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Production of 15-Inch MacBook Air Components Underway, WWDC Launch Looking Likely
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I could see Apple making a slightly thicker version of the 13.6" MacBook Air to accommodate a fan for active cooling.
Especially since production of M2 chips has been reportedly slashed significantly.
But the question has to be is your Apple Wallet ready? That's all Tim Cook cares about.
if they want these to sell and not have to pause production again, they better not include an M2
If it came with the M3 (assuming it's significantly improved) I'll be very interested.
With the M3 and a bigger body, a 15” Macbook Air could be the macbook with the best battery life too. Was thinking about a 14” Pro because of the better screen, speakers, ports, etc, but this could be very tempting…
Only on MacRumors are 3.5 pound laptops 'too heavy.' 😂😂😂
Yep at $1,199 it would be a smash hit.
Yep at $1,199 it would be a smash hit.
This laptop could be great, but I highly doubt it will have dual external monitor support.
It seems that Apple has turned this, what was once a standard feature in the previous gen MBAs, into a way to get us to pay significantly more money — even if we don't need any additional processing power.
They did not address the issue with the M2 refresh, and even my 2012 rMBP could run dual 4K@60Hz external monitors. The current MBA lineup can't even do this at 1920x1080.
It seems that Apple has turned this, what was once a standard feature in the previous gen MBAs, into a way to get us to pay significantly more money — even if we don't need any additional processing power.
They did not address the issue with the M2 refresh, and even my 2012 rMBP could run dual 4K@60Hz external monitors. The current MBA lineup can't even do this at 1920x1080.
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HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
My guess: pricing will shock vs. the traditional concept of Airs being "entry level" priced. If M3, I anticipate config pricing conflicts vs. MBpro... which will be easily resolved with the next MBpro also getting their prices jacked to "fix" that "problem."
I anticipate the same with the next Studio vs. certain configs of the new Mac Mini (pricing) not seeming to make sense. Next Studio will probably "fix" the pricing conflicts the same way.
There's seemingly BIG enthusiasm for this Air but none of the rumors seem to be forecasting ANY pricing. Everyone is assuming relative bargain vs. MBpro but I'm doubting that myself... just like I'm anticipating the resurrection of iMac "bigger" within the next year or so... but priced FARRRRRR higher than the traditional "starting at" zone below $2K (think old iMac Pro "starting at" pricing).
IMO: those "ready to buy this day one" had better pile up more cash than you may expect... and/or free up more credit. If I'm wrong about this, you can simply be pleasantly surprised that the relative "bargain" remained. But if I'm right, you'll at least be ready to actually buy it on day 1... hopefully (unless Apple Corp really gets crazy).
I anticipate the same with the next Studio vs. certain configs of the new Mac Mini (pricing) not seeming to make sense. Next Studio will probably "fix" the pricing conflicts the same way.
There's seemingly BIG enthusiasm for this Air but none of the rumors seem to be forecasting ANY pricing. Everyone is assuming relative bargain vs. MBpro but I'm doubting that myself... just like I'm anticipating the resurrection of iMac "bigger" within the next year or so... but priced FARRRRRR higher than the traditional "starting at" zone below $2K (think old iMac Pro "starting at" pricing).
IMO: those "ready to buy this day one" had better pile up more cash than you may expect... and/or free up more credit. If I'm wrong about this, you can simply be pleasantly surprised that the relative "bargain" remained. But if I'm right, you'll at least be ready to actually buy it on day 1... hopefully (unless Apple Corp really gets crazy).
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"Even better is if it releases with the M3."
An M3 version is great but they need a version in the $1,500 range.
An M3 version is great but they need a version in the $1,500 range.
The reality is we know that as a whole, Apple consumers are willing to pay a premium, they could care less if it's $1,500 or $1,900. as long as the new 15" Air is markedly better. So yeah put an M2 in it and expect a different result from the current M2 flops.
The new Airs need an M3 if they have any hope of selling them in anything other than low volumes. Apple is not going to take the Acer consumer and shouldn't even try.
The new Airs need an M3 if they have any hope of selling them in anything other than low volumes. Apple is not going to take the Acer consumer and shouldn't even try.
It's funny, with all the LLM action going on I'm suddenly thinking about a 64GB 16" MBP, because more RAM means you can run a bigger model.
If only they'd move away from the "SD card reader = Pro" idea.
I'd prefer the new 15" MBA is released a month or two later with M3, versus now with the M2. M3 is overkill for my uses, but it will last much longer before replacement with a faster processor (not to mention, the smaller die size should give some great battery life gains, which I'm more interested in).
My 2015 Macbook Pro 15" (the one with all the ports) is 4.5 pounds / 2 kg.
I avoid traveling with it, due to its size and weight, though it is possible.
If Apple can make a 15" laptop considerably lighter than this, I'm in. If it makes one anything near a full pound lighter, that will be amazing.
Do I wish it had an SD card, HDMI port, and USB-A? Sure. But realistically I can do without those while traveling, and Apple charges a premium for ports, so I'll gladly skip it for a lower price on a MBA.
Apple launching major new hardware at a software event? That should be interesting 
The MacBook Air has gone from a underpowered slim accessory to a power house!
They know how much people want a 15’’ MBA so they’ll release it with the M2 first before upgrading the entire MBA line to M3 later this year.
Allows them to get rid of remaining M2 inventory, maintain margins and double-milk early adopters.
Allows them to get rid of remaining M2 inventory, maintain margins and double-milk early adopters.
TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️
Suspended
Apple should remove the notch and turn it into Dynamic Island instead.