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New MacBook Air at WWDC?

James Godfrey

James Godfrey

macrumors 68020
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Oct 13, 2011
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Is there any likelihood of the new MacBook Air coming at WWDC? I expect they will announce M2 at the event, so I would have thought they would have liked to have launched some hardware at the same time, plus there is plenty of rumours of new hardware coming in the summer...
 
The rumors are indicating a 2H (probably meaning sometime between September and November) release. Kuo said production would likely start in late Q2 or early Q3, which means September+ on release. I think there are too many OSes now for them to even have a chance at releasing hardware at WWDC, unless they split the keynote up into hardware and software. Imagine getting through macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS and still having time for hardware in a ~2 hour keynote... Not likely. I think if they were going to announce hardware at WWDC it'd more likely be Pro-oriented devices, like the Mac Pro and Pro Display XDR successor.
 
Possible, since the refreshed MacBook Air will still use M1. I think it'll come earlier rather than later in Q3.
 
JPack said:
Possible, since the refreshed MacBook Air will still use M1. I think it'll come earlier rather than later in Q3.
Click to expand...
Mmmm… yeah I heard Kuo saying it’s going to retain M1 which makes me think they may release it sooner rather than later… but at the same time they may want to get rid of the current MBA inventory before the new term starts and then launch the new MBA afterwards.
UltimateSyn said:
The rumors are indicating a 2H (probably meaning sometime between September and November) release. Kuo said production would likely start in late Q2 or early Q3, which means September+ on release. I think there are too many OSes now for them to even have a chance at releasing hardware at WWDC, unless they split the keynote up into hardware and software. Imagine getting through macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS and still having time for hardware in a ~2 hour keynote... Not likely. I think if they were going to announce hardware at WWDC it'd more likely be Pro-oriented devices, like the Mac Pro and Pro Display XDR successor.
Click to expand...
Yeah I see what you mean, I expect the Mac Pro may be announced but shipping in December most likely, Kuo also believes the MBA will retain M1 which a lot of people don’t agree with so it’s quite hard to predict at this stage
 
James Godfrey said:
Mmmm… yeah I heard Kuo saying it’s going to retain M1 which makes me think they may release it sooner rather than later… but at the same time they may want to get rid of the current MBA inventory before the new term starts and then launch the new MBA afterwards.

Yeah I see what you mean, I expect the Mac Pro may be announced but shipping in December most likely, Kuo also believes the MBA will retain M1 which a lot of people don’t agree with so it’s quite hard to predict at this stage
Click to expand...
Yeah, sure, but you have to be able to filter through what’s likely B.S. and what’s likely not. Kuo has something like a 75% accuracy rate, so everything he says has a pretty good shot of being right. But not everything.

Is there a remote chance that Apple releases an M1 with more cores for the new MacBook Air, instead of a whole new generation? I mean, I guess, but it doesn’t really make sense. What’s more likely, if I had to guess, is that he’s confused on model differentiations. I’d bet there’s going to be some Mac laptop model at ~$899 with an M1 and he’s confounding that with information about the Air.

The information about release date is far more sensible, and more importantly lines up with what other analysts and leakers are saying about timeframe. If the new Air was going to launch in six weeks then it would’ve been in mass production for a little while now, and we would’ve heard about it.
 
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UltimateSyn said:
Yeah, sure, but you have to be able to filter through what’s likely B.S. and what’s likely not. Kuo has something like a 75% accuracy rate, so everything he says has a pretty good shot of being right. But not everything.

Is there a remote chance that Apple releases an M1 with more cores for the new MacBook Air, instead of a whole new generation? I mean, I guess, but it doesn’t really make sense. What’s more likely, if I had to guess, is that he’s confused on model differentiations. I’d bet there’s going to be some Mac laptop model at ~$899 with an M1 and he’s confounding that with information about the Air.

The information about release date is far more sensible, and more importantly lines up with what other analysts and leakers are saying about timeframe. If the new Air was going to launch in six weeks then it would’ve been in mass production for a little while now, and we would’ve heard about it.
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That’s true, the only plausible reason I would expect the MBA to launch with M1 again is if they are keeping the entry level MacBook Pro in the line up and giving that M2…

That would definitely be an Apple thing to do, and it would actually warrant the entry MacBook Pro having the higher price point, plus this sort of makes sense considering the rumours of the standard iPhone 14 getting A15 again while the 14 Pro line up will be getting A16… maybe this is going to be a new trend with Apple going forward, giving entry devices older chipsets while the pro lines will get more up to date chips… it would certainly justify the ‘Pro’ moniker, considering these devices are edging closer and closer in similarity year after year.

If you look at it from this perspective, by the end of the year we are likely to have…

iPad Air with M1
iPad Pro with M2

iPhone 14 with A15
iPhone 14 Pro with A16

I think it’s quite possible we will also have…

MacBook Air with M1
MacBook Pro (entry) with M2

Then who’s to say we may then get a larger black bezelled iMac with M2 with the current M1 24” remaining in the line up…
 
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UltimateSyn said:
It looks like Gurman may make me eat my words on this one.
9to5mac.com

Gurman: Apple could announce two new Macs at WWDC 2022 - 9to5Mac

After announcing the new Mac Studio and Studio Display last month, Apple still has a few more Macs to introduce in 2022.
9to5mac.com 9to5mac.com
Click to expand...
Mmm now this is interesting…. it is funny how the announcement of WWDC was headed with the fact it’s an online only event… but then when you read deeper into it, it’s not actually all online… as they state:

‘In addition to the online conference, Apple will host a special day for developers and students at Apple Park on June 6 to watch the keynote and State of the Union videos together, along with the online community. Space will be limited, and details about how to apply to attend will be provided on the Apple Developer site and app soon.’

Which suggests Apple want some people there for this announcement… would the Mac Pro really require this if it’s just based on M1 Ultra still… or is this needed as this is a whole new chip being launched… now obviously the Mac Pro could get its own dedicated chipset and not go on an M Series chip at all, it could be given an X1 or Z1 or something… but it does make it likely we may see an M2 being launched in a new product.
 
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WWDC unveiling would be a dream. Even if it doesn’t launch till July or August.

I always thought Apple should try and get their consumer macs on a summer release. It never made sense to me why they’d release them at the same time everyone was buying new watches and phones. It’s not like they’re huge holiday gifts at their price point.
 
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I had a thought. What if Apple discontinues the current MacBook Air M1 & replaces it with an updated, yet re-branded 13" MacBook Pro with M1? Apple would nix the Touch Bar & the "Pro" from its name, meanwhile upgrade the FaceTime camera to 1080p; pricing it ~$999? The new redesigned MacBook Air will slot in above ~$1,199, and interestingly enough leave a gap for the mythical 15" MacBook Air in the future? ?
 
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DHagan4755 said:
I had a thought. What if Apple discontinues the current MacBook Air M1 & replaces it with an updated, yet re-branded 13" MacBook Pro with M1? Apple would nix the Touch Bar & the "Pro" from its name, meanwhile upgrade the FaceTime camera to 1080p; pricing it ~$999? The new redesigned MacBook Air will slot in above ~$1,199, and interestingly enough leave a gap for the mythical 15" MacBook Air in the future? ?
Click to expand...
That can make sense, but that new MBA will need to have something you can’t get all the 13” 14” 16” alternatives; perhaps something like ultra portability ala 12”rMB. Or it needs a lot of 14” elements handed down, like MagSafe and HDMI, or miniLED.
 
Chancha said:
That can make sense, but that new MBA will need to have something you can’t get all the 13” 14” 16” alternatives; perhaps something like ultra portability ala 12”rMB. Or it needs a lot of 14” elements handed down, like MagSafe and HDMI, or miniLED.
Click to expand...
Nah, I'm thinking the differentiator is going to be new modern slick MacBook Air design & M2.

By the way, I'm thinking akin to the iPad line up, where you have the basic "iPad" at the entry level. In Apple's notebook sphere, this would be the regular "MacBook" — an entry level M1 laptop that's essentially the 13" MacBook Pro minus the pro in its name, no Touch Bar, and an updated 1080p webcam.

Meanwhile the newly redesigned MacBook Air will be iPad Airesque in approach. Not only will it have the M2, it will have thinner bezels w/slightly larger display, svelte enclosure, 1080p webcam, MagSafe, and more colors.

The gap is then open for the MacBook Air 15", and then from there you'll have the 14" & 16" MacBook Pros.

Perhaps Apple's trying to align around a product matrix strategy of good, better, best.

GoodBetterBestMini
iPhoneiPhone SE 3
iPhone 11 & 12		iPhone 14 6.1"
iPhone 14 6.7"		iPhone 14 Pro 6.1"
iPhone 14 Pro 6.7"		Discontinued?
iPadiPad 10.2"iPad Air 10.9"iPad Pro 11"
iPad Pro 12.9"		iPad mini
Notebooks13.3" MacBook
(old 13" MacBook Pro rebranded)		13.6" MacBook Air
15.2" MacBook Air (2023)		14.2" MacBook Pro
16.2" MacBook Pro		12" MacBook?
DesktopsiMac 24"Mac Studio Pro
Mac Studio Max		Mac Pro
iMac Pro?		Mac mini
 
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DHagan4755 said:
Nah, I'm thinking the differentiator is going to be new modern slick MacBook Air design & M2.

By the way, I'm thinking akin to the iPad line up, where you have the basic "iPad" at the entry level. In Apple's notebook sphere, this would be the regular "MacBook" — an entry level M1 laptop that's essentially the 13" MacBook Pro minus the pro in its name, no Touch Bar, and an updated 1080p webcam.

Meanwhile the newly redesigned MacBook Air will be iPad Airesque in approach. Not only will it have the M2, it will have thinner bezels w/slightly larger display, svelte enclosure, 1080p webcam, MagSafe, and more colors.

The gap is then open for the MacBook Air 15", and then from there you'll have the 14" & 16" MacBook Pros.

Perhaps Apple's trying to align around a product matrix strategy of good, better, best.

GoodBetterBestMini
iPhoneiPhone SE 3
iPhone 11 & 12		iPhone 14 6.1"
iPhone 14 6.7"		iPhone 14 Pro 6.1"
iPhone 14 Pro 6.7"		Discontinued?
iPadiPad 10.2"iPad Air 10.9"iPad Pro 11"
iPad Pro 12.9"		iPad mini
Notebooks13.3" MacBook
(old 13" MacBook Pro rebranded)		13.6" MacBook Air
15.2" MacBook Air (2023)		14.2" MacBook Pro
16.2" MacBook Pro		12" MacBook?
DesktopsiMac 24"Mac Studio Pro
Mac Studio Max		Mac Pro
iMac Pro?		Mac mini
Click to expand...
I think you're right. The new MacBook Air is definitely getting a price increase. I'll guess $1299, but there will also be something more affordable. Is it the MBP 13" starting at $1000? Is it the current gen MacBook Air form factor? Not sure what they'll decide on that front, but rumors seem to indicate it'll be the old 13" MBP with an M2.
 
There are 3 reasons Apple would demote the 13" MacBook Pro to just an entry-level "MacBook" & replace the existing M1 MacBook Air.

  1. Exceptional battery life
  2. Brighter display
  3. Boxier design — a.k.a. no wedge (All of the MacBooks would more or less have a slab design)
 
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James Godfrey said:
Is there any likelihood of the new MacBook Air coming at WWDC? I expect they will announce M2 at the event, so I would have thought they would have liked to have launched some hardware at the same time, plus there is plenty of rumours of new hardware coming in the summer...
Click to expand...
Zero.

WWDC is a software event, and we're not going to see hardware mentioned unless it is something that very specifically needs developer attention right now (like perhaps the new Mac Pro).

A MacBook Air is the furthest thing from that description. Nothing about the baseline M2 chip is going to require advance announcement to developers.

Expect M2 MacBook Air in October/November.
 
I personally believe Kuo…

I think the new redesigned Air is going to launch with M1 and a redesigned entry MBP will come along later with the M2, looking at all the rumours and what’s happened up until this point it seems Apple are leaning on the chip inside the devices to be the differentiator between general consumer friendly standard devices and pro devices…

MacBook Air M1 (possibly at WWDC)
MacBook Pro M2 (launching in the fall)

iPad Air M1
iPad Pro M2 (launching in the fall)

iPhone 14 A15
iPhone 14 Pro A16 (launching in the fall)

Then eventually when a larger iMac comes along I expect it will get the latest M series chip while the 24” will retain whatever generation it is currently on… that’s my thinking behind it.
 
Macative said:
Zero.

WWDC is a software event, and we're not going to see hardware mentioned unless it is something that very specifically needs developer attention right now (like perhaps the new Mac Pro).

A MacBook Air is the furthest thing from that description. Nothing about the baseline M2 chip is going to require advance announcement to developers.

Expect M2 MacBook Air in October/November.
Click to expand...
You say that but history tells us this isn’t always a software only event…

2012 - MacBook Air, MacBook Pro

2013 - Mac Pro, AirPort Time Capsule, AirPort Extreme, MacBook Air

2014 - Software only

2015 - Software only

2016 - Software only

2017 - iPad Pro, HomePod, previews of new MacBook, MacBook Pro, iMac and iMac Pro

2018 - Software only

2019 - Mac Pro, Pro Display XDR

2020 - Software only (apart from the Apple silicon transition announcement)

2021 - Software only

So as you can see over the past 10 years 4 out of the 10 WWDC events had hardware announcements… so it’s not strictly a software only event, even earlier WWDC events than 2012 had hardware announcements also…

There is every possibility a new MacBook Air could come at WWDC, it’s not likely but definitely possible.
 
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James Godfrey said:
You say that but history tells us this isn’t always a software only event…

2012 - MacBook Air, MacBook Pro

2013 - Mac Pro, AirPort Time Capsule, AirPort Extreme, MacBook Air

2014 - Software only

2015 - Software only

2016 - Software only

2017 - iPad Pro, HomePod, previews of new MacBook, MacBook Pro, iMac and iMac Pro

2018 - Software only

2019 - Mac Pro, Pro Display XDR

2020 - Software only (apart from the Apple silicon transition announcement)

2021 - Software only

So as you can see over the past 10 years 4 out of the 10 WWDC events had hardware announcements… so it’s not strictly a software only event, even earlier WWDC events than 2012 had hardware announcements also…

There is every possibility a new MacBook Air could come at WWDC, it’s not likely but definitely possible.
Click to expand...
You literally proved my point, that ever since they stopped using WWDC as an event to launch iPhone, they only time they introduce hardware is when it needs specific developer attention.

You're not going to see a meaningless M2 MacBook Air at WWDC. /thread
 
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Macative said:
You literally proved my point, that ever since they stopped using WWDC as an event to launch iPhone, they only time they introduce hardware is when it needs specific developer attention.

You're not going to see a meaningless M2 MacBook Air at WWDC. /thread
Click to expand...
The start of the next generation of Apple Silicon (especially if it includes important new features like ray tracing) is far from meaningless.
 
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Macative said:
You literally proved my point, that ever since they stopped using WWDC as an event to launch iPhone, they only time they introduce hardware is when it needs specific developer attention.

You're not going to see a meaningless M2 MacBook Air at WWDC. /thread
Click to expand...
Literally 4 WWDC’s in the past 10 years released hardware which really didn’t need any specific developer attention…

Maybe other than the release of the Mac Pro and Pro Display…

the HomePod barely needed a WWDC launch, developers couldn’t even develop for that product lol there wasn’t exactly an App Store for the HomePod yet it was announced at WWDC…

A meaningless Intel based MacBook Air has been launched at 2 WWDC’s in the past 10 years too… so why would they do that?
 
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DHagan4755 said:
There are 3 reasons Apple would demote the 13" MacBook Pro to just an entry-level "MacBook" & replace the existing M1 MacBook Air.

  1. Exceptional battery life
  2. Brighter display
  3. Boxier design — a.k.a. no wedge (All of the MacBooks would more or less have a slab design)
Click to expand...
I think there’s a few distinct possibilities, and I’m really excited to see how the complete laptop ends up shaping out.

One possibility, I think, is that they keep the existing M1 MacBook Air in the lineup at $999. Maybe even give it a cut to $899. Then they kill the $1299 M1 MacBook Pro and replace it with the all-new M2 “MacBook” that has the rumored design.

Alternatively, they rebrand the M1 MacBook Pro as the “MacBook” and chop it down to $999. Probably slash the Touch Bar out of it. Then, the MacBook Air is replaced with the new 13.6” MacBook Air at $1299. Leaves room for the 15.2” MacBook Air at $1599 next year.

The first possibility may be more likely because it just involves keeping the Air at its current price point instead of slashing the 13” MBP by $300 like the second option suggests. The second option’s naming scheme could cause confusion, though, because then the regular “MacBook” product sits above the Air, in contrast to the iPad lineup where the Air is above the normal “iPad”.

Scenario 1:
  • $899–999 13.3” M1 MacBook Air
  • $1299 13.6” M2 MacBook. Thin-And-Light, MagSafe, Grey Bezels, Colors.
  • $1599 15.2” M2 MacBook
  • $1999 14” M1 Pro MBP
  • $2499 16” M1 Pro MBP
Scenario 2:
  • $999 13.3” M1 MacBook (Former 13” MBP rebranded)
  • $1299 13.6” M2 MacBook Air. Thin-And-Light, MagSafe, Grey Bezels, Colors.
  • $1599 15.2” M2 MacBook Air
  • $1999 14” M1 Pro MBP
  • $2499 16” M1 Pro MBP
I can’t wait to see what they do.
 
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One thing I really don’t think they’ll do is keep an existing chip generation in a brand new, redesigned product. Doesn’t make sense. The redesign will get M2. The confusion about the next MBA getting M1 is likely just related to whatever base product is sticking around with the M1, that may be receiving some other updates (e.g. the M1 MBA sticks around at $999, but the FaceTime camera is updated to 1080p and screen is increased to 500 nits, technically indicating a new generation).
 
UltimateSyn said:
One thing I really don’t think they’ll do is keep an existing chip generation in a brand new, redesigned product. Doesn’t make sense. The redesign will get M2. The confusion about the next MBA getting M1 is likely just related to whatever base product is sticking around with the M1, that may be receiving some other updates (e.g. the M1 MBA sticks around at $999, but the FaceTime camera is updated to 1080p and screen is increased to 500 nits, technically indicating a new generation).
Click to expand...
It doesn’t make sense but neither does the iPhone 14 sticking with A15… but that is happening by the looks of it…

The M1 is plenty powerful for the target demographic the MacBook Air is geared towards and whether it has M1 or M2 it’s going to sell like hot cakes, it all depends whether Apple want to milk M1 as much as possible before moving onto M2…
 
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