Apple introduces updated MacBook Pro laptops with enhanced performance for artificial intelligence tasks.

• On Wednesday, Apple unveiled new MacBook Pro laptops featuring updated M4 chips, marking what is probably the company's final major hardware release of the year.
• The M4 chip powers the new MacBook Pros.
• The M4 Max, a more powerful version, is gaining access to some models.

Apple unveiled new MacBook Pro laptops with enhanced processors, marking what is probably the company's final major hardware reveal of the year on Wednesday.

The M4 chip, which is 1.8 times faster than the M1, powers some new devices. Some models have access to more powerful versions, called the M4 Pro and M4 Max. Apple says these new chips are designed to improve performance and efficiency in various tasks.

Apple has made a significant change across its entire Mac lineup to prepare the computers for future AI features.

The new Apple models, like other devices launched this year, are intended for Apple Intelligence, the company's AI system capable of producing text, images, and emojis.

The new MacBook Pro models come with at least 16GB of RAM, while low-end Macs previously had 8GB of RAM as standard. The more RAM a computer has, the better it can handle complex AI models.

Apple's MacBook Air laptops and iMac desktops are receiving an update with at least 16GB of RAM at the same $999 starting price. The M4 also has enhanced AI capabilities. The most significant change Apple has made to its computer lineup is doubling the RAM on its laptops to better support Apple Intelligence.

The 2021 MacBook Pro redesign was highly commended for its thicker frame, which enabled the computer to feature several conventional ports, including an HDMI port for linking the computer to TV displays and projectors. This re-launch was part of a series of Mac releases in 2021 that rejuvenated the product line, coinciding with Apple's decision to transition from Intel processors to its own M-series.

Despite generating less revenue overall than the iPhone and wearables business, Apple's Mac lineup is crucial for the company because all iPhone apps are developed on Macs.

Apple reported a 2% increase in Mac sales for the quarter ending in June, totaling $7 billion. Apple will release its latest quarterly results on Thursday.

The 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro chip starts at $1,999 and has a battery life of up to 24 hours. The 16-inch model starts at $2,499. Apple's new MacBook Pro models feature an upgraded 12-megapixel videoconferencing camera.

The new laptops hit store shelves Nov. 8.

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