As of 23 July 2025, Apple’s lineup of M4‑based computers includes portable Macs (MacBook Air and MacBook Pro) and desktops (Mac mini, 24‑inch iMac and Mac Studio). Apple has not yet released a Mac Pro with an M4 chip; according to Macworld the Mac Pro is expected in the second half of 2025 and no official tech specifications have been publishedmacworld.com. Below is a comparison of the available M4 Macs focusing on CPU configuration, memory (RAM) and storage.
Portable Macs
MacBook Air (13‑inch, M4, 2025)
- CPU/GPU: The M4 chip has a 10‑core CPU (4 performance + 6 efficiency cores) and either an 8‑core or 10‑core GPU. The chip includes a 16‑core Neural Engine and 120 GB/s memory bandwidthsupport.apple.com. Upgrading to the 10‑core GPU requires selecting the higher‑end configurationsupport.apple.com.
- Memory: 16 GB unified memory is standard; customers can configure 24 GB or 32 GBsupport.apple.com.
- Storage: The base SSD is 256 GB; optional upgrades include 512 GB, 1 TB or 2 TBsupport.apple.com.
- Notes: Up to 18 hours of video playback and a 13.6‑inch Liquid‑Retina display make it a light and efficient travel laptop.
MacBook Air (15‑inch, M4, 2025)
- CPU/GPU: Same M4 chip with a 10‑core CPU and a 10‑core GPU, plus a 16‑core Neural Enginesupport.apple.com.
- Memory: 16 GB unified memory by default, configurable to 24 GB or 32 GBsupport.apple.com.
- Storage: Base 256 GB SSD; upgrades to 512 GB, 1 TB or 2 TBsupport.apple.com.
- Notes: Larger 15.3‑inch display and slightly bigger battery (66.5 Wh) than the 13‑inch Air; otherwise similar performance.
MacBook Pro (14‑inch, M4, 2024)
- CPU/GPU: Uses the basic M4 chip with a 10‑core CPU (4 performance + 6 efficiency cores) and 10‑core GPU; the Neural Engine has 16 cores and memory bandwidth is 120 GB/ssupport.apple.com.
- Memory: Comes with 16 GB or 24 GB unified memory; can be configured to 32 GBsupport.apple.com.
- Storage: Starts with a 512 GB or 1 TB SSD; upgrades allow 1 TB or 2 TBsupport.apple.com.
- Notes: Provides a brighter Liquid Retina XDR display and three Thunderbolt 4 ports. With up to 24 hours of video playback, it is a portable yet more powerful option than the MacBook Air.
MacBook Pro (16‑inch, M4 Pro or M4 Max, 2024)
- CPU/GPU: Comes with either the M4 Pro or M4 Max.
- M4 Pro: 14‑core CPU (10 performance + 4 efficiency cores), 20‑core GPU and 16‑core Neural Enginesupport.apple.com. Memory bandwidth is 273 GB/s.
- M4 Max: 14‑core CPU (or configurable to a 16‑core CPU) with 32‑ or 40‑core GPU and 16‑core Neural Enginesupport.apple.com. Memory bandwidth ranges from 410 GB/s up to 546 GB/s when the 16‑core CPU/40‑core GPU configuration is chosensupport.apple.com.
- Memory:
- M4 Pro models start with 24 GB unified memory; configuration options include 36 GB (M4 Max with 14‑core CPU), 48 GB (M4 Pro or M4 Max with 16‑core CPU) and up to 64 GB or 128 GB for the 16‑core‑CPU M4 Maxsupport.apple.com.
- M4 Max models start at 36 GB unified memory with options for 48 GB, 64 GB or 128 GBsupport.apple.com.
- Storage:
- M4 Pro systems come with a 512 GB SSD and can be upgraded to 1 TB, 2 TB or 4 TBsupport.apple.com.
- M4 Max systems begin with a 1 TB SSD and can be expanded to 2 TB, 4 TB or 8 TBsupport.apple.com.
- Notes: The 16‑inch Pro offers exceptional performance, better cooling and a 100‑Wh battery. It suits demanding workloads such as professional video editing or AI tasks; however its size and cost exceed those of the Air or 14‑inch Pro.
Summary of portable Macs
| Model (year) | CPU & GPU (M4 family) | Memory (default → max) | SSD options | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Air 13″ (2025) | 10‑core CPU (4 P + 6 E), 8‑ or 10‑core GPUsupport.apple.com | 16 GB → 32 GB unifiedsupport.apple.com | 256 GB → 2 TBsupport.apple.com | Light portable; everyday tasks, travel |
| MacBook Air 15″ (2025) | 10‑core CPU (4 P + 6 E), 10‑core GPUsupport.apple.com | 16 GB → 32 GB unifiedsupport.apple.com | 256 GB → 2 TBsupport.apple.com | Larger screen; similar performance; better battery |
| MacBook Pro 14″ (2024) | 10‑core CPU (4 P + 6 E), 10‑core GPUsupport.apple.com | 16 GB / 24 GB → 32 GB unifiedsupport.apple.com | 512 GB/1 TB → 2 TBsupport.apple.com | For creatives who need more ports and a brighter display |
| MacBook Pro 16″ (2024) | M4 Pro: 14‑core CPU / 20‑core GPUsupport.apple.com; M4 Max: 14‑ or 16‑core CPU and 32‑ or 40‑core GPUsupport.apple.com | M4 Pro: 24 GB → 128 GB; M4 Max: 36 GB → 128 GBsupport.apple.com | 512 GB → 4 TB (M4 Pro); 1 TB → 8 TB (M4 Max)support.apple.com | Desktop‑class performance in a laptop; heavier and pricier |
Desktop Macs
Mac mini (2024) – M4
- CPU/GPU: Uses an M4 chip with a 10‑core CPU (4 performance + 6 efficiency cores) and a 10‑core GPUsupport.apple.com; 16‑core Neural Engine; 120 GB/s memory bandwidth. A more powerful M4 Pro option provides a 12‑core CPU and 16‑core GPUsupport.apple.com.
- Memory: Base 16 GB unified memory with options for 24 GB or 32 GBsupport.apple.com. The M4 Pro model starts at 24 GB and can be configured up to 64 GBsupport.apple.com.
- Storage: Base 256 GB SSD; upgrades to 512 GB, 1 TB or 2 TBsupport.apple.com. M4 Pro models start with a 512 GB SSD and can go up to 8 TBsupport.apple.com.
- Notes: Offers three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI, USB‑A and configurable 10Gb Ethernet; no built‑in display or keyboard. Suitable as an affordable desktop or media server.
iMac 24‑inch (2024) – two‑port model
- CPU/GPU: M4 chip with an 8‑core CPU (4 performance + 4 efficiency) and an 8‑core GPUsupport.apple.com. Includes a 16‑core Neural Engine and 120 GB/s memory bandwidth.
- Memory: 16 GB unified memory standard, configurable to 24 GBsupport.apple.com.
- Storage: 256 GB SSD, configurable to 512 GB or 1 TBsupport.apple.com.
- Notes: All‑in‑one with 4.5K 24‑inch display, two Thunderbolt/USB‑4 ports and optional Ethernet; fits general‑purpose desktop use where high performance is not critical.
iMac 24‑inch (2024) – four‑port model
- CPU/GPU: M4 chip with a 10‑core CPU (4 performance + 6 efficiency) and a 10‑core GPUsupport.apple.com.
- Memory: 16 GB unified memory default; configurable to 24 GB or 32 GBsupport.apple.com.
- Storage: Starts at 256 GB SSD with options for 512 GB, 1 TB or 2 TBsupport.apple.com.
- Notes: Adds two extra Thunderbolt/USB‑4 ports, supports up to two external displays and suits users needing more connectivity while still wanting an all‑in‑one form factor.
Mac Studio (2025) – M4 Max
- CPU/GPU: Base M4 Max chip has a 14‑core CPU (10 performance + 4 efficiency cores) and a 32‑core GPU with 16‑core Neural Enginesupport.apple.com. It can be configured to a 16‑core CPU with a 40‑core GPU (higher memory bandwidth)support.apple.com.
- Memory: Starts with 36 GB unified memory; customers can select 48 GB, 64 GB or 128 GB when opting for the 16‑core CPU/40‑core GPU configurationsupport.apple.com.
- Storage: Comes with a 512 GB SSD and can be configured to 1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB or 8 TBsupport.apple.com.
- Notes: Provides workstation‑class performance in a compact form. Four Thunderbolt 5 ports, two USB‑A ports, HDMI 2.1 and 10 Gb Ethernet offer extensive connectivity. Ideal for professional workflows such as film production, 3D rendering or large machine‑learning projects.
Recommendations
- For everyday use and portability: Choose a MacBook Air 13‑inch or 15‑inch if you need a lightweight laptop for browsing, office work, light photo/video editing or travel. Both Air models share the same M4 processor and start with 16 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSDsupport.apple.comsupport.apple.com; the 15‑inch offers a larger screen and slightly bigger battery. If you want the lowest price and smallest size, the 13‑inch Air is sufficient; for a more spacious display without significant weight gain, the 15‑inch Air is a good compromise.
- For creative professionals on the go: The 14‑inch MacBook Pro with the M4 chip balances portability with professional features. Its brighter XDR display, extra ports and optional upgrade to 32 GB RAM and a 2 TB SSDsupport.apple.com make it suitable for photographers, software developers and light video editors who value battery life.
- For demanding mobile workloads: The 16‑inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro or M4 Max provides desktop‑class performance. It is appropriate if you require large unified memory (up to 128 GB) and high‑performance graphics for tasks such as 4K/8K video editing, 3D rendering or machine‑learning developmentsupport.apple.com. Because of its weight and price, it is overkill for general productivity.
- For an inexpensive desktop: The Mac mini offers the M4 chip in a small form factor. With a 10‑core CPU, 16 GB to 32 GB of unified memory and up to 2 TB of SSD storagesupport.apple.com, it works well as a home office computer, media server or development machine when paired with your own monitor and keyboard. The optional M4 Pro version adds more CPU/GPU cores and memory headroom.
- For an all‑in‑one desktop: The 24‑inch iMac provides a sleek 4.5K display and integrated design. The two‑port model uses an 8‑core CPU and is best for general productivity and education; the four‑port model has a 10‑core CPU and allows up to 32 GB of RAM and 2 TB of storagesupport.apple.com. If you need more connectivity or plan to attach multiple external displays, choose the four‑port iMac.
- For professional desktop performance: The Mac Studio with M4 Max is the most powerful M4‑powered Mac available today. Starting at 36 GB of unified memory and configurable up to 128 GB with an 8 TB SSDsupport.apple.com, it delivers vastly higher CPU and GPU cores than the other M4 models. It is overkill for typical office tasks but ideal for video production, 3D modelling, scientific computing and AI workloads.
Because the M4 chips integrate CPU, GPU and memory into a single package, memory and SSD capacity cannot be upgraded after purchase. Choose a configuration that will meet your needs for several years and consider your typical workload, portability requirements and budget when selecting among these M4 Mac models.
