When will Apple release the next MacBook Air notebook, powered by its next-generation silicon? If you ask a reliable analyst, the notebook is approximately a year away from today.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS:
- Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the next MacBook Air is due in the fall of 2022
- Kuo previously predicted a launch by the summer of 2022
- These product delays are caused by component shortages
- Some Mac parts are back-ordered by up to a year
Kuo: Component shortages push back M2 MacBook Air launch
This could mean there might be a slightly longer wait until the next MacBook Air becomes available, according to Kuo’s research note seen by AppleInsider, 9to5Mac and MacRumors.
For context, Kuo’s earlier research note predicted the notebook would launch by the summer of 2022. In his latest research note, though, he says the computer will enter mass production around the summer of that year and land on store shelves in fall 2022.
Provided Kuo is right, then MacBook Air fans who have been waiting for an update around the next-generation Apple chip will need to wait a bit longer than expected. The reason for Kuo’s revised estimate? Component shortages caused by the pandemic and supply chain disruptions (you can see this at play with slipping shipping times for iPhone 13).
As Nikkei Asia reported, several Apple suppliers had temporarily halted production due to the Chinese government boosting costs of coal and natural gas (the country is attempting to restrict energy use to meet its self-imposed targets for reducing carbon emissions).
The current Apple silicon MacBook Air runs the Apple M1 chip.
The notebook was announced and launched in the fall of 2020. Kuo doesn’t make it clear whether “next-generation Apple silicon” refers to an enhanced version of the current M1 chip (“M1X” or some such) or a proper technology update (“M2”, for example).
Say hello to a colorful next-gen MacBook Air
Serial leaker Jon Prosser says the upcoming MacBook Air models will trade the tapered edges for a flat-edged appearance. Prosser mentioned other possible improvements, such as magnetic MagSafe charging, microSD and HDMI ports and a white keyboard design.
Oh, and it should come in the multiple colors described as matching the colors on the new iMac’s stand rather than the computer’s back.
Other Macs should receive Apple silicon-focused upgrades as well, with both a new 14-inch MacBook Pro model and an update to the current Intel-based 16-inch one both in the works.
There’s even talk of Apple possibly reviving the 12-inch MacBook.