Within the run-up to Apple’s WWDC this summer season, the final buzz is that the keynote goes heavy on the introduction of the AR/VR headset. However based on Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the keynote received’t be simply concerning the headset. We might see some new MacBooks, as effectively. That’s MacBooks as in plural.
One key level about these new laptops, nevertheless: Gurman doesn’t suppose that any of those new MacBooks could have Apple’s extremely anticipated M3 chip, a degree that was corroborated later within the week by Ming-Chi Kuo. That is important for 2 causes. For one, the M3 would be the first Mac chip made with the 3nm course of, which is able to carry pace and effectivity boosts that can possible be increased than the M2. For one more, there aren’t actually any MacBooks that aren’t already working M2 chips.
However Gurman experiences that “no less than some” of the brand new M2 laptops Apple is engaged on will likely be introduced at WWDC. So, what might these MacBooks be? Till we get a clearer image, we will make a number of guesses.
15-inch MacBook Air
This laptop computer has been within the rumor mill for a while, and Gurman lately reported that Apple is taking the steps that seemingly result in a WWDC reveal. Apple’s present 13-inch MacBook Air is the corporate’s hottest Mac, and with experiences that gross sales are down, a 15-inch MacBook Air might be what the corporate wants to offer gross sales a jolt.
The 13-inch MacBook Air is in style as a result of it’s a great mixture of value, portability, and efficiency. However for lots of parents (like me), a 13-inch laptop computer is simply too small. A 15-inch MacBook Air might find yourself being a excellent laptop computer, even with out the high-end options and processor of the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Professional fashions.
13-inch MacBook Professional with M2 Professional
Gurman mentions that Apple has a 13-inch MacBook Professional within the works. Nonetheless, for the reason that present mannequin was up to date final yr with an M2 chip, and since Gurman says that the M3 isn’t prepared, that might imply considered one of three issues.
The primary chance is that Apple upgrades it with an M2 Professional chip so as to add a bit extra separation between it and the 15-inch MacBook Air. That may clearly make it a sooner machine however does nothing to repair its design issues: It’s the one Professional laptop computer with massive bezels and the Contact Bar. However no less than an M2 Professional chip would make it a greater match with the remainder of the MacBook Professional lineup.
The second chance is that Apple retains the M2 chip however redesigns the laptop computer to suit the remainder of the Professional line. This appears much less possible, although, since it will basically be a twin of the MacBook Air, even when it retains the Contact Bar.
The design of the 13-inch MacBook Professional has been round since 2016.
Foundry
The third and probably chance is that Apple makes some slight however significant updates. It might carry Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E and improve the SSD from utilizing 256GB NAND flash chips to 128GB chips. Apple makes use of a single 256GB NAND flash storage chip in its lowest-priced M2 MacBook Air and M2 13-inch MacBook Professional (and the M2 Mac mini), and it’s 50 p.c slower than a pair of 128GB chips (which was used within the M1). Nobody is aware of for certain why Apple made this transformation, however value and provide points are possible causes. It’d be a sophisticated change to do from a manufacturing standpoint, however Apple might do it.
If the chips and NAND are the one updates, then don’t anticipate Apple to say a lot (if something in any respect) about it in the course of the keynote. Nonetheless, the brand new mannequin might seem within the Apple retailer with a “New” label to suggest the adjustments.
13-inch MacBook Air with up to date specs
The present 13-inch MacBook Air was launched final June with the M2 chip, so it’s uncertain it would get a significant replace earlier than the M3 arrives. And whereas we love this laptop computer, there are a few issues Apple might change that might make it even higher, particularly if the 15-inch mannequin has them.
The primary function that should change is the FaceTime digicam. Apple makes use of a 1080p digicam that’s so mediocre we suggest that folks use Continuity Digicam as an alternative. It might use an improve. And just like the MacBook Professional, it might additionally use a sooner 256GB SSD, Wi-FI 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3.
The M2 MacBook Air was launched in June 2022 and will get up to date at WWDC.
Foundry
There’s additionally the skin likelihood that Apple updates the M1 MacBook Air with an M2 chip that’s much less highly effective than the present M2. Gurman’s report was very particular in its wording that the brand new MacBooks will “run one thing consistent with the present M2 processors,” so it’s doable that Apple has one thing up its sleeve to freshen the M1 MacBook that’s now greater than two years previous.
