Everything you need to know about Apple’s next laptop
MacBook Air 2023: Reports suggest that Apple is working on a larger 15-inch MacBook Air, slated for release in 2023. This model would come after the redesigned MacBook Air launched in 2022, featuring a 13.6-inch display and the M2 processor. The 15-inch MacBook Air has been a long-standing project for Apple, with documentation from the Apple and Epic court battle in 2021 revealing that Steve Jobs discussed the possibility of a 15-inch MacBook Air as early as 2007. However, according to recent updates on May 16, 2023, it has been reported that the upcoming 15-inch MacBook Air will not feature the anticipated M3 chip. Further details regarding its specifications and features are yet to be disclosed.
MacBook Air 2023: Release date and latest news
1.MacBook Air 2023: Release date
According to a recent rumor from DigiTimes, the MacBook Air (2023) is expected to be updated in the second half of 2023, aligning with the typical release window for new Apple laptops. The report suggests that the supply chain is focusing on the more affordable MacBook Air, indicating an update to the current model. However, no specific release date has been confirmed yet.
Additionally, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has claimed that two MacBook Air models are set to launch later this year, including a 13-inch and a 15-inch variant. This aligns with previous reports of a larger 15-inch MacBook Air in development. While the exact release dates for these refreshed models remain unknown, if the rumor is accurate, it is possible that they could be unveiled at Apple’s Spring event or during WWDC 2023, with availability in the second half of June.
As of now, these reports provide an insight into the potential timeline for the release of the MacBook Air (2023), but concrete details regarding the exact launch dates and specifications are yet to be officially announced by Apple.
2.MacBook Air 2023 : Latest news
Rumors of an upcoming 15-inch MacBook Air have been circulating for a while, indicating Apple’s interest in expanding its laptop lineup to cater to a wider range of consumers. According to reports from Bloomberg in April 2023, Apple has been increasing testing on new Macs with processors similar to the current M2 chip but with a larger and higher-resolution display, suggesting that the 15-inch MacBook Air is nearing its release.
A report from DigiTimes in May mentioned that the production of the 15-inch MacBook Air had already commenced, with sellers preparing to stock up on the new laptop ahead of its expected release in the spring. Additionally, analyst Ross Young of Display Supply Chain Consultants tweeted in April that Apple had ramped up production of the 15-inch MacBook Air in recent months, indicating a potential shipment in late April or early May.
These reports align with the possibility of an update before Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which typically takes place in June. Earlier tweets by Ross Young in February also mentioned the production of a 15.5-inch panel for the new MacBook Air, further fueling anticipation for its release. With these pieces of information, it appears that the announcement and availability of the 15-inch MacBook Air are imminent.
MacBook Air 2023 : Price
To get an idea of how Apple will price the new 15-inch MacBook Air, we can look at the prices of Apple’s current lineup of Mac laptops.
- 13-inch M2 MacBook Air: $1,199/£1,249 or $1,499/£1,549.
- 13-inch M2 MacBook Pro: $1,299/£1,349 or $1,499/£1,549.
- 15-inch M2 MacBook Pro: From $1,749/£1,849 predicted.
- 14-inch M2 Pro MacBook Pro: Starts at $1,999/£2,149
- 16-inch M2 Pro MacBook Pro: Starts at $2,499/£2,699
If the rumored 15-inch MacBook Air features the M2 chip, it is expected to be positioned between the 13-inch MacBook Pro and the 14-inch MacBook Pro in terms of specifications and pricing. Considering the significant price gap between the 13-inch and 14-inch MacBook Pro models, a reasonable assumption for the starting price of the 15-inch MacBook Air would be between $1,499/£1,549 and $1,999/£2,149. Based on this, a likely starting price could be around $1,749/£1,849.
However, if the 15-inch MacBook Air is considered a higher-end model with an M2 Pro chip, it could command an even higher price point. It’s worth noting that the original MacBook Air had a starting price of $1,799 back in 2008, so there is precedent for such a higher price range. Nevertheless, if Apple were to introduce a 15-inch M2 Pro MacBook Air at a price lower than that of the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the same chip, it could create confusion among consumers. As a result, it is also possible that Apple may introduce a higher-priced 15-inch MacBook Air model that fills the gap between the 14-inch MacBook Pro and the 16-inch MacBook Pro.
MacBook Air 2023 : Specs
Respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has added to the speculation surrounding the processor options for the rumored 15-inch MacBook. In a tweet from June 2022, Kuo mentioned the possibility of two CPU options: an M2, similar to the one found in the 2022 MacBook Air, and an M2 Pro option. The M2 Pro is currently exclusive to the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, as well as the Mac mini.
Interestingly, Kuo referred to this upcoming device as a MacBook rather than a MacBook Air. He suggested that it might not carry the MacBook Air name, which adds to the mystery surrounding the potential branding of this new model.
These details indicate that Apple is considering different processor options for the 15-inch MacBook, possibly including the M2 Pro variant to cater to users seeking higher performance. However, until Apple makes an official announcement, it is important to treat this information as speculation and await further confirmation regarding the processor options and the actual product name.
While there are varying reports and speculation surrounding the exact details of the rumored 15-inch MacBook, there seems to be a consensus among sources that it will indeed be a variant of the MacBook Air.
Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has expressed confidence in this notion, expecting the 15-inch MacBook Air to feature an M2 chip, with the possibility of an M2 Pro chip. He even mentioned the potential for an M3 chip, although its release may be delayed due to manufacturing issues. Gurman’s report in April 2023 indicated that Apple was testing new Macs with processors comparable to the M2 chip, featuring eight main processing cores, 10 graphics cores, and 8GB of RAM.
The inclusion of an M2 Pro chip in the MacBook Air would require design changes to accommodate better cooling, as the current MacBook Air does not have a fan. It is also worth considering that the introduction of M2 Pro chips in the MacBook Air and possibly the 13-inch MacBook Pro could impact sales of the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.
Regarding other features, expectations for the 15-inch MacBook Air include storage options starting from 256GB, RAM options ranging from 8GB to 24GB, a MagSafe charging port, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a 1080p FaceTime camera, and Apple’s new dual-port 35W adapter.
Ultimately, until Apple makes an official announcement, the exact specifications and chip options for the rumored 15-inch MacBook Air remain subject to speculation and rumors.
MacBook Air 2023 : Design and display
The introduction of two sizes for the MacBook Air, including a 15-inch model, would not be unprecedented, as Apple has previously offered multiple sizes for this line of laptops. Initially, the MacBook Air was available only in a 13-inch model, with an 11-inch model being added later and discontinued in 2015.
Apple has also sold 15-inch laptops in the past, such as the 15-inch PowerBook in 2001 and the 15-inch MacBook Pro in 2006. The 15-inch MacBook Pro was available until 2019 when it was replaced by the 16-inch MacBook Pro.
The dimensions of a potential 15-inch MacBook Air would likely have smaller bezels compared to the previous 15-inch MacBook Pro, allowing for a larger display without significantly increasing the overall size. Analyst Ross Young has suggested that the screen on the new model could measure 15.2 inches or 15.5 inches. The design and inclusion of an M2 or M2 Pro chip would likely impact the thermal requirements, with an M2 Pro-equipped MacBook Air potentially requiring additional cooling such as a fan.
While there were rumors of the MacBook Air adopting mini-LED display technology in 2022, Apple chose to use a similar LCD panel for the redesigned model. It is expected that ProMotion mini-LED technology will be reserved for higher-end MacBook Pro models, so the 15-inch MacBook Air may not feature these display enhancements. Analyst Ross Young has also suggested that Apple may plan to introduce OLED displays in 2024, indicating that this technology may not be present in the new MacBook Air until then.
As for color options, it is assumed that the 15-inch MacBook Air will be available in colors beyond the standard silver and space gray, similar to the 13-inch model. However, there have been no specific rumors regarding the color options for this particular model.
