Apple Suppliers Preparing for New iPad Air, MacBook Air, and iPad 11

[MacRumors]

Apple's supply chain is gearing up for the upcoming launch of new iPad Air, MacBook Air, and entry-level iPad models, according to DigiTimes.

Apple's supply chain began shipments of the new devices in December, according to the report. The new iPad Air, MacBook Air, and entry-level iPad models are "coming soon," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, but it is unclear exactly when. Gurman said a new iPhone SE will be announced this week, and the new Mac and iPad models should follow by March or April at the absolute latest, but perhaps much sooner.

In a paywalled report today, the Taiwanese supply chain publication vaguely said that the new devices will be "transitioning to Apple's own chips." Given that Macs and iPads already use Apple-designed processors, the report could be referring to Apple's rumored Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip. However, Gurman previously reported that the chip would come to Macs and iPads "by 2026," so the exact timing of this shift remains to be seen.

Gurman said Apple's planned Wi-Fi chip supports Wi-Fi 6E, but it is unclear if it would have any consumer benefits compared to existing Wi-Fi chips in Apple devices, supplied by Broadcom. One benefit of Apple's chip could be power efficiency.

The new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models are expected to be equipped with the M4 chip, while the iPad Air is rumored to get the M3 chip and the iPad 11 is said to gain either the A16 chip or A17 Pro chip. Beyond chips, no major changes are expected.

Article Link: Apple Suppliers Preparing for New iPad Air, MacBook Air, and iPad 11

 

[9081094]

After 2,5 years I really expect and hope that the iPad won’t just be a chip swap and a memory upgrade.

 

[sza]

After 2,5 years I really expect and hope that the iPad won’t just be a chip swap and a memory upgrade.

It will be even thinner

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

After 2,5 years I really expect and hope that the iPad won’t just be a chip swap and a memory upgrade.

I’m not sure what else you are expecting.
The iPad Air doesn’t have an OLED display or quad speakers, the iPad 11 won’t either.
Kind of limits them to what they can do with the basic iPad when it’s already almost the same as the iPad Air.
At least the chip swap will be noticeable, and the RAM is doubled. For the sub $400 price point, I don’t think there’s anything better.

 

[alchemistmuffin]

Apple's supply chain began shipments of the new devices in December, according to the report. The new iPad Air, MacBook Air, and entry-level iPad models are "coming soon," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, but it is unclear exactly when. Gurman said a new iPhone SE will be announced this week, and the new Mac and iPad models should follow by March or April at the absolute latest, but perhaps much sooner.

With things being said “coming soon”, this may mean Spring Apple Event might happen much earlier than we ever had, maybe in end of February this year instead of March or April. Perhaps potential Tariffs that might happen may forced Apple to announce these products much early and get as much savings out of the way as quickly as possible to consumers.

If there is Apple announcement happening, I would not be surprised if invites goes out as early as tomorrow morning for press to try these products out after the event is over. iPad Air, MacBook Air and entry level iPads are worth having Apple events if they are going to feature their own Bluetooth and Wifi chips. (Maybe iPhone SE could be announced at same time considering it was supposed to be announced today, and there was no announcement, meaning Apple decided to include this into the spring keynote as well to highlight the new Wifi chips)

 

[goonie4life9]

YASSS! It’s time to get excited for the ALL NEW iPad Air, MacBook Air, and iPad 11. These are the best, most powerful, most capable versions of these devices that Apple has ever released!

 

[FlyingDutch]

I’m very curious about the new iPad Air.
I’m not really convinced to buy the Pro M4 yet, because the price is just too high (I need to upgrade my Pro M1), but a good iPad Air could be the solution.
I’d like to see ProMotion on every model, including the 11, but I’m quite sure it’s not going to happen.

 

[StuBeck]

I thought we were expecting these today?

 

[Isengardtom]

feels really strange to gen an Air so soon after last years release

 

[bmark]

Gurman doesn’t know anything!

 

[9081094]

I thought we were expecting these today?

I was suspecting the entry iPad model around this time last year. Having a chip swap and a memory upgrade. Well, it’s Apple… takes them 2,5 years to do that 😅

 

[thefrost]

After 2,5 years I really expect and hope that the iPad won’t just be a chip swap and a memory upgrade.

That is what will happen.

 

[unchecked]

I’m not sure what else you are expecting.
The iPad Air doesn’t have an OLED display or quad speakers, the iPad 11 won’t either.
Kind of limits them to what they can do with the basic iPad when it’s already almost the same as the iPad Air.
At least the chip swap will be noticeable, and the RAM is doubled. For the sub $400 price point, I don’t think there’s anything better.

If it keeps it sub $400 and doesn’t float back to the wrong side of that line.

I don’t expect much from the base iPad. It is supposed to be at the bottom of the trickle down pyramid. Since it is already using yesterday’s tech instead of today’s my only expectation is that it keeps that low pricing.

 

[navaira]

I can’t wait for the new iPad to be priced €529, equal to $399.

(A pessimist is never disappointed.)

 

[Fuzzball84]

I still have iPad Air 4 and it’s doing great. Battery still pristine after 4 years, really amazing quality.

I’ll probably get a battery swap too, this thing could go another 3 years

Not really requiring Apple Intelligence :/

Not really that excited for new releases anymore. I may buy a new iPad the next time it really does need an upgrade, like my washing machine and fridge 😆

 

[Fuzzball84]

If it keeps it sub $400 and doesn’t float back to the wrong side of that line.

I don’t expect much from the base iPad. It is supposed to be at the bottom of the trickle down pyramid. Since it is already using yesterday’s tech instead of today’s my only expectation is that it keeps that low pricing.

Everything is using yesterdays tech, todays tech is in their research labs and you will be forever chasing it.

Yesterday’s tech is still useful and great.

 

[Fuzzball84]

I was suspecting the entry iPad model around this time last year. Having a chip swap and a memory upgrade. Well, it’s Apple… takes them 2,5 years to do that 😅

Next time is will be after 8 months. Keeps you on your toes 😀

 

[svish]

Was expecting to see all these new devices already. Now expecting it anytime. Maybe the new MacBook Air will be released in March just like how the M3 models were released last year.

 

[navaira]

“By March or April at the absolute latest, but perhaps much sooner” is a prediction anyone on this forum could have made. I’m not a Gurman hater, but really? Soon, later than that, or even sooner than soon. Mark my words! I am a well-respected analyst!

 

[Agent007]

I have a beater 64GB iPad 9G so if the 11G gets a base storage bump to 128GB and is close or, I daresay, identical in cost, I’m sold. Why do I have a bad feeling that it will get the spec bump but then suddenly start at $449?

 

[mfm77]

I’ve been holding on to my iPad Pro from 2020. While it still works pretty well, it’s starting to show its age (especially with battery drain). I was going to jump to the M4, but even with a trade-in, it’s still expensive. As spoiled as I am with the Pro’s FaceID and speakers, I might go for the new Air if it gets the M4 chip. I’d love an OLED screen, but I don’t *need* that.

 

[navaira]

I have a beater 64GB iPad 9G so if the 11G gets a base storage bump to 128GB and is close or, I daresay, identical in cost, I’m sold. Why do I have a bad feeling that it will get the spec bump but then suddenly start at $449?

Same expectations here, with the current gen kept around at unchanged price. That 8GB RAM won’t pay for itself. No clue what the tariff uncertainty will do with the European prices, but it’s unlikely to lower them…

A pessimist is never disappointed etc.

 

[Lulukehawkins]

I’m not sure what else you are expecting.
The iPad Air doesn’t have an OLED display or quad speakers, the iPad 11 won’t either.
Kind of limits them to what they can do with the basic iPad when it’s already almost the same as the iPad Air.
At least the chip swap will be noticeable, and the RAM is doubled. For the sub $400 price point, I don’t think there’s anything better.

They could get rid of the camera bump on the Air for starters.