Tag: M4 Macs

  • Why Apple’s latest Macs skip Wi-Fi 7 unlike iPhone 16

    Why Apple’s latest Macs skip Wi-Fi 7 unlike iPhone 16

    Apple just rolled out new MacBook Air and Mac Studio models, packed with speedy M4 and M3 Ultra chips. They also tossed in extras like Thunderbolt 5 ports for the Mac Studio. But one thing they didn’t upgrade? Wi-Fi. These new Macs stick with Wi-Fi 6E instead of jumping to the newer, faster Wi-Fi 7.

    Wi-Fi 6E is solid—it taps into the 6GHz band for smoother connections on compatible routers. But Wi-Fi 7 (also called IEEE 802.11be) is a step ahead. It promises speeds up to four times quicker, less lag, and better handling of lots of devices at once. Its coolest trick, Multi-Link Operation (MLO), mixes different frequencies into one strong connection for improved speed and reliability.

    So why didn’t Apple go for Wi-Fi 7? It’s not a total shock—last year’s M4 MacBook Pros also skipped it. Still, it’s a bit weird when you see all iPhone 16 models from September rocking Wi-Fi 7 chips from Broadcom. The Macs, though, stay a step behind.

    That said, Wi-Fi 7 isn’t a big deal yet. Even on the iPhone 16, Apple caps it at a 160 MHz bandwidth instead of the full 320 MHz Wi-Fi 7 can handle, so the phones aren’t using its full power anyway. Plus, not many people have Wi-Fi 7 routers at home yet. The Wi-Fi 6E in these Macs already uses the 6GHz band, which is less crowded and works great for most needs.

    Sure, Wi-Fi 7 could make the Macs more future-ready, but its real perks won’t shine until more folks upgrade their setups. For now, Wi-Fi 6E does the job well enough for things like video calls, cloud gaming, and streaming in high quality. Bottom line? If you’re eyeing an M4 Mac, don’t sweat the missing Wi-Fi 7. The tech’s still new, and Wi-Fi 6E keeps things running smoothly for everyday use. You’re not missing out on much—yet!

  • Apple now sells used M4 Macs at lower prices

    Apple now sells used M4 Macs at lower prices

    Apple has recently started selling refurbished MacBook Pro and Mac mini models with M4 chips in several countries including the United States, Canada, the UK, and Ireland. This is the first time these models have been available in Apple’s refurbished store since they were released in October 2024.

    M4 Mac mini with a Blue Light

    In addition, you can find some refurbished MacBook Pro models with M4 chips in Europe, in countries like Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and a few others. These refurbished Macs are cheaper, about 15% less than buying them new from Apple’s website. However, the stock changes a lot, and sometimes you might see the “buy” button isn’t working for certain models in some places. If you want a specific model, you’ll need to check back regularly.

    Apple hasn’t started selling refurbished iMacs with M4 chips yet in any country. Every refurbished Mac comes with all the usual stuff in the box. For the MacBook Pro, you get a USB-C charger and a USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable. The Mac mini includes its power cord. Apple claims they test each refurbished Mac completely, clean it thoroughly, and check it carefully. They also come with Apple’s one-year warranty, and you can buy extra protection with AppleCare+.

    From what we’ve seen, these refurbished Macs from Apple look and work almost the same as new ones, offering a great chance to save money while still buying from Apple. However, if you’re looking for even bigger savings, checking out sellers like Amazon might give you better deals on Macs.

  • Apple now sells parts for easy home repairs on new M4 Macs

    Apple now sells parts for easy home repairs on new M4 Macs

    Apple has recently started selling parts for its latest M4 Macs right in their self-service repair shop across the U.S. and several European countries. This new addition includes parts for MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini that come with M4, M4 Pro, or M4 Max chips.

    Since opening its doors in 2022, Apple’s repair program has allowed people to buy the exact parts, tools, and guides that Apple’s technicians use. Now, with the M4 series, you can find repair guides on Apple’s official site.

    What can you fix? Well, for the M4 Macs, you can get screens, mainboards, speakers, touchpads, top cases that include keyboards and batteries, storage drives, USB-C ports, cooling fans, Wi-Fi parts, and more.

    The self-repair store doesn’t stop at Macs; it also has parts for different iPhone models and the Studio Display, plus new batteries for the Beats Pill speaker. Apple makes it clear that these repairs are best for folks who know their way around electronics, providing detailed safety guidelines in their repair manuals.

    This move by Apple makes it easier for tech-savvy individuals to keep their devices running smoothly without needing professional help, enhancing the DIY repair culture.

  • M4 Macs and the 5K2K resolution conundrum

    M4 Macs and the 5K2K resolution conundrum

    The arrival of Apple’s M4 Macs was met with the usual fanfare, promising enhanced performance and efficiency. However, as these powerful machines find their way into the hands of eager users, a concerning trend has emerged: compatibility issues with ultrawide monitors, particularly those boasting the crisp 5K2K (5120 x 2160) resolution. This isn’t a minor glitch; it’s a significant disruption for professionals and creatives who rely on these expansive displays for their workflows.  

    The problem, as reported across various online forums, including Apple’s own community pages, Reddit, and corroborated by firsthand accounts, centers around the M4 Macs’ inability to properly recognize and utilize the native resolution of these ultrawide displays.

    Instead of offering the expected 5120 x 2160 option in display settings, users are presented with lower resolutions, resulting in a noticeably blurry and pixelated visual experience. This isn’t just a matter of aesthetics; it impacts readability, precision in design work, and overall user comfort.

    What’s particularly perplexing is that these same monitors function flawlessly with older Mac models, both Intel-based and those powered by previous generations of Apple Silicon, like the M1. This points directly to a software or driver-level incompatibility specific to the M4 architecture.

    The core issue seems to be the lack of proper HiDPI (High Dots Per Inch) support. HiDPI effectively doubles the pixel density, rendering text and interface elements sharper and clearer. In the case of these ultrawide monitors connected to M4 Macs, the HiDPI mode simply isn’t engaging, leaving users with a suboptimal visual experience.  

    The frustration is palpable in online discussions. One user recounted their experience, stating, “While I can select the same resolution on my Mac Mini M4, it doesn’t show HiDPI, and it (indeed) looks worse,” further adding that the same monitor works perfectly with their M1 MacBook Pro, exhibiting proper HiDPI scaling.

    Another user echoed this sentiment, noting the absence of a crucial resolution option (3840 x 1620) on their M4 MacBook Pro Max, a resolution readily available on their M1 Max counterpart. These aren’t isolated incidents; they represent a growing chorus of discontent among users who invested in the latest Mac hardware expecting seamless integration with their existing setups.

    This issue doesn’t seem confined to a specific Mac model. While initial reports seemed to originate primarily from Mac mini users, similar complaints have surfaced from owners of M4 MacBook Pros, indicating a wider problem affecting the entire M4 lineup. This broad impact further underscores the likelihood of a fundamental incompatibility within the M4’s graphics drivers or display management software.

    Desperate for a solution, some users have resorted to third-party utilities like BetterDisplay. While these tools can sometimes force HiDPI mode, they often introduce other compromises. One common side effect is a reduction in the monitor’s refresh rate, dropping from a smoother 75Hz to a less fluid 60Hz. This trade-off is hardly ideal, forcing users to choose between sharpness and responsiveness.

    As of now, Apple has yet to officially acknowledge this issue. This lack of communication leaves affected users in limbo, unsure of whether a fix is in the works or when it might arrive. In the meantime, the current best advice for those considering purchasing an M4 Mac and who own a 5K2K ultrawide monitor is to exercise caution. Until Apple addresses this compatibility problem, these users may face significant display issues.

    This situation serves as a stark reminder that even with advancements in hardware, software compatibility can still present unexpected hurdles, impacting the user experience and causing frustration for those who rely on their technology for productivity and creativity. This situation is evolving, and hopefully, Apple will provide a swift and effective solution to restore the seamless experience users expect.

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