Apple is reportedly targeting the first half of 2022 as a launch window for its new MacBook Air powered by the next-gen M2 silicon. Over the past few months, multiple sources have discussed a MacBook Air refresh coated in a bevy of bright shades akin to the M1 iMac. The design is also said to get a facelift and the MagSafe charger is expected to make a triumphant return.
The company has been using the same tapered metallic build for the MacBook Air since 2018, which itself borrows heavily from the classic MacBook Air that made its debut at the famous 2008 Macworld event. However, if recent rumors are to be believed, an aesthetic makeover will first make an appearance on the upcoming 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models tipped to launch during the second half of 2021.
The new MacBook Air with a colorful chassis is slated to go official in the first half of 2022, according to tipster Dylan on Twitter. Moreover, it will draw power from the next-gen M2 chip. As for the rumored M1X chip that has been surfacing in leaks over recent months, it is allegedly destined for the upcoming MacBook Pro models, rocking a faster GPU with more cores compared to the M1 chip.
A Colorful Makeover & Next-Gen Silicon
This is not the first time that rumors of a new MacBook Air have surfaced online. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman recently predicted that the MacBook Air refresh will arrive either in the second half of 2021, or early next year. Leakster Jon Prosser also shared some concept renders of a MacBook Air flaunting a color palette similar to that of the latest-gen iPad Air and M1-powered iMac. Apple has reportedly been testing multiple bright shades for the upcoming MacBook Air to jazz things up compared to the existing color profile of its entry-level laptop. As far as the design goes, internet renders suggest that the signature tapered design of MacBook Air might finally become a thing of the past.
Instead, the upcoming machine is expected to borrow the flat sides and uniform thickness scheme of the MacBook Pro line. The bezels, as well as the keycaps, might get a white paintjob, while the keyboard deck itself borrows a lot of design elements from the new Magic Keyboard and its circular Touch ID button. Port selection on the M2 MacBook Air will likely remain paltry with just a pair of Type-C ports, a MagSafe charging slot, and a 3.5mm headphone/mic combo jack. It is unclear, however, if the upcoming MacBook Air will go with a fanless design akin to the 2020 M1-powered version. Another notable upgrade that some have been anticipating for years is a better display. If the rumors are to be believed, the next MacBook Air might make the jump to a mini-LED display, offering benefits such as deeper blacks, better contrast, and higher brightness output.
Source: Dylan/Twitter