, it became the fastest CPU in Geekbench 6’s single-core tests and extended the lead against Intel’s heavy-hitting 24-core Ultra 9 285K and AMD’s blazing-fast Ryzen 9 9950X by a decent margin in the multi-core score.
If you thought this would be the end of the lineup, think again because Apple has yet to unveil the M4 Ultra, which is scheduled to arrive in an updated Mac Pro next year. While discussing the Cupertino behemoth’s position in the gaming market, a report states that Apple is now in a better shape to take on the industry, as its upcoming SoC is said to be equipped with up to 80 GPU cores and is expected to deliver a respectable framerate in AAA titles.
Apple already offers 16GB unified RAM as standard for all M4 Mac models, giving game developers access to a sufficient amount of framebuffer to port the newer titles to the platform
With the unified RAM architecture, Apple allows programs to obtain access to memory from the same resource pool, and with the new M4 Macs featuring 16GB as the bare minimum, game developers will have access to a large VRAM window to bring forth both visual and performance improvements to their games. This would explain why Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition is arriving to the Mac in 2025, and best of all, path tracing and Frame Generation will be baked into the port.
In Mark Gurman’s latest ‘Power On’ newsletter, the Bloomberg correspondent talks about Apple’s in-house chipsets being in a much more improved state to play graphically demanding titles, but the exciting bit is when the company will unveil the M4 Ultra next year when it announces the Mac Pro. Interestingly, the Mac Studio was not mentioned to be a part of the lineup, but Gurman talked about Apple unveiling both workstations in mid-2025.
As for the specifications, the M4 Ultra will ‘probably’ boast up to 32 CPU cores and 80 GPU cores, though the number of performance and efficiency cores were not mentioned by Gurman. He states that the upcoming Apple Silicon would make the Mac Pro one of the most powerful mainstream systems in the market. The technology giant has also done a phenomenal job with its pricing structure for the base models to make its machines more accessible to the masses.
To penetrate the gaming market with a purpose and to take on bigger players, a wider adoption of Macs and other devices is crucial, which is why the base M4 Mac mini starts from just $599, while the base M4 MacBook Pro starts from $1,599. The company has retained the same price while offering double the unified RAM in its entry-level models, making it less costly for when buyers want to up that number.
Perhaps the only deterrent left for Apple to combat is convincing developers to port their titles to the platform. Capcom has already joined forces, and so has Ubisoft, but there needs to be a myriad of games available for consumers to find incentive to pick up the more expensive machines.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Chip Technology Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our special segment on technology and innovation, where we dive deep into the latest happenings in the tech world. Today, we’re lucky to have Dr. Emily Carter, a chip technology expert who has been following Apple’s advancements closely. Thanks for joining us, Dr. Carter!
Dr. Emily Carter: Thanks for having me! I’m excited to discuss the new M4 chipsets and what they mean for the future of computing and gaming.
Time.news Editor: So, Apple has officially concluded the launch of its M4 chipsets, including the impressive M4 Max, which has claimed the title of the fastest CPU in Geekbench 6’s single-core tests. How significant is this achievement in the realm of processors?
Dr. Emily Carter: This is a remarkable milestone for Apple. The fact that the M4 Max outperforms Intel’s 24-core Ultra 9 285K and AMD’s Ryzen 9 9950X is no small feat. It indicates that Apple is not just competitive but potentially leading the pack concerning high-performance CPUs targeted at creators and developers.
Time.news Editor: And while everyone thought the M4 lineup was complete, we have the M4 Ultra that’s expected next year. What can we expect from this new chipset?
Dr. Emily Carter: The M4 Ultra is anticipated to take performance to another level, particularly with the rumored inclusion of up to 80 GPU cores. This would greatly enhance its capabilities for graphics-intensive applications, particularly in gaming. Apple’s focus seems to be on creating a robust ecosystem where developers can leverage significant power for AAA titles.
Time.news Editor: That’s fascinating! Speaking of gaming, Apple is reportedly improving its position in this market. What changes does the new architecture bring to game developers?
Dr. Emily Carter: The introduction of a standard 16GB unified RAM across all M4 Mac models is a game-changer. This architecture allows developers to utilize memory more efficiently, significantly enhancing graphics and performance. This is crucial for them, especially as we see titles like Cyberpunk 2077’s Ultimate Edition arriving on Mac. Those enhancements like path tracing and Frame Generation will give games an edge that could pull more gamers towards the Mac ecosystem.
Time.news Editor: It seems like Apple is really gearing up to take gaming seriously. Mark Gurman mentioned that the M4 chipsets are better suited for graphically demanding titles. How does this fit within the larger gaming landscape?
Dr. Emily Carter: Absolutely! With Apple entering the gaming space more aggressively, it’s not just about hardware; it’s also about creating a platform that attracts game developers. The new standardized RAM and the M4 Ultra promise to improve user experience significantly, which may lead more developers to consider Mac as a viable platform for their games.
Time.news Editor: Do you think Apple has what it takes to compete in the gaming market with giants like Sony and Microsoft?
Dr. Emily Carter: It’s definitely a possibility. With the advancements in their chip technology and the push toward a stronger gaming ecosystem, Apple could carve out a significant niche. The integration of gaming into their existing platforms, like their commitment to powerful GPUs and performance optimizations, shows they are serious about competing.
Time.news Editor: Exciting times ahead for Apple and the gaming industry! Dr. Carter, thank you so much for your insights. It’s always a pleasure to hear from someone with your expertise.
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how these developments unfold in the coming year.
Time.news Editor: And thanks to our viewers for tuning in! Be sure to stay updated on all things tech as we continue to explore the innovations shaping our world.