Waiting for the 2020 MacBook Air

[Nacho98]

So if Apple updates it in March, what will the appropriate chips be? Intel released new chips like a week or two after the 2019 Air was released, so the current processor is the same as the 2018 model, and pretty old.

If Apple were to update the Air in March, would it just be getting the processor the 2019 should've had that Intel released just after the 2019 model (meaning a 6 month old processor already by then), or will Intel have something fresher by then?

 

[auxbuss]

I think they'll keep the new Air a dual-core CPU, and if you want four cores, you'll have to go Pro. You want more, you have to pay more. That's the way the market works.

Given the market the Air is targeting, battery life and (absence of) heat are more significant requirements. If a quad-core fits the bill (and is cheap enough), I suspect Apple would use it. The MBA isn't underpowered now, for its market.

 

[AJB1971]

According to the latest Intel leaks the new MacBook Air could come out during the first quarter of 2020 and these are the models on the Ice Lake Y lineup and therefore suitable for it:

Intel Core Model	Core/Threads	Base Frequency	Sincle Core Turbo	All Cores Turbo	IGP	TDP
i7-1060G7	4C/8T	1.0 GHz	3.8 GHz	3.4 GHz	64 EUs	9W
i5-1030G7	4C/8T	0.8 GHz	3.5 GHz	3.2 GHz	64 EUs	9W
i5-1030G4	4C/8T	0.7 GHz	3.5 GHz	3.2 GHz	48 EUs	9W
i5-1000G4	2C/4T	1.1 GHz	3.2 GHz	3.2 GHz	48 EUs	9W
i3-1000G1	2C/4T	1.1 GHz	3.2 GHz	3.2 GHz	32 EUs	9W

So if Apple updates it in March, what will the appropriate chips be? Intel released new chips like a week or two after the 2019 Air was released, so the current processor is the same as the 2018 model, and pretty old.

If Apple were to update the Air in March, would it just be getting the processor the 2019 should've had that Intel released just after the 2019 model (meaning a 6 month old processor already by then), or will Intel have something fresher by then?

After spending some time looking at Intel’s range of processors, I’m more convinced that we will see a quad-core chip in the new Air.

I think there’s a typing error in the original poster’s list in that the dual-core chip shown as an i5-1000G4 should actually be an i3-1000G4. It looks as if the i3 designation is being solely reserved for dual-core processors as far as the Y-series chips are concerned.

Apple did use an m3 processor in the base model of the 2017 12-inch MacBook, but they also offered i5 and i7 versions. It’s conceivable that they could do the same with the Air, offering an i3 in the base model and i5 and i7 in the other versions.

The 2017 12-inch MacBook used Intel's 7th generation Kaby Lake Y-series processors. The 2018 and 2019 Airs used 8th generation Amber Lake Y-series processors.

Interestingly, the i5-8210Y is shown on Intel’s website as having a launch date of Q1 2019, but the 3rd generation Air originally launched in October 2018, so it looks as if Apple got early supplies of the chip. That could bode well for the release date of the new Air -
https://ark.intel.com/content/www/u...-8210y-processor-4m-cache-up-to-3-60-ghz.html

There weren’t any 9th generation versions of the Y-series processors from what I can see, the only option would be to go with 10th generation processors. Here's a list - only the ones with TDP values of 7W or 9W are likely to be suitable -
i3 - https://ark.intel.com/content/www/u...10th-generation-intel-core-i3-processors.html
i5 - https://ark.intel.com/content/www/u...10th-generation-intel-core-i5-processors.html
i7 - https://ark.intel.com/content/www/u...10th-generation-intel-core-i7-processors.html

 

[darkmatter343]

I think they'll keep the new Air a dual-core CPU, and if you want four cores, you'll have to go Pro. You want more, you have to pay more. That's the way the market works.

100% agree. The Macbook Air will remain 2 core until the base model 13" pro's start to ship with 6 core's. Product segmentation.

 

[DHagan4755]

I don't know, maybe it's the mood I'm in at the moment, but I'm sitting here thinking that Apple's best move for the MacBook Air is to stick ARM in it and skip any future Intel processors.

 

[auxbuss]

I don't know, maybe it's the mood I'm in at the moment, but I'm sitting here thinking that Apple's best move for the MacBook Air is to stick ARM in it and skip any future Intel processors.

I've not looked at the technical implications of this, so perhaps someone could enlighten me.

It seems to me that if the ARM has a different instruction set from Intel, then all apps would need to be recompiled – at least – to work on ARM. This is in addition to whatever needs be be changed in macOS.

If that's the case, then the degree of disruption is clear. However, I can imagine the transition might be perceived as painless – I say perceived, because I've never known a technology migration to be painless.

I'd be interested to know the facts of the case.

 

[DHagan4755]

It seems to me that if the ARM has a different instruction set from Intel, then all apps would need to be recompiled – at least – to work on ARM. This is in addition to whatever needs be be changed in macOS.

If that's the case, then the degree of disruption is clear. However, I can imagine the transition might be perceived as painless – I say perceived, because I've never known a technology migration to be painless.

Oh, it's going to require a lot of work on Apple's part. A switch over to ARM for Mac would probably be announced at a developer's conference. But my thoughts were written mostly out of frustration over Intel's progress on designing new chips. Apple seems to be far ahead in this area with ARM. It seems like a real Mac renaissance could come with a switch to ARM.

 

[turbineseaplane]

It seems like a real Mac renaissance could come with a switch to ARM.

That’s what I’m hoping for honestly..

The ”progress” using what Intel comes up with (on the laptop line in particular) is really underwhelming.

 

[DHagan4755]

That’s what I’m hoping for honestly..

The ”progress” using what Intel comes up with (on the laptop line in particular) is really underwhelming.

Intel has been stymieing what Apple wants to do. The iMac needs a re-design, the Mac mini languishes, and the MacBook Air is stuck with a processor that's slower than a less expensive iPad. I think a unification around the same processor across iPhones/iPads and Macs will ignite the progress many having been longing for over the past few years.

I'm not going to say the current generation MacBook Air is bad. It's actually pretty good. But we know it could be even better. And that's frustrating!

 

[DanUC6]

Black MacBook Air like the iPhone 11 please!

 

[supertiffany]

Macbook Air 2020


magic keyboard
base 256gb storage
999 usd

is what it should be


minor upgrades then just buy the older gen macbook airs

 

[AJB1971]

I thought this video was interesting. It shows what Apple has to replace, as far as most consumers are concerned, and also what they need to compete against -

 

[joeblow7777]

Given the market the Air is targeting, battery life and (absence of) heat are more significant requirements. If a quad-core fits the bill (and is cheap enough), I suspect Apple would use it. The MBA isn't underpowered now, for its market.

100% agree. The Macbook Air will remain 2 core until the base model 13" pro's start to ship with 6 core's. Product segmentation.

The 2nd Gen Surface Laptop shipped in 2018 with 4-core 8th Gen Intel chips, and that line is widely seen as a competitor to the MBA not the Pro in terms of price, specs, form factor, etc. So I don't see why Apple couldn't/shouldn't offer a 4 core MBA in 2020.

 

[lxmeta]

Apple needs to replace the existing MBA 2019 with a new one ASAP, as it has severe design issues.
(I'm on my 4th logic board, 3rd replacement, same fundamental problem)
This could be the reason for the quick refresh. I'm in if it has a fixed keyboard, and finally can work with a TB3 monitor with a full hd Camera built in (USB3 over TB3) without freezing/crashing...

 

[lambertjohn]

Apple needs to replace the existing MBA 2019 with a new one ASAP, as it has severe design issues.
(I'm on my 4th logic board, 3rd replacement, same fundamental problem)
This could be the reason for the quick refresh. I'm in if it has a fixed keyboard, and finally can work with a TB3 monitor with a full hd Camera built in (USB3 over TB3) without freezing/crashing...

blah blah blah. Millions of people own the 2019 Air and have had zero issues. Go out to Best Buy and Costco and Micro Center and Amazon and read the reviews if you doubt me. I personally own a 2018 Air and it's been a great little computer. Not the most powerful computer on the planet, but perfect for my needs. Use it for my writing business every single day. Love it!

 

[lxmeta]

blah blah blah. Millions of people own the 2019 Air and have had zero issues. Go out to Best Buy and Costco and Micro Center and Amazon and read the reviews if you doubt me. I personally own a 2018 Air and it's been a great little computer. Not the most powerful computer on the planet, but perfect for my needs. Use it for my writing business every single day. Love it!

So you don't even own a MBA 2019, and you are being impolite right in your first sentence?
See my other post on reporting on the concrete issue.
Unless you can report on this specific issue, I suggest you wash your mouth a bit.

 

[TylerDurden130]

I'm trying to wait patiently for a new MBA, mainly because of what I have read about the keyboards of the 2019. But this is my dilemma, I'm starting grad school beginning of March and am not sure my old MBA can handle it.

Can I buy a MBA at the beginning of March and exchange it if they announce a new MBA in March? Would it help if I also bought AppleCare, does that extend the return period or anything?

 

[Mainsail]

Apple needs to replace the existing MBA 2019 with a new one ASAP, as it has severe design issues.
(I'm on my 4th logic board, 3rd replacement, same fundamental problem)
This could be the reason for the quick refresh. I'm in if it has a fixed keyboard, and finally can work with a TB3 monitor with a full hd Camera built in (USB3 over TB3) without freezing/crashing...

It's a bummer that you have had problems with your 2019 MBA. I am unaware of a chronic issue with the 2019 MBA logic board. Even with the best laptops, there will be lemons. Go to the numerous 16in MBP threads, and you will see a huge number of complaints about all kinds issues. This was suppose to the the perfect laptop with the perfect keyboard. Guess what. There is no such thing.

As for the keyboard, when I read reviews of the 2019 MBA, it just doesn't come up very often as a reliability issue. Scan the MBA thread on MR and you will see very few posts about 2019 MBA keyboard problems. Apple sells millions and millions of MBAs. Now, if you don't like the feel of the BF keyboard, that's another issue. But, the 2019 BF keyboard seems to be a significant improvement over its predecessors.

My 2019 MBA has been flawless. No issues. Does everything I need. Very happy with it. If this wasn't the case, and I had 3 replacement logic boards like you, I would share your discontent.

 

[lxmeta]

It's a bummer that you have had problems with your 2019 MBA. I am unaware of a chronic issue with the 2019 MBA logic board. Even with the best laptops, there will be lemons. Go to the numerous 16in MBP threads, and you will see a huge number of complaints about all kinds issues. This was suppose to the the perfect laptop with the perfect keyboard. Guess what. There is no such thing.

As for the keyboard, when I read reviews of the 2019 MBA, it just doesn't come up very often as a reliability issue. Scan the MBA thread on MR and you will see very few posts about 2019 MBA keyboard problems. Apple sells millions and millions of MBAs. Now, if you don't like the feel of the BF keyboard, that's another issue. But, the 2019 BF keyboard seems to be a significant improvement over its predecessors.

My 2019 MBA has been flawless. No issues. Does everything I need. Very happy with it. If this wasn't the case, and I had 3 replacement logic boards like you, I would share your discontent.

Glad to hear yours is doing well! I really like the shape of the MBA! It's so convenient for travel.

My keyboard is actually doing fine on the MBA 2019. Compared to that, I had my previous PRO returned under lemon law after 7 repairs...

Are you using your MBA 2019 with a TB3 monitor or an eGPU? My issue is only with the TB3 ports, and can be reproduced quite easily. Including the original logic board, I am on my 4th now.

 

[ghanwani]

I'm trying to wait patiently for a new MBA, mainly because of what I have read about the keyboards of the 2019. But this is my dilemma, I'm starting grad school beginning of March and am not sure my old MBA can handle it.

Can I buy a MBA at the beginning of March and exchange it if they announce a new MBA in March? Would it help if I also bought AppleCare, does that extend the return period or anything?

Apple allows returns only within 14 days. Best Buy might allow for a longer return period (I think up to 45 days) depending on reward membership status.

 

[Mainsail]

Glad to hear yours is doing well! I really like the shape of the MBA! It's so convenient for travel.

My keyboard is actually doing fine on the MBA 2019. Compared to that, I had my previous PRO returned under lemon law after 7 repairs...

Are you using your MBA 2019 with a TB3 monitor or an eGPU? My issue is only with the TB3 ports, and can be reproduced quite easily. Including the original logic board, I am on my 4th now.

I am using a basic 1080p 23inch Monitor with my MBA. So, it probably isn’t taxing the system very much.

 

[magicschoolbus]

I thought this video was interesting. It shows what Apple has to replace, as far as most consumers are concerned, and also what they need to compete against -

I think what this video actually shows is that people are willing to buy an affordable apple laptop.

It would be nice if they made a MacBook with a retina screen for around 800$.

 

[iObama]

I know this won’t happen, but I’m praying that Apple goes quad core across the lineup. My job only buys the base model. We JUST stopped buying 2017s.

 

[darkmatter343]

I know this won’t happen, but I’m praying that Apple goes quad core across the lineup. My job only buys the base model. We JUST stopped buying 2017s.

Unfortunately it comes down to product segmentation. Apple has kept the Air around because it makes them a ton of cash, it's very popular with students, and it's lower price is more often the entry into MacOS Laptops for many first time purchasers. That said, IF Apple cans the 2 TB port MBP, then I can see the Air getting a Quad core, albeit probably one with the very low power Intel Y series. Think MB 12" speeds but quad core.
Although I'm onboard with many that I'd love to see a higher spec'd CPU with MBP power in an Air with 12hr battery it's probably not going to happen. Product segmentation aside, the MB Air has it's thermal limitations and would not be able to cool even a 15w CPU, plus the added cost of a Quad Core might not make it feasible for the Air line.
One more thing, possibly later this year, Apple might move all the MBP's to 6 Core as base, if Ice Lake and Tiger Lake ever get released, and if that happens, then yes forsure we'll see a Quad Core in the base Air.

 

[Ma2k5]

I think people have a romanticized idea of an ARM MacBook. Perhaps people imagine this super "optimised", super "fast", "magical" laptop with double the battery life. Oh how disappointed they will be .

ARM is a direction Apple would like to go not to help us, but to help themselves control cost and timelines.