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With the iPhone 16e now in the hands of customers, Apple reportedly plans to move on to its next product announcement in the coming days.

Apple-MacBook-Air-2-up-hero-240304-feature.jpg

Apple plans to announce new MacBook Air models with the M4 chip "as early as this week," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

"I expect the M4 MacBook Air to be introduced as early as this week," said Gurman, in a post shared on X today. "Inventory has significantly wound down and Apple is preparing a Mac-related announcement in the next few days."

He also shared this information in today's edition of his Power On newsletter.

Expect new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models with Apple's already-released M4 chip, which has a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU.

Apple already updated the MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini with M4 chips in October last year. Geekbench 6 results showed that the M4 chip is up to 25% faster than the M3 chip in terms of multi-core CPU performance.

Also in October, Apple increased the minimum RAM included in all MacBook Air models from 8GB to 16GB. The maximum RAM option could rise to 32GB.

Longer battery life is also likely.

Following in the footsteps of the MacBook Pro, the next MacBook Air models will likely have an upgraded 12-megapixel camera with support for Center Stage, a feature that automatically keeps you centered on video as you move around. The camera should also support Desk View, which shows both you and an overhead view of your desk.

Center Stage is available in video calling apps like FaceTime and Zoom. The feature was previously limited to newer iPad models and Macs connected to Apple's external Studio Display. The new MacBook Pro and iMac models were the first Macs to support Center Stage without needing to rely on a Studio Display.

The new MacBook Air models will likely be equipped with three Thunderbolt 4 ports, whereas the current models have two Thunderbolt 3 ports. And the new models will likely support up to two external displays, even when the lid is open.

The latest MacBook Pro and iMac models can be configured with a nano-texture display, which has a special coating that better scatters light to further minimize glare on the screen. It is possible that Apple will extend this option to the new MacBook Air models, but it could opt to keep the option exclusive to the MacBook Pro for differentiation.

No major external design changes have been rumored for the next MacBook Air models. Apple last redesigned the MacBook Air in 2022.

As always, there could be a surprise or two beyond these expected upgrades.

If the new MacBook Air models do arrive this week, expect a press release on the Apple Newsroom website, and perhaps a YouTube video announcement.

Article Link: New MacBook Air Announcement Reportedly 'Imminent' — Here's When
 
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So glad there would be no external design changes. The tapering was such an inefficient package, difficult to hold, and prone to sliding on flat surfaces. It was such a typical Ive-ism of form before function rather than a marrying of the two.
I currently have the wedge laptop and it’s actually pretty good. I experienced none of the things you’ve listed here.
 
I currently have the wedge laptop and it’s actually pretty good. I experienced none of the things you’ve listed here.
Oh! Not that they were bad at all, just that when you handle this style of older Mac portable day in and day out you start to see and notice things that aren't necessarily dealbreakers, but clearly only exist for design at the expense of the the user - again not from a electrical engineering standpoint, but from a mechanical design one.
 
The new MacBook Air models will likely be equipped with three Thunderbolt 4 ports, whereas the current models have two Thunderbolt 3 ports. And the new models will likely support up to two external displays, even when the lid is open.
Personally I don't see that happening. That type of configuration intrudes too much into the MBP territory and may erode sales of the MBP. The dual display seems to be the biggest complaint. In my way of thinking, the Air is a portable machine, designed to be carried. Light weight, thin, even the 15" will mostly fit on an airline tray table. Portable, traveling machines do not really need dual monitor support or more than two Thunderbolt ports.

I basically think there will be little more than a processor upgrade, maybe Thunderbolt 5, improved camera (center stage), better battery, and not much else. Any more and the crossover into MBP territory is too close.

If Apple does do the above, that would make for a fairly substantial machine that would satisfy the needs of most of the Mac users. Configured with a 1TB SSD, 24 Gig of memory and all but the big power users would be fulfilled. Those that need more know who they are and will purchase such. Those that want more know who they are and will purchase such.

If I am incorrect, then the M4 Air will be an awesome machine, if the price is right.
 
make the Apple logo glow on the cover lid
I never was a fan of the glowing logo. It attracts too much attention and is a waste of photons that could be used for extra screen brightness. And it sort of is a waste if a case is used on the machine unless a transparent, or translucent, case is used. I like to disguise my machines from the less than ethical opportunists.
 
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