Gurman: Apple Event in November Unlikely, New MacBook Air With Biggest Redesign Since 2010 to Launch Next Year

[mjtomlin71]

Yeah 100% we won’t see M2 anything until M1 is fully rolled out now… they don’t want confusing media reporting of M2 M1 Pro M1 Max all fighting for headlines.

In regards to refresh cycles, it’s hard to say what’s going to happen, I think at least initially almost all M chip devices will get 24 month refreshes until the M chips start to become more established and we get over covid and chip shortages.

I don’t expect the entry iMac for example to get refreshed with M2 until early 2023 or the just released MBP’s getting refreshed until at least late 2023.

Unlike iPhones people don’t tend to upgrade their Macs or iPads for that matter as regularly, most upgrade their phones yearly or every other year, whereas Macs and iPads tend to only get upgraded every 4-5 years for most people, therefore there is less reason for Apple to continually refresh the M chip line up on a yearly basis…

I expect:

Early 2022 - Finish M1 Pro / Max line up
Late 2022 - Start M2 line up
Early 2023 - Finish M2 line up
Late 2023 - Start M2 Pro / Max line up
Early 2024 - Finish M2 Pro / Max line up

Etc…

At WWDC the M1 Ultra and M1 Extreme* will be released in new iMac "pro".
New Mac Pro will be announced and released later in the year.
In the Fall the M2 will debut using latest gen IP (A16), not A15 cores.

*M1 Extreme may only be targeted for the new Mac Pro. Which would mean the new iMac "pro" may come with an M1 Max option on the low end?

 

[ct2k7]

It would be great if they added a desktop Mac that falls between the mini and Pro. With a larger case than the mini and big quiet fans, they could push the performance of the M1 Pro or Max beyond the MBP.

The good old xMac

 

[mjtomlin71]

It would be great if they added a desktop Mac that falls between the mini and Pro. With a larger case than the mini and big quiet fans, they could push the performance of the M1 Pro or Max beyond the MBP.

The M1 Pro will eventually make its way into a high-end 24" iMac.
And Both the M1 Pro and Max will go into the Mac mini.

 

[jonnysods]

What about the base Macbook Pro? I do hope they would give it some love.

I think it will just be 14 and 16 now, then the MBA, and that's it for laptops.

 

[James Godfrey]

I think it will just be 14 and 16 now, then the MBA, and that's it for laptops.

Although I agree there does need to be something to fit the pricing gap, even if the Air got a price bump to say $1099 or even $1199 there is a huge pricing space between that and the $1999 MBP.

So either Apple need to bring back ‘MacBook’ or alternatively launch a larger sized air

 

[ct2k7]

Although I agree there does need to be something to fit the pricing gap, even if the Air got a price bump to say $1099 or even $1199 there is a huge pricing space between that and the $1999 MBP.

So either Apple need to bring back ‘MacBook’ or alternatively launch a larger sized air

I’m all for a larger sized Air.

 

[PlainBelliedSneetch]

The M1 Pro will eventually make its way into a high-end 24" iMac.
And Both the M1 Pro and Max will go into the Mac mini.

You are probably right. My preference would be to enable the M1 Max to run in high performance mode but remain quiet by putting it in a bigger enclosure with a larger slower fan.

 

[Demz]

A larger iMac with M1 max should be a straight forward release sooner rather than later.

 

[jonnysods]

Although I agree there does need to be something to fit the pricing gap, even if the Air got a price bump to say $1099 or even $1199 there is a huge pricing space between that and the $1999 MBP.

So either Apple need to bring back ‘MacBook’ or alternatively launch a larger sized air

I think the upgrades to the MBA fills the gap. Extra ram etc.

 

[yemble]

Could you still use the USB-C ports for charging? Or forced to use the MagSafe?

Curious about that too. Magsafe is great, but sometimes there's a usb-c charger that is closer to hand.

 

[mjtomlin71]

Although I agree there does need to be something to fit the pricing gap, even if the Air got a price bump to say $1099 or even $1199 there is a huge pricing space between that and the $1999 MBP.

So either Apple need to bring back ‘MacBook’ or alternatively launch a larger sized air

I think they will bring back the MacBook and discontinue the 13” MBP and eventually the MBA. The new MacBooks will come in a 12” (no fan) and 14” version.

 

[dzankizakon]

How likely will there be an Air with 16" screen and resolutions of the just released 16" MBP?

I would normally say the chance of an Air with 16" screen would be one in 76 billion, but then again I thought the same thing about the notch on a yet-to-be-unveiled MacBook Pro... so I admit I have no clue.

 

[HiRez]

The “all new design” worries me a little.
If that’s true, I really hope they keep the wedge shape and don’t just make it one thin sheet. The wedge shape (to me) is a large part of what makes the MacBook Air the MacBook Air. Plus, it’s just soooo comfortable for typing.

Don't worry, in 2026 they will announce: "We've been listening to users and what they've told us is it's too rectangular and confusing to hold. Today we announce the 2026 MacBook Air with an all-new, asymmetrical wedge design."

I agree with you though, I don't want them to change the shape.

 

[Wordman]

'...after the calendar turns to 2022'.

Who wrote this, Nostradamus?

 

[hajime]

I would normally say the chance of an Air with 16" screen would be one in 76 billion, but then again I thought the same thing about the notch on a yet-to-be-unveiled MacBook Pro... so I admit I have no clue.

As I recall, the biggest Air they have made is 13-14"?

 

[DeepIn2U]

e a SD card reader on the MBA - save me a dongle.

Remember this is Gurman we're talking about here.
Notice no specifics on Specs only mention of bezel colour and vague release time of an entire year. Like Duh of COURSE Apple will release new iPad Pro, MBA redesign in 2022 these are very great selling products and Apple is a going concern business for profit every fiscal year. MBA has not been redesigned since 4yrs ago at the very least. Also this render, I disbelieve white bezels, only shows 1 side of the MBA not the right side. Most likely SDXC or higher throughput SD card slot will debut and that update will debut in the update for the current new MBP models along with HDMI 2.1.

Don't fret just cause Gurman laid an extremely vague prognostication. I've stated how VAGUE Gurman is and should not be considered a leaker; now you all see why.

It may be phased out as it will be redundant.

MacBook should come back unless the Air is to fully take it's place and has the last few years.
I agree the MBP M1 + TouchBar should have NOT remained after this announcement. Clearly Timmy is counting the profits on this and it's not cool at all.

I don’t think that’s going to happen anymore. Jony Ive has departed. Expect no more thin designs. Everything will be shifted towards battery life, performance and efficiency.

If you really think Jony had nothing do do with this MBP, I point to the notch itself. I fully understand why it's there and how good Apple has done to negate any negative user impression on day to day use. However considering the thickness of the lid thoroughly, and the larger chin of the 2021 MBP's the chin could've been reduced and hide the notch at the top entirely and the screen still would not have been affected by the chassis above the Function keys.

BTW: others hate it but I still see functionality in the Touch Bar ... maybe we'll see it implemented as an optional display under the trackpad where it's better suited. Razor played with that.

Regarding battery life an performance and efficiency - BRAVO

 

[Darth Tulhu]

So next year I (somewhat) expect:

March/April: All iPads refresh, Pencil 3(?)
WWDC: New Mac Pro and New iMac Pro 27"
Back to School Event: iPhone 14, Apple Watch S8, New AirPods Pro and Max(?)
Fall Event: New MBA, New Mac Mini, iMac refresh

 

[brookter1]

'...after the calendar turns to 2022'.

Who wrote this, Nostradamus?

From Nostradamus, Les Prophéties, Quatrains M2-2X.

The Heir shall come that is no Air
In Shades of purple, blue or green;
His Eye through nightblack Slot shall stare,
His off-white Throne shall not stay clean.

The Land amazed will stop and stare
And mostly cheer and praise their Luck
While in the odd benighted Lair
The usual Suspects moan like anything.

 

[daabido]

47%

Let me round that for you - zero.

 

[RSB96]

I'm looking forward to seeing the 27" miniLED 120Hz iMac with the M1 Pro.

The MacBook Air with the M2 I think we'll see in October 2022 maybe, and March 2023 the M2 Pro/Max. At the 2022 WWDC we will see the Mac Pro with the M1 MaxX?

 

[ian87w]

Although I agree there does need to be something to fit the pricing gap, even if the Air got a price bump to say $1099 or even $1199 there is a huge pricing space between that and the $1999 MBP.

So either Apple need to bring back ‘MacBook’ or alternatively launch a larger sized air

Well, there's the 13" Macbook Pro still.
Or the rumored 15" Macbook Air might come to fruition as well.

 

[DHagan4755]

It’s almost guaranteed Apple has prototypes of both a new 13” & 15” MacBook Air. The only reason Apple would dunk on a 15” MacBook Air model is pricing. What price would customers reject buying it because it’s too expensive? $1,699?

 

[brig2221]

For the general consumer white or black bezels should not matter, if you need black bezels their must be a reason for it, in which case a prosumer option is likely better suited for your needs.

I think many rumours are starting to conflict as I think Apple may have two new MacBooks in the pipeline, I think the one rumoured with white bezels is probably going to replace the Air and be called ‘MacBook’ it will be an ultra slim design with only USB-C, 13” LCD display, white bezels without a notch, colours, Touch ID and M2 chipset probably getting a $1099 price tag.

I think the refreshed Air will likely replace the entry level Pro, will sport black bezels and notch, get a 14” LCD display (potentially miniLED without promotion), USB-C ports, a slimmed down version of the higher end pro design language coming in your standard silver and space grey options with the M2 chipset, I expect the price will be around $1399 or $1499 depending on if it gets miniLED or not.

With this in mind the line up will look something like…

MacBook 13” - $1099
MacBook Air 14” - $1399 or $1499
MacBook Pro 14” - $1999
MacBook Pro 16” - $2499

This would likely be apples best way of doing it…

The MacBook is perfect for the lightest of users who just need the cheapest MacBook possible and sent fussed about the extra bells and whistles.

The MacBook Air is perfect for those who dabble in Pro work flows now and again who need something slim and light.

The MacBook Pro for the prosumer who need that extra power for their work flows.

-

This line up makes the most sense as Apples iPad line up matches it with the base iPad, iPad Air and iPad Pro linesMan,

Man, I am really hoping for this. I just cannot get myself to buy a white bezeled white keyboard MacBook Air.

They give me a MBA redesign with black bezels, keyboard, and mini LED (less promotion) at $1,399-$1,499 base price, I'm in. They throw a MBA redesign at me with white bezels and keyboard, pastel colors, and a $1,099 price point, I am out.

 

[andrewhowe00]

For the love of all things holy, please give us space gray with black bezels as an option. Don’t make it entirely colors and white.

Putting any of the M-- series chips in these laptops is already deepthroating the laptop market with insane quality laptops for basically nothing nowadays. Also obviously the colorings of their products are made to segregate between those that can afford/have the pro versions, but if Apple is going to rain blessings on the world by offering top quality computing on a sub-$1k device, I'll go along with their design antics

I'm buying the colored Macbook Air and I'm not gonna complain that they won't let me look like I bought the pro version. I'll kiss those white bezels

 

[James Godfrey]

Putting any of the M-- series chips in these laptops is already deepthroating the laptop market with insane quality laptops for basically nothing nowadays. Also obviously the colorings of their products are made to segregate between those that can afford/have the pro versions, but if Apple is going to rain blessings on the world by offering top quality computing on a sub-$1k device, I'll go along with their design antics

I'm buying the colored Macbook Air and I'm not gonna complain that they won't let me look like I bought the pro version. I'll kiss those white bezels

In all honesty if the renders of the colourful MBA are what is to be, I’m all for it, it’s about time us apple fans had some fun!

Using Macs has been far to serious over the years, I’m all for a splash of colour and white keys/bezels