Apple gives MacBook Air a 16GB RAM upgrade

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Aside from debuting the new iMac, Mac mini, and MacBook Pro, Apple made a small yet important update to the MacBook Air. The M2 and M3 models now have 16GB of RAM as their minimum memory. You used to have to spend extra to get 16GB of RAM on your MacBook Air, but now the laptop is more in line with its competitors and the rest of Apple's computer lineup. This means the 8GB RAM option is no longer available for an Apple computer.

The most likely reason for the upgrade is Apple Intelligence. Artificial intelligence models usually require a lot of RAM to work well, and 16GB seems like the minimum you'll need for these machines to run more smoothly. The Apple MacBook Air starts at $1,299 in Canada for the M2 model, $1,449 for the 13-inch M3 model, and $$1,749 for the 15-inch M3 model.

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Apple MacBook Pro now runs on M4 chips

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Following the launches of the new iMac and Mac mini, Apple announced the refreshed MacBook Pro with the choice of an M4, M4 Pro, or M4 Max chip. The base model addresses criticisms of last year's M3 model. It now gets 16GB of memory instead of the paltry 8GB (at least for a pro-centric laptop). We may have the inclusion of Apple Intelligence to thank for this change. But we welcome it nonetheless.

Aside from introducing a minimum of 16GB memory, the base MacBook Pro comes with three Thunderbolt 4 ports instead of two and it's now available in black. If you pick up the more expensive M4 Pro or Max options, you get faster chips and ports. Apple brings Thunderbolt 5 to the MacBook for the first time.

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Apple Mac mini: Small in stature, big on power

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Apple's taking the mini in the Mac mini's name quite seriously. As part of its week of Mac launches, the Apple Mac mini gets a refresh, featuring an even smaller form factor that packs in some serious guts.

The Mac mini now runs on the latest Apple M4 silicon, with options for either the regular M4 chip or the M4 Pro. This desktop PC is now smaller, measuring five inches long and wide. Apple says the M4's efficiency and the machine's "innovative thermal architecture" allow it to run smoothly and coolly.

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Apple iMac now comes with an M4 chip

Photo: Apple

Apple's week of Mac announcements kicked off with the new version of the iMac. It now runs on an M4 chip with an 8-core processor and up to 10-core GPU. The entry-level model costs $1,699 in Canada and has two Thunderbolt USB-C 4 ports. Meanwhile, the higher-end models start at $1,949 and have four ports. This new desktop PC comes with accessories that support USB-C charging ports instead of Lightning.

The iMac still comes with a 24-inch 4.5K display, but there's now a new "nano-texture glass option" for an extra $250, which Apple claims to help reduce glare and reflections. The more expensive variant supports up to two external 6K screens at 60Hz or one external 8K display at 120Hz. There won't be a larger 27-inch model.

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