The MacBook Air 2022 is expected to make its debut on June 6 as part of Apple’s WWDC 2022 presentation, but don’t expect a significant power boost over the MacBook Air M1.
Several rumors have circulated about Apple’s M2 processor. It’s natural to expect the M2, as the M1 line’s successor, to be more powerful. According to the most recent reports, the next generation of Apple silicon will be a minor upgrade at best.
According to Apple leaker Ming-Chi Kuo (via MacRumors(opens in new tab), the first M2 chips could appear in the next iterations of the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. The M2 chip could make an appearance in the 2022 MacBook Air.
However, contrary to popular belief, the M2 may not be significantly more powerful than the M1. Apple may label the revised chip “M2” to encourage sales, or it may wait until 2023 to use the moniker.
According to Kuo, TSMC’s improved N3 and N4P fabrication processes will not be ready for mass production until 2023. As a result, Apple’s 2022 processors are expected to use the current N5P and N4 processes. According to Kuo, N4 does not provide a significant advantage over N5P. This is said to be the case with the A16 chip, which will power the iPhone 14 Pro. The names “A16” and “M2,” according to Kuo, may exist solely for marketing purposes.
If these reports are correct, the actual successor to the M1 chip series will not be available until 2023. As a result, it may be prudent to temper expectations for the M2 and A16 processors. According to these and other rumors, the performance difference between the 2020 M1 chip and the 2021 M1 Pro and M1 Max may be minor.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the M2 processor will include an 8-core CPU with four efficiency and high-performance cores, as well as a 10-core GPU. In terms of performance, this would place it behind the M1 Pro and M1 Max, but ahead of the M1 chip.
The rumored MacBook Air 2022 redesign appears to be the bigger story. According to reports, the new MacBook Air will have a larger display, thinner bezels, and MagSafe charging. There will also be a variety of color options. We’ve just seen some stunning renders of the MacBook Air 2022 ahead of its expected debut, and we’re hoping they’re accurate.
