I use my machine for mostly basic tasks (Internet, Spotify, Documents, etc). I just read where there is speculation that a new MBA with more color options will be released this September. I don’t need a machine now and can wait until September. Any truth to this upcoming refresh? If so, is it worth waiting? Thanks!
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Next gen MBA?
- Thread starter Mojer
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I think the chance for a MBA refresh this year is close to zero. I mean it practically just came out, and still sells extremely well. In the fall they will unveil the redesigned 14' and 16' MacBook Pro with XDR displays and M2 and Apple will make sure all the spotlight is on those machines. They might give current M1 MBA some new color options, but that's about it - screen, chip, design will stay the same.
Then in the spring of 2022 some super high-end Mac Pro will complete the 2-year transition Cook talked about at 2020 WWDC.
Redesigned 14' MBA will probably come in the autumn of 2022. I also doubt it will stay at the $999 price point.
Then in the spring of 2022 some super high-end Mac Pro will complete the 2-year transition Cook talked about at 2020 WWDC.
Redesigned 14' MBA will probably come in the autumn of 2022. I also doubt it will stay at the $999 price point.
You read wrong. There has been zero credible intel pointing to a color refresh later this year.
If you can wait till september, you might as well wait till 2022 to see whether rumored 13” or 14” MBA redesign comes to the market. Oh and there are also rumors about possible 15” MBA which I personally would be more interested in.
What Im worried about tho is that due to M CPU’s efficiency Apple might redesign their laptops making them thinner and lighter and thus with smaller batteries and stay at the same quoted 2020 M1 battery life numbers, which would imho kind of suck, because Id love to have even longer battery life in my “future” laptop.
We were lucky that they kept the same shells and batteries(more or less) in their last years M1 update because it didnt require them to rebuild them from scratch.
What Im worried about tho is that due to M CPU’s efficiency Apple might redesign their laptops making them thinner and lighter and thus with smaller batteries and stay at the same quoted 2020 M1 battery life numbers, which would imho kind of suck, because Id love to have even longer battery life in my “future” laptop.
We were lucky that they kept the same shells and batteries(more or less) in their last years M1 update because it didnt require them to rebuild them from scratch.
If you need a machine now, the current MBA is fantastic. If you can wait, then wait. However, if new MBAs don't come out in September, then what? If you were to buy a current-model MBA then, you'll just be that much closer to an eventual refresh... meanwhile you could have been using the M1 this whole time and really gotten your money's worth.
The answer is -- buy when you need it and don't worry about waiting for the next best thing, since there will always be something better 6 months down the road. If you can wait, then may as well just wait however long it takes for the next refresh and buy on day one.
Ming Chi Kuo suggests a MBA redesign in 2022, that's vague enough it could mean there's a bump to the M2 chip with no design change this November, then an M3 model in November 2022 comes in a redesigned body, or that there will be no refresh at all this year, and a full redesign sometime (early?) in 2022.
I tend to think the former is more likely given the next gen M2 is supposedly beginning production, which would be about right for an October/November MacBook launch this year.
I tend to think the former is more likely given the next gen M2 is supposedly beginning production, which would be about right for an October/November MacBook launch this year.
This is the best advice ever along with another user who posits a 2022 release. I am of two minds. Strategically apple could release a new refresh of both the air and the pro to drive in particular pro sales. Or it could simply refresh the pros to drive pro sales which to my mind have been outstripped by air sales. If I were Apple I would redesign the pros and launch them this year and wait until late 2022 or early 2023 to “redesign” aka recolor the air leaving it with the m1 chip.
I'm still happily running a 2017 Intel Air and it does all that you ask right now, but the new Air does look tempting, I'll agree!
Rumour mill being what it is (especially with Apple), its hard to speculate. There is certainly talk of M2 processors due out later this year, but my guess would be that Apple saves that for the Pro line - keeping the 'old' processor for the less-expensive machine like the Air and iPad Pro, and doing that (one step behind) going forward. They certainly don't want the Air to take any trade from the pricier Pro. IF they keep the Air afloat.
As for colour - well, I suppose they could slap some paint around to create some excitement. Especially if the have nothing 'One More Thing' to show off for the Air come the fall.
I mean, look at the considerable energy they are expending advertising the Purple iPhone 12. It's all a 'Squirrel!' moment as they try and keep an interest in the product.
And I wouldn't expect a new Air (if it's still around) until later in the Fall. Probably with the main release of whatever MacOS they offer. So can you wait until October / November?
Rumour mill being what it is (especially with Apple), its hard to speculate. There is certainly talk of M2 processors due out later this year, but my guess would be that Apple saves that for the Pro line - keeping the 'old' processor for the less-expensive machine like the Air and iPad Pro, and doing that (one step behind) going forward. They certainly don't want the Air to take any trade from the pricier Pro. IF they keep the Air afloat.
As for colour - well, I suppose they could slap some paint around to create some excitement. Especially if the have nothing 'One More Thing' to show off for the Air come the fall.
I mean, look at the considerable energy they are expending advertising the Purple iPhone 12. It's all a 'Squirrel!' moment as they try and keep an interest in the product.
And I wouldn't expect a new Air (if it's still around) until later in the Fall. Probably with the main release of whatever MacOS they offer. So can you wait until October / November?
Last edited:
The 14/16" Pros due later this year are more likely to use an 'M1X' chip, based on the current 14th generation iPhone chip core designs, than an M2. Basically a new variant of the current M1 with more performance and graphics cores to give a bit more performance kick. Perhaps there will be 6-performance-core and 8-performance-core options. The M2 (based on the A15 generation of iPhone chip) will be a drop in replacement for the Air, 13" Pro, Mac mini, iPad Pro and 24" iMac from October/November.
Macbook Air refresh might come in colours. However it might not happen in 2021. Looks like only Macbook Pros are getting refresh this year. Also if you do not want a computer right now, it is good to wait and see what a future update might offer. I would also love to see colours in all Macbooks
what do you have now?
There are 50%-50% chances for a new colourful mba to come out by the end of this year..but, for now, nobody knows but apple
If you have now the M1 Macbook air...there is no reason NOT to wait until next year or until even for 2023. No need to spend money for just a new colour , if you need more perf than M1, then wait for the MBP 14"/16"
Last edited:
There are rumors of a new non-Macbook pro laptops being released later the year or early next year. Whether they are new MacBook Airs or some other laptop is uncertain. They will likely have Magsafe, colors and M2, and be thinner.
Honestly Magsafe, Colors and M2 are all pretty irrelevant for me (M1 seems plenty fast enough to last years) and thinner would actually be a negative. The current MacBook Air may be a last of its breed, which to me makes it a must by now
Honestly Magsafe, Colors and M2 are all pretty irrelevant for me (M1 seems plenty fast enough to last years) and thinner would actually be a negative. The current MacBook Air may be a last of its breed, which to me makes it a must by now
Most rumors are pointing to early next year. I'd just buy now. Plus, a tried and true design is usually much more reliable than a new one (assuming they're going to be doing more to the design than adding colors to it).
I'm in no rush to buy one and I'm waiting for the redesign. I don't care for colors but I'd love to see a 13" MacBook or a 14" MacBook Air. More screen on the same body.
MagSafe would be nice. I would have no issue if they kept the M1 as the base option, or even the only option for that model. I also hope they bring back a USB-A port on it, not just the MBP.
The current MBA is nice but I'm looking forward to a body made for the low-thermal/no fan hardware.
MagSafe would be nice. I would have no issue if they kept the M1 as the base option, or even the only option for that model. I also hope they bring back a USB-A port on it, not just the MBP.
The current MBA is nice but I'm looking forward to a body made for the low-thermal/no fan hardware.
I think we will see a new air this year, which will be called the macbook.
The reasons why are :
They used the current chassis to make a smoother transition and more familiar to customers.
Now customers are aware of the M chips and their performance, Apple are now ramping up the new designs that actually utilise the ability to make smaller than thinner - see the new imac.
It is in Apples interest to release new MBP and Macbooks based upon new chassis designs and retire the old ones, sooner rather than later.
I could be wrong but I expect all lines except the Mac Pro to be in all new chassis designs before the end of the year.
The reasons why are :
They used the current chassis to make a smoother transition and more familiar to customers.
Now customers are aware of the M chips and their performance, Apple are now ramping up the new designs that actually utilise the ability to make smaller than thinner - see the new imac.
It is in Apples interest to release new MBP and Macbooks based upon new chassis designs and retire the old ones, sooner rather than later.
I could be wrong but I expect all lines except the Mac Pro to be in all new chassis designs before the end of the year.
I think it will be Q1 2022 before we see what is rumored to be the new MacBook (Air).
Its all pure conjecture really. I am always wrong, based on my previous predictions, but tbh will be quite disappointed in Apple if they don‘t update this year. The macbook [air] just needs to be as thin and light as can be in a 13“ form factor tied into the imac aesthetic. Not that hard.
Yup, Prosser's mockup makes me a little hopeful Apple Silicon will allow for a simplified but improved lineup with a 13" colourful MacBook and 14" & 16" MacBook Pros. All three offering a base model using the 4/4 core M1, while the Pros get options for a 6/4 and 8/4 core M1, bringing the entry price of the Pros down a little and making them more accessible, though they'd surely still get up there when you spec them out.
Ive said once, Ill say it again and add a bit more to my thoughts - Id love to see option of sub 2000$ 15-16” MB/MBA specced with 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD and SD card slot for that money and 20h+ battery life 
This is the old jobs matrix, and I am pretty sure they are returning to it. It makes total sense, and I think what you say is absolutely correct.