Unreleased models of Apple’s upcoming MacBook Pro, rumoured to feature the next-generation M4 chip, have seemingly leaked in Russia, weeks ahead of an anticipated official announcement in November. Over the weekend, at least two Russian YouTubers posted unboxing videos showcasing what they claim to be the yet-to-be-released 14-inch MacBook Pro, fuelling speculation about an imminent product launch.
The first video, posted by YouTube channel Wylsacom, shows a device that matches the design of the current M3 MacBook Pro. The packaging even includes the same wallpaper Apple used last year, a detail that usually changes with new MacBook releases. Notably, Wylsacom’s video features a Geekbench test, with scores hinting at modest performance boosts compared to previous models.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman took note of the videos, sharing on social media that while the packaging is suspiciously similar to last year's models, the device could be legitimate. Gurman added that if these videos are accurate, it would be one of the most significant leaks from Apple’s retail pipeline in recent years.
"Unconfirmed but looks fairly legitimate: a Russian YouTube channel claims to have the yet to be announced M4 MacBook Pro and gave it a full unboxing and hands-on. We’ve seen prototypes leak early but never a full retail Apple device weeks in advance," shares Gurman on X. "The only thing that gives me pause is the wallpaper on the box is the same as last year’s. That may not mean much though. If anyone speaks Russian and English and spots any new features in the video, reply here. If this is legitimate, this is an unprecedented breach at Apple. The backstory here will be fascinating. The only explanation is that Apple hired the Google Pixel guys to hold onto the new MacBook Pros until announcement."
In his video, Wylsacom notes that this is a minor update and that the difference between the M3 and M4 won’t be worth the money: "You'll notice the difference, but how much practical benefit you can actually squeeze out of it is a rhetorical question."
Unconfirmed but looks fairly legitimate: a Russian YouTube channel claims to have the yet to be announced M4 MacBook Pro and gave it a full unboxing and hands-on. We’ve seen prototypes leak early but never a full retail Apple device weeks in advance. https://t.co/LYrt68ZmEn
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) October 6, 2024
Shortly after Wylsacom’s post, another Russian YouTuber, Romancev768, uploaded a separate unboxing video of what appears to be the same model. This video includes footage of the “About This Mac” screen, showing the device is running on an M4 chip. The model number and packaging match those in previous leaks, so there's a possibility these laptops came from the same source.
"Wylsacom got it yesterday, and by the evening of October 7, more [MacBooks] were delivered to Moscow. And honestly, [such leakage] for a corporation like this, it's cringe. Sure, photos of the packaging or some details are one thing, but to have it openly on sale—that's surprising," says the blogger in his video. "The update seems less than minor, which is clear from the old wallpaper on the box. Inside, you'll find a black MacBook, just like last year, and honestly, the accessories haven't changed at all. No Apple logo stickers in the box, though the paper envelope is still there, along with two other stickers that are even more useless than the Apple ones. Overall, it's all just very underwhelming."
The YouTuber notes that the new MacBook hasn’t gotten any lighter, and the size hasn’t changed either: "There might be an increase in display brightness, but it could just be the effect of something new. Honestly, at first glance, you won’t see any changes. You won’t see them at second or third glance either. Maybe it’s part of Tim Cook’s sneaky plan, and he’s about to cancel the entire presentation."
The recent wave of leaks has set off widespread speculation, but questions remain about the authenticity of these devices. Some even joked in the comments under the Wylsacom's video that American bloggers independently ask to be included in US sanctions lists for a more timely and relevant review of new products. Whether these laptops are the real deal or convincing counterfeits, all eyes are now on Apple, as the company is rumoured to officially unveil its new MacBook lineup in November.
