2013 MacBook Air predictions

dmelgar · Jul 9, 2012, 01:26 PM

Now that the 2012 Macbook Air's have been out for a while, what can Apple do to top it? What will the 2013 Macbook Air wow us with?

Some possibilities:

Faster CPU. Seems that CPUs aren't getting that much faster. Maybe a quad core? Would a CPU boost be a big deal (2-3x) or minor 10-20%?
Bigger SSD. This seems like a given. SSD prices are dropping like a rock. I'd guess today's 256GB will be next years 512GB. 256GB as the base, 512GB upgrade and maybe even a 1TB.
Faster SSD. Can they really get much faster? They're pretty much filling up the 6Gbps channel.
Retina display. Would be nice. I'd expect doubling of a lower resolution, such as doubling the 1280x800 of the 13" MBP to 2560x1600 rather than doubling the MBA13's already higher 1440x900. Does this take more power? Is it the display or the GPU that needs the additional power. If it really needs more power, assuming the battery doesn't get better, seems unlikely in the MBA. Need the larger volume in the rMBP.
Faster GPU. Not sure if this is needed for retina. The current GPU can already handle the higher res.
One more thing. What can Apple surprise us with?

Overall, would be it a compelling update? Worth the wait?

KPOM · Jul 9, 2012, 01:29 PM

The Intel Haswell processor (4th generation Core) will be out next year. It should provide another big jump for the CPU (much bigger than the jump from Sandy Bridge to Ivy Bridge), while also providing an improved GPU.

Whether it gets a Retina Display option may depend on the power consumption of the display. Apple might not be able to quadruple the resolution in a year without too much of a drain on the battery.

mikeray · 08:09 AM

I don't really see it going quad core because they have to be ulv processors. I need to brush up on my Haswell knowledge though, it may be possible with that architecture.

Definitely an increase in SSD size for the baseline model.

WRP · Jul 9, 2012, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmelgar

Now that the 2012 Macbook Air's have been out for a while, what can Apple do to top it? What will the 2013 Macbook Air wow us with?

Some possibilities:[LIST][*]Faster CPU. Seems that CPUs aren't getting that much faster. Maybe a quad core? Would a CPU boost be a big deal (2-3x) or minor 10-20%?[*]Bigger SSD. This seems like a given. SSD prices are dropping like a rock. I'd guess today's 256GB will be next years 512GB. 256GB as the base, 512GB upgrade and maybe even a 1TB.

Really going out on a limb with those huh?

ZBoater · Jul 9, 2012, 02:17 PM

1TB SSD. Yummmmmmm......

mattopotamus · Jul 9, 2012, 02:32 PM

no way you will see quad core...that would really hurt the pro sales, and no way a retina display. I think the 2013 will bring the new CPU which will help out the battery life, and maybe a higher resolution. Retina's on airs are a long way out.

wbensky · Feb 19, 2013, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattopotamus

no way you will see quad core...that would really hurt the pro sales, and no way a retina display. I think the 2013 will bring the new CPU which will help out the battery life, and maybe a higher resolution. Retina's on airs are a long way out.

Surprise,

Sean76 · Feb 20, 2013, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wbensky

Surprise,

I disagree on the Retina statement...

I definitely think we'll see a rMBA by the time 2013 comes to a close.

Think about it, the 2013 entry rMBP is priced at $1699 with 8GB of ram and 128GB of storage...To some thats really expensive

so wouldn't Apple bring a retina air into the equation priced at $1,499 with less ram and storage then the entry rMBP? This is what Apple does, everything is give or take a $200 difference.

Sooner or later Apple will be going all retina for all they're devices.

Stetrain · Jul 9, 2012, 02:35 PM

My prediction:

Haswell CPU/GPU combo. A bit better performance, especially on the GPU end, but also fewer components on the logic board because of the integrated controller.

128GB 13" Air drops to $999. 64GB 11" Air for $899.

SSD options a bit cheaper.

Everything else stays the same. No retina displays in the Air line for at least 2 years.

calvol · Jul 9, 2012, 03:28 PM

IPS screen for sure. (no Retina till OLED, low power screens available)

Smaller bezel, smaller form factor (see Dell XPS)

Mag-Safe 3. (back to L-design)

Bottom vents. (better cooling design)

NFC. (touch to synch)

Barna Biro · Jul 9, 2012, 03:31 PM

No prediction... I'm happy with the current one ( will surely remain to be for quite a few years to come ) so I'm proud to be ignorant and not care / think about any future models. Whatever might come, will come...

mattopotamus · Jul 9, 2012, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calvol

IPS screen for sure. (no Retina till OLED, low power screens available)

Smaller bezel, smaller form factor (see Dell XPS)

Mag-Safe 3. (back to L-design)

Bottom vents. (better cooling design)

NFC. (touch to synch)

i would be shocked if they changed to a new charger so quickly

Stetrain · Jul 9, 2012, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calvol

Mag-Safe 3. (back to L-design)

They wouldn't need to go to MagSafe 3 to go to the L design. They could switch to an L-shaped version of MagSafe 2.

Kafka · Jul 9, 2012, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmelgar

I'd guess today's 256GB will be next years 512GB. 256GB as the base, 512GB upgrade and maybe even a 1TB.

I really wish for this to be true but I think it will still be too early...

boomboom2 · Jul 9, 2012, 05:54 PM

I don't think the Air line will get a retina for a while. They're mainstream and will keep the Retina for the prosumer MBP line.

The Catalyst · Jul 9, 2012, 11:39 PM

I predict the 2013 MBA won't live up to any of our expectations...

which will in turn lead to many "should I wait for the 2014 MBA" threads.

mentaluproar · Jul 9, 2012, 11:44 PM

Please, no bottom vents. This is all I ask.

ayres · Jul 10, 2012, 01:12 AM

either further price drop in base model price, or...

256gb storage in the base model 13mba...

Wokis · Jul 10, 2012, 03:29 AM

They might get rid of 64GB in the base 11" model but I don't believe 128GB will be going away as it will likely suffice for many users the next year too. Maybe they'll lower prices by $100. Component price drops, such as ssd, would be taken in for account for that, rather than upgrading base models.

I think Intel's Haswell platform will have to serve the most notable news. Maybe a 4-core ULV or just remarkably improved clock speed or IPC.

GPU is likely becoming much better although I doubt it will suffice for "retina"-resolutions. They might stick with the current panels one more year and go OLED after that.

deadwalrus · Jul 10, 2012, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wokis

GPU is likely becoming much better although I doubt it will suffice for "retina"-resolutions. They might stick with the current panels one more year and go OLED after that.

Yet the integrated Intel HD4000 GPU drives the 15" rMBP most of the time. The discrete graphics chip only turns of for heavy duty tasks, not for rendering the OS. This is the same GPU in the MBAs.

kodeman53 · Jul 10, 2012, 03:30 AM

Here's my prediction that is guaranteed to happen with the 2013 MBA.

Apple will use multiple suppliers for one or more internal parts that someone on MR will discover and proceed to 'identify' supposed quality and/or performance differences, start a thread that will go on and on until the 2014 MBAs are available.

silverjam · Jul 10, 2012, 08:01 AM

Apple should make an Apple specific Thunderbolt hub for the MBA and put Ethernet, eSata and Firewire in it. I know Belkin is coming out with a TB hub soon but it would be nice to get one for an MBA.

dyn · Jul 10, 2012, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmelgar

Bigger SSD. This seems like a given. SSD prices are dropping like a rock. I'd guess today's 256GB will be next years 512GB. 256GB as the base, 512GB upgrade and maybe even a 1TB.
Faster SSD. Can they really get much faster? They're pretty much filling up the 6Gbps channel.

Bigger yes, faster...that will be a problem: The future of flash memory: tiny (and extremely tough to build).

tim100 · Jul 10, 2012, 05:41 PM

Will they get rid of the huge bezel?

RightMACatU · Jul 16, 2012, 07:23 AM

Here's one... a Micro SD slot – It would fit both 11” & 13” MBAs
Looking at the size of a Micro, regular SD cards are bound to disappear

Jul 9, 2012, 01:26 PM	#1
dmelgar macrumors 65816 Join Date: Apr 2005	2013 MacBook Air predictions Now that the 2012 Macbook Air's have been out for a while, what can Apple do to top it? What will the 2013 Macbook Air wow us with? Some possibilities: Faster CPU. Seems that CPUs aren't getting that much faster. Maybe a quad core? Would a CPU boost be a big deal (2-3x) or minor 10-20%? Bigger SSD. This seems like a given. SSD prices are dropping like a rock. I'd guess today's 256GB will be next years 512GB. 256GB as the base, 512GB upgrade and maybe even a 1TB. Faster SSD. Can they really get much faster? They're pretty much filling up the 6Gbps channel. Retina display. Would be nice. I'd expect doubling of a lower resolution, such as doubling the 1280x800 of the 13" MBP to 2560x1600 rather than doubling the MBA13's already higher 1440x900. Does this take more power? Is it the display or the GPU that needs the additional power. If it really needs more power, assuming the battery doesn't get better, seems unlikely in the MBA. Need the larger volume in the rMBP. Faster GPU. Not sure if this is needed for retina. The current GPU can already handle the higher res. One more thing. What can Apple surprise us with? Overall, would be it a compelling update? Worth the wait? __________________ David's tech notes
	-3

Jul 9, 2012, 02:00 PM	#3
mikeray macrumors member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Chicago	I don't really see it going quad core because they have to be ulv processors. I need to brush up on my Haswell knowledge though, it may be possible with that architecture. Definitely an increase in SSD size for the baseline model. Last edited by mikeray; Jul 10, 2012 at 08:09 AM.
	0

Jul 9, 2012, 02:17 PM	#5
ZBoater macrumors 601 Join Date: Jul 2007	1TB SSD. Yummmmmmm...... __________________ iPhone 5 \| iPad Mini \| Nexus 7 \| MacBook Air 13" 2011 \| Thunderbolt Display \| Apple TV \| Time Capsule
	1

Jul 9, 2012, 03:31 PM	#11
Barna Biro macrumors 6502a Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: LU, Switzerland	No prediction... I'm happy with the current one ( will surely remain to be for quite a few years to come ) so I'm proud to be ignorant and not care / think about any future models. Whatever might come, will come... __________________ 13" Macbook Pro with Retina Display, 2.9Ghz, 768GB SSD iPad 4 ( white and silver ), 64GB, WiFi + Cellular iPhone 5 ( white and silver ), 64GB
	0

Jul 9, 2012, 11:39 PM	#16
The Catalyst macrumors 6502 Join Date: Dec 2009	2013 Macbook Air predictions I predict the 2013 MBA won't live up to any of our expectations... which will in turn lead to many "should I wait for the 2014 MBA" threads.
	10

Jul 9, 2012, 01:29 PM	#2
KPOM macrumors 604 Join Date: Oct 2010	The Intel Haswell processor (4th generation Core) will be out next year. It should provide another big jump for the CPU (much bigger than the jump from Sandy Bridge to Ivy Bridge), while also providing an improved GPU. Whether it gets a Retina Display option may depend on the power consumption of the display. Apple might not be able to quadruple the resolution in a year without too much of a drain on the battery.
	1

Jul 9, 2012, 02:32 PM	#6
mattopotamus macrumors 601 Join Date: Jun 2012	no way you will see quad core...that would really hurt the pro sales, and no way a retina display. I think the 2013 will bring the new CPU which will help out the battery life, and maybe a higher resolution. Retina's on airs are a long way out.
	1

Jul 9, 2012, 02:35 PM	#9
Stetrain macrumors 68040 Join Date: Feb 2009	My prediction: Haswell CPU/GPU combo. A bit better performance, especially on the GPU end, but also fewer components on the logic board because of the integrated controller. 128GB 13" Air drops to $999. 64GB 11" Air for $899. SSD options a bit cheaper. Everything else stays the same. No retina displays in the Air line for at least 2 years.
	2

Jul 9, 2012, 03:28 PM	#10
calvol macrumors 6502a Join Date: Feb 2011	IPS screen for sure. (no Retina till OLED, low power screens available) Smaller bezel, smaller form factor (see Dell XPS) Mag-Safe 3. (back to L-design) Bottom vents. (better cooling design) NFC. (touch to synch)
	0

Jul 9, 2012, 05:54 PM	#15
boomboom2 macrumors regular Join Date: Apr 2012	I don't think the Air line will get a retina for a while. They're mainstream and will keep the Retina for the prosumer MBP line.
	0

Jul 9, 2012, 11:44 PM	#17
mentaluproar macrumors 65816 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ohio, USA	Please, no bottom vents. This is all I ask. __________________ Powered by OSX 10.9 Ocelot Will someone please make a safari extension that gives us back the downvote button?
	1

Jul 10, 2012, 01:12 AM	#18
ayres macrumors regular Join Date: Sep 2010	either further price drop in base model price, or... 256gb storage in the base model 13mba...
	0

Jul 10, 2012, 03:29 AM	#19
Wokis macrumors regular Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Stockholm, Sweden	They might get rid of 64GB in the base 11" model but I don't believe 128GB will be going away as it will likely suffice for many users the next year too. Maybe they'll lower prices by $100. Component price drops, such as ssd, would be taken in for account for that, rather than upgrading base models. I think Intel's Haswell platform will have to serve the most notable news. Maybe a 4-core ULV or just remarkably improved clock speed or IPC. GPU is likely becoming much better although I doubt it will suffice for "retina"-resolutions. They might stick with the current panels one more year and go OLED after that. __________________ 13" Macbook Air 2012, i5-3427U, Intel HD 4000, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD \| iPad Mini 16GB White \| iPhone 5 32GB Black
	0

Jul 10, 2012, 03:30 AM	#21
kodeman53 macrumors 6502a Join Date: May 2012	Here's my prediction that is guaranteed to happen with the 2013 MBA. Apple will use multiple suppliers for one or more internal parts that someone on MR will discover and proceed to 'identify' supposed quality and/or performance differences, start a thread that will go on and on until the 2014 MBAs are available. __________________ When union thugs aren't enough, engage the NSA, IRS and DOJ to destroy your political opponents.
	0

Jul 10, 2012, 08:01 AM	#22
silverjam macrumors regular Join Date: Apr 2012	Apple should make an Apple specific Thunderbolt hub for the MBA and put Ethernet, eSata and Firewire in it. I know Belkin is coming out with a TB hub soon but it would be nice to get one for an MBA.
	0

Jul 10, 2012, 05:41 PM	#24
tim100 macrumors 65816 Join Date: May 2009	Will they get rid of the huge bezel?
	0

Jul 16, 2012, 07:23 AM	#25
RightMACatU macrumors regular Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Canada	Here's one... a Micro SD slot – It would fit both 11” & 13” MBAs Looking at the size of a Micro, regular SD cards are bound to disappear
	0

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