Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
"The 15-inch ‌MacBook Air‌ would be close to the size of the larger-screened 16-inch MacBook Pro"

Not sure what I'm missing here, but this makes no sense. From what I've seen the screen design on the Air mimics the Pro nearly identically. The bezels seem about the same width etc.

So how on earth could a 15" Air be the same size as the 16" Pro? And of course 'size' is a stupid term when talking about a laptop.

I expect they meant footprint, which to my point, can't be the same as the 16" Pro. Then it would be much thinner, so... yeah. In no universe would a 15" Air be "close to the size of the larger-screened 16-inch MacBook Pro"
I think it could be 15.6" which is closer to 16.1" than to 14.1" in Macbook Pros
 
This would make for a weird product line-up. Why drop to a 12” laptop from 13? Given the cost of the new M2 Air, a 15” Air would probably cost darn close to $1,999, the cost of a MacBook Pro 14” with a beefier processor and more inputs, starting with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. What would be the point of a neutered laptop in the Air? Just to have something small and light?

I guess what I’m saying is that I don’t believe any of this. Apple’s line-up has become much more confusing with this latest update, and they would just further confuse it with a bigger Air.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Pezimak
That’s exactly what they are doing? It’s just any Macbook that is not a Pro is now an Air. I think that’s pretty straightforward. And maybe even, at this point in their history, the naming is the most simple and scheme-less it has ever been.
I mean, it’s even the title… there’s also a MacBook, so no, it’s not simple Air & Pro. It’s more confusing now because Air used to mean the smallest and lightest.
 
You would think after decades of offering laptops, Apple would know what screen sizes to make and which ones to discontinue. But they are always changing across the lineup, it’s nuts.

Why not stick to a consistent product line of Air & Pro and offer them each in 12-16” at every inch. There’s bound to be a size or two in each lineup that will be less popular. Discontinue that and then stick to the remaining sizes and product lines for years to come. It’s not rocket science, just consistency and simplicity.
 
12" MacBook is one of the best computers they ever built imo. Can't wait to get that form factor back! 2 pounds. You could bring it with you anywhere without a second though. Nothing has come close to that since.
But but but.. the iPad, has a Pro moniker, and an M1, and windows 🙄
 
  • Haha
Reactions: Shirasaki
Both would be welcome additions. I really thought the MB 12 as going to be the first to get AS as it seemed like the perfect fit. While I generally like smaller laptops, a larger then 13/14 that isn't a premium/expensive version would be great for many people who don't need the power or all the features of the Pro, but want the larger screen.
 
  • Like
Reactions: turbineseaplane
this naming scheme is so dumb. just make a MacBook and a MacBook Pro and offer different levels of each...
Totally agree. The MacBook Air design is gone. But a 15” MacBook Air will likely be my next computer. I’ve always wanted a larger laptop but don’t need the power and the larger laptops were expensive to get in to. After replacing my Watch Series 5 this fall, the 14” iPad Pro and a 15” MacBook Air will be my next hardware purchases.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jmpstar
This lineup would make a sense to me:

cheapest M1 Macbook (Air) SE 13"
M2 Macbook Air 12.5" / 13.6" / 15.2"
M2 Pro / M2 Max Macbook Pro 14.1" / 16.1"
M2 / M2 Pro Mac Mini
M2 iMac 24"
maybe M2 / M2 Pro iMac 27"
M2 Max / M2 Ultra Mac Studio
M2 Ultra Dual Mac Pro
 
  • Like
Reactions: Tagbert
12" Macbook with M2 not seen it...maybe with M1 or maybe just the binned M2
Its too small for those 10 gpu cores over 16W draw in power.
 
Hmm is that why the new MBA doesn’t say “MacBook Air” anywhere on the product? Maybe they’re planning on re-naming it “MacBook”…
Maybe, though I think this new redesign would have been the best opportunity to rename it. Apple failed to shift the market when they brought out the 12” MacBook but people kept buying the 13” MacBook Air. At this point, “Air” is such a popular brand that I suspect that Apple has just given up trying to change people’s minds and has embraced it. It is even more an appropriate label for this generation of MBA. I think we just have two kinds of MacBooks, Air and Pro.
 
12" MacBook is one of the best computers they ever built imo. Can't wait to get that form factor back! 2 pounds. You could bring it with you anywhere without a second though. Nothing has come close to that since.
Best laptop I ever owned. Sadly became underpowered quite quickly and I bought a 13” MBP. With a M processor it will likely be my next laptop. They just need to include more than one usb c port.
 
12" MacBook is one of the best computers they ever built imo. Can't wait to get that form factor back! 2 pounds. You could bring it with you anywhere without a second though. Nothing has come close to that since.
Amen! I gave mine to my wife since I purchased the Air M1 and the 12” was already awfully slow but I miss the form factor so much! Ultra-portable 12” with M1 and scissor keys would be all I dream for!
 
Currently still using the 12" mb and enjoy it very much for the form factor. In fact I went from a 13" mba to a 12" rMB and the decrease in size wasn't a problem. It was helpful the screen resolution was an upgrade.

I am deciding between the 14"mbp base or the new 13.8" mba. Now we got this news but I don't want to wait forever. Just waiting for a display model of the mba to show up at a local store to make the final decision.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.