Apple fans hoping for a new MacBook Air (2022) during the March 8 "Peak Performance" event hoped for a new MacBook Air (2022). They were left empty-handed. Again.
But don't be afraid, loyal Christians! According to credible new rumors, Apple is testing nine new Mac models with brand-new M2 silicon processors, including a new MacBook Air in a variety of bright and cheerful colors. It must step into some enormous shoes: Since November 2020, when it was introduced with other M1-powered products such as the Mac mini (2020) and 13-inch MacBook Pro, the older MacBook Air (M1, 2020) has topped both our best laptop and best Apple laptop lists (M1, 2020).
Even if Apple doesn't make any changes, the MacBook Air 2022 will most likely preserve its silent, fanless design and great battery life, which is already the longest in an Apple notebook. However, with the 2022 model, we foresee certain upgrades, notably in the design of the Air. There are rumors of a total overhaul, with a variety of colors to select from, similar to the old Mac-inspired hues available for the 2021 iMac and 4th generation iPad Air.
Here's all we've learned thus far.
MacBook Air (2022): Let's go right to the point.
What exactly is it? The Apple MacBook Air is the company's newest ultraportable notebook.
When will it be released? Late 2022 is a possibility.
How much will it cost? The price is unknown, however, it is anticipated to be close to current pricing (beginning at $999/£999).
We were expecting some information during Apple's Peak Performance event on March 8, but since it went by without a word, the estimated release date has become hazy. With so many speculations circulating, it's still possible we'll hear anything by the end of 2022, so keep an eye out for any events around the end of the year.
Given that the most recent 24-inch iMac was only released in May 2021, and given that it used the same M1 SoC as the first wave of Apple silicon, it's anyone's guess whether this latest MacBook Air will use the same M1 with a complete design update, one of the new chips announced with the new MacBook Pros, or an all-new Apple M2 chip.
Given that the two most recent MacBook Pro models (the M1 Pro and M1 Max) have beefed-up versions of the M1 chip, the 2022 MacBook Air is unlikely to debut with the same, ultra-powerful Soc within the same release timeframe, therefore an M2 chip introduction is more plausible.
Although no official pricing has been announced, we expect the new MacBook Air to start at $999 / £999, exactly like the current model.
Regardless of when the new MacBook Air is released, there have been enough leaks and conjecture about its design to make the wait worthwhile. Following the unveiling of the 24-inch iMac during the Spring Loaded event, when the new models took influence from some old, colorful Mac designs, we predicted back in April that the MacBook Air was time for its own bright revamp.
This was bolstered by serial Apple leaker John Prosser's allegation that the MacBook Air (2021) will be available in the same seven colors as the iMac (2021). Blue, Green, Pink, Silver, Yellow, Orange, and Purple are the hues used.
These upcoming MacBook Air notebooks might also have white keycaps, bigger function keys, and a somewhat smaller trackpad, according to Prosser's drawings. The chassis is also much thinner and "boxier," with the present sloping edges being replaced with a very contemporary, blunt edge. With all of these speculations together, it appears that the next revamp will be the smallest and lightest MacBook Air to date.
Now that the speculations about the reintroduction of MagSafe charging on the two newest MacBook Pros have been confirmed, we expect the 2022 MacBook Air to include a Mini-LED display, as stated by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and a few other sources.
I just wanted to offer some information on when the next-generation M2 will be released (not the M1X which is reserved for the Pro Mac devices). This CPU will be available in the first half of 2022, along with the new colorful Macbook (Air). 5th of July, 2021
That comment comes from prominent Twitter leaker Dylandkt, whose account was terminated in January 2022 for reasons unknown; take your own conclusions. However, the MacBook Air (2022)'s slimmer form suggests that it will use an Apple M1 SoC; it's unknown if this would be the same M1 processor found in the present MacBook Air or a new all-in-one M2 SoC.
The latest MacBook Air (2020) comes with Apple's M1 SoC, or system on a chip, which integrates the CPU, GPU, and other components into an 8-core processor with unexpectedly impressive performance. The 2020 model is substantially more powerful than the Intel-powered model it replaced, with a CPU performance that is 3.5 times quicker and a GPU performance that is 5 times faster. What may a new M2 chip entail?
Aside from the CPU, Apple is expected to leave many of the other features the same as the current model. After all, this is the 'cheap' laptop choice, so any increase in power might drive up the price and reduce the market for the MacBook Pro.
This means you'll have the option of 8GB or 16GB of RAM, as well as 256GB or 512GB of SSD storage, as well as familiar features like the Magic Keyboard and Touch ID. Thinner bezels, a 13-inch display (as is now the standard), and a better 1080p webcam are all in the cards. Given how bad the current 720p webcam performance is, we'd be surprised if this isn't extended across the entire range of MacBook devices. Updated webcam tech was featured on the 2021 iMac, with Apple claiming this to be the "best camera ever in a Mac," so we'd be surprised if this isn't extended across the entire range of MacBook devices.
To put things in perspective, the latest Intel-based MacBook Air could run two 4K external displays, so we may see this functionality return, especially given the new iMacs and MacBook Pros all have 1080p cameras.
While the number of ports on the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro (2021) increased significantly, the MacBook Air (2021) is expected to remain at two.