Mac status report: More laptop and desktop upgrades still possible for 2014
MacBooks and iMacs have already been updated this year, but these systems have not.
That's not because Apple is neglecting the Mac line. Quite the opposite, so far this year we've already seen updates to the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro lines, in multiple screen sizes, as well as a new entry level 21.5-inch iMac all-in-one desktop. But not every Mac has gotten a 2014 update. The models below still have a few months to get new components, designs, or prices, and there's one long-rumored new Mac that might be well-timed with Intel's late 2014 CPU plans.
Mac Mini
This cult-favorite small-form-factor desktop computer may fall into the category of products Apple calls "hobbies," but it still has legions of fans. It's a shame then, that the Mac Mini has not been seriously updated since 2012, which is pretty close to forever in computer terms. The current Mac Mini is a couple of generations behind in its Intel CPU, and could easily benefit from newer processors and newer integrated Intel graphics, plus more efficient SSD storage.
Mac Pro
This unique desktop powerhouse was only released in December 2013, but that means it's nearly one year old, and perhaps ready for an update. But, there's no newer version of the Intel Xeon processor than that in the model we reviewed at launch. The physical design is unlikely to change anytime soon based on the history of Mac Pro designs, but I suppose there's a small chance we could see lower-cost versions with consumer-level Intel CPUs, such as the new high-end Haswell-E series.
27-inch iMac
We saw a new 21.5-inch iMac model earlier in 2013, which hit a new lower price by essentially swapping in laptop-level internal components, making that new model basically a MacBook Air in an iMac body. One could conceivably see a similar update to the larger 27-inch version of the iMac , but a major CPU upgrade might have to wait for Intel's fifth-generation of Core i-series processors, also known by the codename Broadwell, which are not expected to show up in products until early 2015.
The mythical 12-inch Retina MacBook
One new Intel chip that is expected, however, is the Core M, a low-power, low-voltage CPU intended for slim, lightweight, premium-priced laptops, hybrids, and tablets. That could be the perfect platform for a long-rumored new MacBook model with a 12-inch display and slim Air-like body (and hopefully a higher-res Retina display). It's not likely to show up at Apple's 9/9 event, but could be seen later in the year, when Apple often likes to announce computer updates.