Apple recently teased that this week would be one of its “most exciting announcement weeks,” featuring everything from a new iMac with the M4 chip to the debut of "Apple Intelligence" on Apple devices, according to The Verge.
The new iMac will be available in various colors, paired with a keyboard, mouse, and trackpad featuring USB-C ports. Apple is also expected to introduce the M4 chip in the MacBook Pro lineup, while the Mac Mini will undergo a full redesign—the first in over a decade.
Unlike previous launches, Apple hasn’t hosted a formal event for these releases. Instead, it has shared press releases and event videos at unannounced times, with the first announcements dropping on Monday at 6:00 PM Saudi time. Here’s a roundup of this week’s key highlights so far:
Apple Intelligence Debuts
This week, Apple introduced "Apple Intelligence," its new AI-powered feature suite for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It includes AI-driven writing tools, notification summaries, and tools for removing unwanted objects from photos. Though Apple Intelligence has been in developer and beta versions for months, this marks its first appearance in general system updates. These features remain in beta, signifying Apple’s early but expanding steps into AI.
The initial release of Apple Intelligence is available in the U.S. in English, with European countries expected to access the features in April next year, according to Apple's Ireland blog. When it does launch in the EU, users will also get access to other tools like writing assistants, "Genmoji," and an enhanced Siri with better language understanding and ChatGPT integration, as Apple’s blog states.
To access Apple Intelligence, users need to join the “waitlist,” located in Settings under "Apple Intelligence & Siri,” where they can select "Join Apple Intelligence Waitlist."
Amazon Spoils Apple’s Week with a Mac Mini Leak
Amazon jumped the gun on Apple’s announcement by prematurely sharing details of the redesigned Mac Mini. While the post was quickly removed, MacRumors captured screenshots.
The leaked image showed a silver Mac Mini with a headphone jack and two front-facing USB-C ports, expected to support Thunderbolt 4, though rear port details remain unknown. The Mac Mini’s base and Pro models will reportedly include the new M4 chip, a 14-core CPU, 20-core GPU, 64GB of RAM, and up to 8TB of storage.
Apple’s Video Showcases New Products
Apple didn’t stop with press releases for the new iMac and Apple Intelligence; it also released a video that’s accessible on the iMac page through the “Watch Announcement” button and on YouTube. In the video, Allegra Tepper, Apple’s Director of Product for Apple Intelligence, discusses the AI system, now available as a software update for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
The video also features Sree Panuganti, Product Manager for iMac, discussing the new iMac’s color options and M4 chip specifications.
Pre-ordering the M4 Chip iMac
Apple is dedicating the week to introducing its latest Mac computers and AI features. Topping the lineup is the 24-inch iMac with the M4 chip, available for pre-order on Apple’s official website at a starting price of $1,299, with a release date of November 8.
A new chip for the MacBook Pro and Mac Mini is expected in the coming days, though the MacBook Air isn’t anticipated to receive updates until 2025.
Mac Accessories with USB-C Ports
Apple has also announced that it will be phasing out Lightning ports from Mac accessories. This week, Apple revealed that the Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboard, and Magic Trackpad will now include USB-C.
Pricing remains unchanged, with the Magic Mouse at $99, the Magic Keyboard at $199, and the Magic Trackpad at $149. The accessories are available in black or white.
Charging Port Position on the Magic Mouse
Despite this update, the Magic Mouse’s USB-C charging port remains on the underside of the device, an aspect that has sparked criticism as it renders the mouse unusable while charging. Apple maintained this design in the updated model, shown in its augmented reality “view in your space” feature on the website.
New Colors for iMac
The refreshed iMac will come in seven colors: green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver. Notably, there’s no larger iMac model, as Apple previously confirmed it would not be replacing the discontinued 27-inch Intel-based iMac.
