Rumored 2022 MacBook Air Pricing

[bballers29]

My prediction:

- Starts at $1299 in 8/256
- Second standard config $1599 in 16/512
- M1 MBP will be dropped

As cheap as the Airs are now, it's an aggressive redesign so absolutely a raise in base price just like there is for the 14" MPB. And a $400 buffer between the base 14" and similarly configured MBA seems about right.

Yeah, sounds likely. I’m curious if Apple will increase the Air’s screen size to 14” or keep it at 13” to differentiate it even more from the Pro and bolster its value proposition as a portable computer.

I’d really like this computer if it looked similar to the previous generation MacBook Pro but with a slimmer and lighter profile.

The only deal breaker for me is if the Air has white bezels.

 

[brig2221]

I'm hearing they will shrink the bezels (and thus casing as well) around the current 13" screen, which would be another differentiator from the more expensive 14" MBP, but who knows at this point.

I will continue to reiterate that putting in a white keyboard and bezels is a non starter for me. I want a good looking computer, not a vibrant toy.

 

[bballers29]

I'm hearing they will shrink the bezels (and thus casing as well) around the current 13" screen, which would be another differentiator from the more expensive 14" MBP, but who knows at this point.

I will continue to reiterate that putting in a white keyboard and bezels is a non starter for me. I want a good looking computer, not a vibrant toy.

100%. I will not buy the Air if it has a white keyboard and bezels. It’s one reason why I didn’t buy the new iMac.

 

[Dwalls90]

100%. I will not buy the Air if it has a white keyboard and bezels. It’s one reason why I didn’t buy the new iMac.

I’m skeptical they’ll go the plastic white route for notebooks again. The MacBooks that were like this chipped too easily. Also, notches are generally always black, so the contrast would look off. This is the same reason all notched iPhones have black on the front of the device.

 

[Beau10]

I’m skeptical they’ll go the plastic white route for notebooks again. The MacBooks that were like this chipped too easily. Also, notches are generally always black, so the contrast would look off. This is the same reason all notched iPhones have black on the front of the device.

What about a white bezel w/ a black notch? I personally would be okay with it as apps like TopNotch work like a champ (it's amazing how invisible it is in any lighting condition), but admittedly would look a bit weird without doing something that.

 

[Dwalls90]

What about a white bezel w/ a black notch? I personally would be okay with it as apps like TopNotch work like a champ (it's amazing how invisible it is in any lighting condition), but admittedly would look a bit weird without doing something that.

I wonder if this is a fake leak meant to identify internal leakers at Apple.

 

[Beau10]

I wonder if this is a fake leak meant to identify internal leakers at Apple.

There was an article many years ago (Steve Jobs era) about how designs were worked out at Apple - basically a new product started with about 10 competing designs that went to foam mock stage, whittled down to 3 that were actually built as physical prototypes, perhaps an assortment for field testing.

It stands to reason that many early leaks that didn't come from the assembly line likely started with info about some early prototype that never made it to production... maybe it was even the favored design, but something in the supply chain or tooling was cost prohibitive and it was shelved. I suspect this is what happened with the AW7, where it seemed the leakers were super certain about the case change right up to the presentation.

 

[phillies3429]

I think M1 MacBook Air sticks around at entry $999 price. Incredible machine with rave reviews and Apple knows it. Would be odd for them to completely redesign, give a more powerful processor to their cheapest machine when they don't need to. Can see "Next Gen MacBook Air" or maybe even just "MacBook" priced starting at $1299/$1399. Just what I see right now.

 

[JPack]

Given that BOE and LG will be making the mini LED display for the upcoming Air, it's almost certain it'll stay at $999 or the increase won't be more than $100. MBP 14 already shows how this can be achieved - by having fewer mini LEDs.

Most importantly, Apple already knows $999 is the sweet spot in terms of attracting customers. We heard it from Tim Cook during the latest conference call. So they're not likely to move too far from that price.

 

[Bazza1]

They tried to kill off the Air with the pricier 12" MacBook (complete with thinner bezels and new keyboard), and look where that got them. The 12" MacBook is dead, and Apple would prefer it if you forgot about them.

Much like their other effort to kill it off - the "What's a computer?" ad campaign for iPad Pro (which also crashed and burned in it's efforts) - Apple keeps trying to replace the Air, even as it's sales keep the whole MacBook line afloat.

Apple needs to very circumspect as to what they do with the rumoured 're-imagined' Air next year. Sure, reduce bezels, make the device lighter, update the M1, maybe add a few pastel fruit colours to match the iMac - but start screwing with much more and then tacking on more Apple Tax, and there is a danger their big seller will stall in popularity. And not to the point where users think about going up a model, but rather, holding onto older models or looking elsewhere.

 

[blairh]

I seriously doubt it will be less than $1,300 to start. Please remember this is going to be a substantial redesign that makes it MUCH lighter. I'm expecting close to 2 lbs much like the 13.3" LG Gram.

The M1 MBA will remain in the lineup with a starting price of $1,000 and an internals upgrade.

And people saying they will drop the Air name? I don't think this makes any sense given how thin and light the redesign will be. It will finally be worthy of the Air name again.

 

[JPack]

I seriously doubt it will be less than $1,300 to start. Please remember this is going to be a substantial redesign that makes it MUCH lighter. I'm expecting close to 2 lbs much like the 13.3" LG Gram.

The M1 MBA will remain in the lineup with a starting price of $1,000 and an internals upgrade.

And people saying they will drop the Air name? I don't think this makes any sense given how thin and light the redesign will be. It will finally be worthy of the Air name again.

The MBP 14 received a substantial redesign. The price was bumped up by $200 and is marketed as a pro notebook. I have no idea how people rationalize a $300 increase for Apple's entry-level notebook.

LG Gram achieves its light weight by using magnesium alloy. This is very much inferior to aluminum in terms of strength and corrosion resistance. Unlike aluminum, it cannot be anodized and requires painting. I don't think there's any chance of MBA reaching 2 lbs.

 

[blairh]

The MBP 14 received a substantial redesign. The price was bumped up by $200 and is marketed as a pro notebook. I have no idea how people rationalize a $300 increase for Apple's entry-level notebook.

LG Gram achieves its light weight by using magnesium alloy. This is very much inferior to aluminum in terms of strength and corrosion resistance. Unlike aluminum, it cannot be anodized and requires painting. I don't think there's any chance of MBA reaching 2 lbs.

It's really not that hard to understand. The significant redesign coming to the MBA will warrant a price increase. Whether you want to argue about whether that will be $200 or $300 is quite silly. There is no way we get both a redesign and a price point at $1000.

I believe the new MBA will start at $1,300. If it starts at $1,200, great. But that's my guess.

The LG Gram 13.3" weighs 2.07 or 2.16 lbs depending on which model you choose. The current MBA is 2.8 lbs. If it can't reach close to 2 lbs, I don't expect it to weigh more than 2.5 lbs. Hopefully less.

 

[dizmonk]

100%. I will not buy the Air if it has a white keyboard and bezels. It’s one reason why I didn’t buy the new iMac.

1000% agree. I truly don't get what Apple is doing with this stupid color schemes.

 

[kiranmk2]

The MBP 14 received a substantial redesign. The price was bumped up by $200 and is marketed as a pro notebook. I have no idea how people rationalize a $300 increase for Apple's entry-level notebook.

LG Gram achieves its light weight by using magnesium alloy. This is very much inferior to aluminum in terms of strength and corrosion resistance. Unlike aluminum, it cannot be anodized and requires painting. I don't think there's any chance of MBA reaching 2 lbs.

We are rationalising it because this is Apple. They have blown past various price points on the iPhone and seen no let-up in demand. If you look at it from Apple's point of view, there are a lot of potential customers for an Air-type laptop. If they keep the M1 Air at $999 and put the new M2 Air at, say $1199 this means that they keep that $999 entry point and the 'value' customers continue to pick up the M1 Air (which by now should have better margins than at launch) and the more tech-savvy customers pick up the $1199 M2 Air.

With all the inflation of the last 10 years or so (especially in the last 12 months) hitting $999 with a 'current gen' product is becoming harder. even with the iPhone there I can see the entry-level iPhone Pro going >$999 in the next couple of years.

 

[JPack]

We are rationalising it because this is Apple. They have blown past various price points on the iPhone and seen no let-up in demand. If you look at it from Apple's point of view, there are a lot of potential customers for an Air-type laptop. If they keep the M1 Air at $999 and put the new M2 Air at, say $1199 this means that they keep that $999 entry point and the 'value' customers continue to pick up the M1 Air (which by now should have better margins than at launch) and the more tech-savvy customers pick up the $1199 M2 Air.

With all the inflation of the last 10 years or so (especially in the last 12 months) hitting $999 with a 'current gen' product is becoming harder. even with the iPhone there I can see the entry-level iPhone Pro going >$999 in the next couple of years.

Like I wrote, the same Apple charged $200 more for the MBP14 with its wealth of upgrades and larger display. Apple didn't throw a dart to determine that price. The iPhone 13 didn't receive price increases despite Tim Cook projecting significant silicon shortages 6 months prior to launch. The iPhone 12 received a 20% increase compared to iPhone 11.

Given the MBA is remaining at 13-inch, it doesn't make sense to predict a 30% increase just "because this is Apple." I can see a $1,199 MBA given the starting price of the 2018 MBA. But Apple still lives in a world dominated by Wintel and has to compete.

 

[avalon68]

Like I wrote, the same Apple charged $200 more for the MBP14 with its wealth of upgrades and larger display. Apple didn't throw a dart to determine that price. The iPhone 13 didn't receive price increases despite Tim Cook projecting significant silicon shortages 6 months prior to launch. The iPhone 12 received a 20% increase compared to iPhone 11.

Given the MBA is remaining at 13-inch, it doesn't make sense to predict a 30% increase just "because this is Apple." I can see a $1,199 MBA given the starting price of the 2018 MBA. But Apple still lives in a world dominated by Wintel and has to compete.

I think if the prices go up much more its the overseas market that might suffer. Its already much more expensive to buy anything from apple outside of the USA. Im in the UK and there is a very substantial price difference here. Thats why the cheaper iphones and ipads are so popular. A lot of there items are becoming too expensive for the average person to afford over here. Ive actually ordered an LG gram as I need a bigger screen and the 16 inch is just way out of my price range. I dont need the power it provides, and its not worth that much money to me. Ive only ever used mac laptops for the last 15yrs, but unless theres a more affordable larger screen air version, I doubt Ill ever use one again sadly. For comparison the base 16 inch in the USA is $2499. The same model in the UK is $3207 at todays exchange rate.

 

[skaertus]

Like I wrote, the same Apple charged $200 more for the MBP14 with its wealth of upgrades and larger display. Apple didn't throw a dart to determine that price. The iPhone 13 didn't receive price increases despite Tim Cook projecting significant silicon shortages 6 months prior to launch. The iPhone 12 received a 20% increase compared to iPhone 11.

Given the MBA is remaining at 13-inch, it doesn't make sense to predict a 30% increase just "because this is Apple." I can see a $1,199 MBA given the starting price of the 2018 MBA. But Apple still lives in a world dominated by Wintel and has to compete.

Yes.

Apple seems to have a long-time strategy in respect to prices as well as to its products.

The simple fact that the world is facing silicon shortages will not affect Apple's long-time price strategy. Apple has the cash to burn if necessary so it can keep its strategy no matter what. Plus, Apple's margins should be enough to cover any temporary increase in the price of parts.

I can see Apple maintaining the $999 price tag for the MacBook Air. Whether the MacBook Air that will occupy this spot will be a carryover of the current design or the brand new one is yet to be seen. But it is probably important for Apple to offer a laptop at this price point, to make it more affordable.

Significantly increasing the price of the low-end model does not make sense as it would alienate many consumers, especially casual users who are not willing to spend much in computers and users in developing countries who do not have the cash to spend.

The iPhone 12 received a price increase, but Apple kept old models at old prices, and the iPhone SE remained an affordable option. Apple is aware that it needs to reach certain price points to not drive consumers away.

 

[CWallace]

I originally thought we could see the 2022 M2 MacBook Air start at $1099 or even $1199, but since the display will almost certainly not have ProMotion, that will help keep the panel cost down (even with MiniLED) so I am now much more receptive to the idea that it will be the same $999 and the M1 MacBook Air will stick around at $899 or even $849 to help drive adoption at the low end (kind of like a "MacBook SE" to quote another forum user).

 

[addictive]

With all the recent reports we'll see new products coming to the Macbook range in 2022 and we'll see some MacBooks from 2021 and before stick around at a cheaper price point. Apple's cheapest laptop isn't going to be $1,100 or more even if it's a new design with the latest AS.

Apple will keep around the M1 MacBook Air and likely drop the price a little bit. Then release a newly designed 2022 MacBook Air. This MBA will become a huge seller.

I'd imagine they'll release a cheaper, less powerful MBPro but a laptop for people that want ports and a very good display like the new MBP have.

The cheap MBP will be a little more expensive than the 2022 MBA but significantly cheaper than the 2021 MBPro.

 

[sublunar]

Logically an M2 refresh of the Air should drop at the same price going from Apple's previous MO. The price increase in the 14" MBP is justified by the XDR Mini LED screen, bigger battery and screen.

The difference here is what Apple intend to do with the M1 MacBook Pro. The Touch Bar just seemed incongruous to me and going ARM was the perfect time to leave it behind with Intel.

If Apple were justifying an upsell to an M2 MacBook Pro over the M2 Air I'd consider the following all they would probably have to do is remove the Touch Bar and add Pro Display XDR. And put the expected 2 Thunderbolt ports on both sides of the new case.

Bear in mind that the 12.9" iPad Pro has a mini LED display it only makes sense that the MBP gets a similar screen. Perhaps even the exact same screen if they wanted to go a different way with the screen?

If a redesign is on the cards, that's where they add a higher capacity battery - which with the better display might add perhaps $100 to the price.

Obviously the cheaper price point is achieved by starting with 8Gb RAM and 256Gb storage whereas the 14" starts with bigger screen, battery, and higher base spec.

The issue with the M1 MacBook Pro at the moment is it's not that compelling an option when up against the M1 MacBook Air.

I think a mini LED screen over the Touch Bar (when you consider adding the fan too) would make the MacBook Pro a more compelling option.

 

[mgwebb]

Logically an M2 refresh of the Air should drop at the same price going from Apple's previous MO. The price increase in the 14" MBP is justified by the XDR Mini LED screen, bigger battery and screen.

The difference here is what Apple intend to do with the M1 MacBook Pro. The Touch Bar just seemed incongruous to me and going ARM was the perfect time to leave it behind with Intel.

If Apple were justifying an upsell to an M2 MacBook Pro over the M2 Air I'd consider the following all they would probably have to do is remove the Touch Bar and add Pro Display XDR. And put the expected 2 Thunderbolt ports on both sides of the new case.

Bear in mind that the 12.9" iPad Pro has a mini LED display it only makes sense that the MBP gets a similar screen. Perhaps even the exact same screen if they wanted to go a different way with the screen?

If a redesign is on the cards, that's where they add a higher capacity battery - which with the better display might add perhaps $100 to the price.

Obviously the cheaper price point is achieved by starting with 8Gb RAM and 256Gb storage whereas the 14" starts with bigger screen, battery, and higher base spec.

The issue with the M1 MacBook Pro at the moment is it's not that compelling an option when up against the M1 MacBook Air.

I think a mini LED screen over the Touch Bar (when you consider adding the fan too) would make the MacBook Pro a more compelling option.

I would like to see some sort of lower priced Pro if for no other reason than there being an option to get 32GB of RAM for less than the minimum of $2400 it costs with the base 14" Pro currently. If they offered 32GB in the new M2 Air I'd be happy with that, but suspect 32GB will remain a Pro only option.