Apple dominated the news cycle last week with the multi-day rollout of new M4-based Macs. We previously looked at the M4 iMac; this week, we cover the redesigned M4 Mac mini and the updated M4 MacBook Pro. Simultaneously, Apple boosted the base memory in the MacBook Air from 8 GB to 16 GB, presumably to improve the Apple Intelligence experience. Apple’s earnings call for Q4 2024 revealed new revenue records based on growth in the Services and iPhone segments—our coverage attempts to provide some context to the numbers. Finally, we have brief coverage of Apple’s acquisition of Pixelmator and $1.5 billion investment in satellite partner Globalstar. Notable Mac app releases this week include 1Password 8.10.50, Default Folder X 6.1.1, Fantastical 4.0 and Cardhop 2.3.2, Firefox 132, and Timing 2024.5.1.
Apple has increased the base amount of memory in the M2 and M3 MacBook Air models, possibly to ensure optimal performance for Apple Intelligence.
Apple’s new Mac mini models pack more power than ever into a case that has a smaller footprint but a taller profile than previous versions. The M4 Pro Mac mini also introduces the first Thunderbolt 5 ports in the Mac world.
With the release of new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models based on the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips, Apple has addressed every niggling annoyance in the previous generation—these are glorious machines. But they still aren’t cheap.
Apple set revenue records in its fourth-quarter fiscal results, thanks to strong numbers from the iPhone and Services segments and increases from the iPad and Mac. On the downside, revenue growth dropped in the Wearables category, and sales in the Greater China region declined slightly.
Watchlist
Brings a variety of improvements and bug fixes to the password manager. ($35.88 annual subscription, free update, 4.8 MB, macOS 10.15+)
Maintenance update with a grab bag of improvements for the Open/Save dialog utility. ($39.95 new, free update, 17.5 MB, macOS 10.13+)
Improvements for the bundled calendar and contact apps, plus welcoming Fantastical to the Windows platform. ($56.99 annual subscription new, free update, 67.2/30.1 MB, macOS 12+)
Web browser gains a couple of macOS-specific improvements. (Free, 153.2 MB, macOS 10.15+)
Maintenance update with improvements for the time and productivity tracking app. ($108/$132/$192 annual subscriptions, free update, 26.8 MB, macOS 10.15+)
