Usually when we share our expectations for hardware announcements, we’re never 100% confident. After all, we’re not Apple – so we can’t be certain. However, since our recent WWDC 2023 predictions, we’ve gained some surety (well, almost) when it comes to the 15-inch MacBook Air.
Join us as we talk through the details that have us convinced that the 15-inch MacBook Air is being unveiled at WWDC 2023, along with other products we’re anticipating.
15-inch MacBook Air
There’s a lot of evidence behind the imminent release of the 15-inch MacBook Air. For starters, Ross Young has stated that the components are already being produced. Given that he’s the most reliable leaker (almost everything he’s predicted has come to fruition), we’re definitely expecting this device at WWDC 2023.
What’s more, the 15-inch MacBook Air has appeared in the App Store developer logs with the M2 processor. Considering that a Korean news aggregator revealed that the machine will include this chip, we’re even more sure. The same aggregator was the first to disclose the notch for the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros (something which did come true).
As for the 15-inch MacBook Air design, it’s expected to be identical to the 13-inch MacBook Air, with two Thunderbolt ports and a larger battery. It’ll likely have the M2 processor, too – rather than the M2 Pro chip. If they equipped it with this, Apple may then struggle to sell the 14-inch device, so that’s why we think they’re holding off. It’s in a similar vein that we think this MacBook won’t have the upcoming M3 chip…
M3 chip
We recently revealed in an article on the delayed Mac Pro [LINK: Has The Mac Pro Been Delayed? All The Evidence That Points To It] that we thought the M3 processor wouldn’t be coming until the autumn. Originally, it was thought that the 15-inch MacBook Air would have this chip. Now, however, it appears that it’ll have the M2 chip instead – and there’s a whole story behind this.
The M2 MacBook Air turned out to be only a minor upgrade to the M1 MacBook Air, and so it didn’t sell as well as expected. This caused Apple to actually cease making M2 chips for two months, before restarting production at half the previous rate. What’s more, they now have an extensive oversupply of the processor – and they need to put it somewhere! It’s anticipated to come to the 24-inch iMac, as well as the iPad Air.
So, we don’t think the M3 chip is coming to the 15-inch MacBook Air or to WWDC 2023. That said, we’re sure that, even with the M2 processor, this new device will be incredibly powerful, thin, and light.
14-inch M3 iPad Studio/Ultra
Another reliable leaker, Mark Gurman, revealed in 2021 that Apple had a larger-screen iPad in the works that would likely take a couple of years to be released. Now, two years later, Ross Young has said that a 14.1-inch iPad Pro is being developed – with rumoured LEDs and ProMotion technology (though this has since been disputed). Majin Bu backs this theory, revealing it’ll have an M2 chip, 512GB SSD, and 16GB of RAM. It’s also said to possess the M3 processor, providing it comes a little later (in the autumn rather than WWDC 2023).
@analyst941, a Twitter user that regularly posts on the MacRumors forum, has revealed it’ll have high-end features and will be called the iPad ‘Ultra’ or ‘Studio’. He was of course the first to share the news about Apple’s Dynamic Island. The new device will support two 6K Thunderbolt/USB-4 displays, though he said this wouldn’t come until 2024. This date, whilst unfortunate as it means a WWDC 2023 release is out of the question, does actually make some sense as Apple’s usual launch cycle is approximately 18 months.
On top of this, the device is rumoured to have a special version of iPadOS 17, specially designed for larger iPads, that will allow for the two 6K displays at 60Hz.
Lease your devices with us
It really does look like the 15-inch MacBook Air will make an appearance, but the chances of the 14-inch M3 iPad Studio/Ultra are seemingly much slimmer. The long-awaited AR/VR headset is still on the cards, too, along with numerous software releases and updates.
Whenever these devices are announced, we’re always here if you’d prefer to lease – and spread the cost over time – rather than buy upfront. Speak to us today to see how this option can enable your growth plans.
