Devindra Hardawar/Engadget
At the event on the 9th of this week, neither the rumored M1 chip successor processor “M2” nor the next 13-inch MacBook Pro appeared in the end. Meanwhile, it is rumored that two new MacBooks equipped with “M2” will appear later this year.
This rumor is based on “trustworthy sources” by 9to5Mac. Below is a detailed description of each model.
MacBook Air
Rumors of the next MacBook Air have been around for quite some time, and renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects to have a slightly enhanced M1 chip.
However, according to 9to5Mac sources, this machine will be loaded with “M2”. The next-generation MacBook Air is code-named “J413” and it seems that a single version will be released (rather than the two types of 7-core GPU and 8-core as in the current model). The fact that the M2 chip is based on the A15 Bionic and has an 8-core CPU like the M1 but a 10-core GPU is a repeat of the previous article.
It’s worth noting that the M2 chip is supposed to replace the current entry-level (low-priced) M1 rather than the higher-end models M1 Pro, M1 Max, and M1 Ultra.
In other words, the M2 does not always outperform the M1 Pro or M1 Max. However, it is said that a high-end version of the M2 chip, for example, the “M2 Pro” that will be installed in one of the next Mac minis, is also under development.
By the way, there was a prediction that “the single core performance of the M2 chip will exceed the M1 Max”, but it may be better not to have excessive expectations.
13 inch MacBook Pro
It is said that it has been “confirmed” that a new model equipped with an M2 chip will appear in the next 13-inch MacBook Pro. This machine, codenamed “J493”, is based on the current 13-inch MacBook Pro, and it is said that the new elements of the MacBook Pro (2021) should not be brought in and the current design should be taken over. Such rumors have also been reported by MacRumors.
In addition, Apple is considering removing the title of “Pro” from this machine and simply making it a “MacBook”. That way, it’s reborn as an entry-level MacBook, and the redesigned MacBook Air is “a little more expensive” (the MacBook Air is the upper model, the former 13-inch MacBook Pro is the lower model). It is likely to be reversed).
However, this year’s 13-inch MacBook may still have a “Pro”. Like the MacBook Air, it’s added that no version will have a higher-end chip, such as the M2 Pro.
release date
Although the release date is unknown at the moment, both models are under development according to sources, so it is expected that they will be announced later this year.
Bloomberg reported that a total of more than seven Apple silicon-equipped Macs will be introduced within 2022, and a new Mac will be announced in May to June. By then, additional rumors may flow.
Source:9to5Mac
