The MacRumors Show: AI Macs With M4 Chips

On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss the latest AI consumer technology and Apple's rumored plans to bring major AI-focused hardware enhancements to the Mac later this year.


We talk through the response to Humane's AI Pin and its widely acknowledged deficiencies, such as its limited utility, subpar camera performance, and steep price point. We also take a look at the Rabbit R1, another AI device that prompts us to question the necessity of such hardware when similar functionalities could potentially be achieved with existing smartphones.

Apple is rumored to introduce M4-series custom silicon chips starting this year, featuring more powerful Neural Engines with more cores to support AI processes. These chips are likely based on the advancements coming to the iPhone 16 lineup's A18 chip, hinting that iPhone-exclusive AI features could later come to the Mac.

We also touch on the progress of AI tools in video editing software, including recent announcements from Adobe Premiere and DaVinci Resolve which have introduced new AI-driven editing features like generative fill and object removal. Such features could see enhanced performance on next-generation Macs with AI-focused chips. The MacRumors Show is now on its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips going forward:

You can also listen to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or your preferred podcasts app. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your podcast player.


If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up for our chat with Matthew Cassinelli, one of the minds behind Workflow, discuss Apple Shortcuts and potential improvements and AI features coming to the app in iOS 18.

Subscribe to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests such as Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Kevin Nether, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Luke Miani, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Tyler Stalman, Jon Prosser, Sam Kohl, John Gruber, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie.

‌The MacRumors Show‌ is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread to engage with us directly. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.

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Top Rated Comments

Harry Haller Avatar
13 months ago

I predict the new AI features will be a huge upgrade supercycle for everyone who bought the first gen M1 chip. 4 years was a good run for the M1 but it's time for people to start upgrading.
Afternoon, Tim.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MacOH21 Avatar
13 months ago
My question is:

Will Apple call it an aiMac?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
einsteinbqat Avatar
13 months ago

It's the big thing... and I think it will have a huge impact... good and bad. The problem with this technology is that it will be open to so much abuse... way more than any other technical advancement we have had in decades.

We are getting to the stage where AI is starting to do things we would normally do and think for ourselves... the question is, do we want to go that route.. of not doing and thinking for ourselves like that?
This is almost like Wall•E. Machines do the thinking, and humans too dumb to do anything anymore. LOL
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
temende Avatar
13 months ago
I predict the new AI features will be a huge upgrade supercycle for everyone who bought the first gen M1 chip. 4 years was a good run for the M1 but it's time for people to start upgrading.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Motorola68000 Avatar
13 months ago

I have been waiting forever to get a new Mac since my last iMac 2013. I was finally going to do it when the M3 15 inch airs come out this year with 16 gigs of ram to future proof myself but should I wait another year for these AI Mac’s?
Rather than a definitive answer, it really depends on you and whether the device you have still performs adequately for your needs.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mac Fly (film) Avatar
13 months ago
Smartpins might be interesting if they worked very well... AND if smartwatches and smartphones didn't exist. They aren't going anywhere anytime soon, if ever.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)