MacBook Air, MacBook Pro with Apple M2 chip may launch later this year

MacBook Air, MacBook Pro with Apple M2 chip may launch later this year
HIGHLIGHTS

Apple MacBook Air codenamed ‘J413’ and a 13-inch MacBook Pro codenamed ‘J493’ are in the latter stages of development.

Apple M2 SoC would be an upgrade to the M1 and it would also have Apple M2 Pro, M2 Max, and M2 Ultra variants.

MacBook Air may have a revamped design while the MacBook Pro may stick to the current model’s design.

Apple is reportedly gearing up to introduce the M2-borne MacBook Air and a 13-inch MacBook Pro in 2022. A report from 9to5Mac reveals that the Cupertino-giant is in the advanced stages of development of both these MacBooks. It mentions details about the Apple M2 chip like its codename, on which Apple A Bionic chip it is based, and the likely variants of it. We also get hints of what the company may have in plans for the aforementioned MacBook products going forward.

So, let’s cover them one by one, starting with the chip.

Apple M2 Chip: What’s expected

Apple M2 is said to be codenamed ‘Staten’ and it will apparently be based on the Apple A15 Bionic chip that’s part of the iPhone 13 series and the recently announced iPhone SE.

Design-wise, it may have an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU and it will be a successor to the Apple M1 chip launched in 2020. 

This means it won’t be an upgrade to the M1 Pro, M1 Max, or M1 Ultra. Rather, it may have its own M2 Pro, M2 Max, and M2 Ultra (with 24-core CPU) SKUs. 

With that, we come to the M2 MacBooks.

Apple MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with M2 SoC: What’s expected

Apple MacBook with M2 SoC concept renders

Apple MacBook concept render used for representational purpose

The latest report claims the MacBook Air (internally called J413) will be powered by M2 and not an updated M1 chip as suggested by Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. It is also expected to sport a redesigned look.

Then there is the 13-inch MacBook Pro (internally called J493) which will also supposedly get the M2 treatment. However, unlike the MacBook Air, this one will retain the design of its precursor. Also, the rumor has it that Apple is planning to remove the ‘Pro’ surname from this particular model. It will be thence called just MacBook and will mark the entry into Apple’s MacBook lineup. In other words, there will be this 13-inch MacBook, then the upcoming MacBook Air (allegedly more expensive), and then the other MacBook Pro models. 

However, such a rechristening wouldn’t take place this year. At least, that’s what is being foretold at this point. We will let you know if there’s any update to these MacBook plans. 

Until then, for similar news, reviews, feature stories, buying guides, and everything else tech-related keep reading Digit.in.

G. S. Vasan

G. S. Vasan

Vasan is a word weaver and tech junkie who is currently geeking out as a news writer at Digit. View Full Profile

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