Waiting for M4 MacBook Air? Here's when it will launch
What's the story
Apple is preparing to launch its new MacBook Air models, featuring the next-gen M4 chips. The tech giant will be updating the 13-inch and 15-inch variants together next month. The update will also bring dual external display support to the MacBook Air, a capability already seen in M4 MacBook Pro models. The details were shared by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter.
Launch strategy
Apple's preparation for the launch
Reportedly, Apple is gearing up its retail, marketing, and sales teams ahead of the launch of the new MacBook Air models. The company is also letting current MacBook Air inventory levels drop, a typical sign of an upcoming product update. This strategy also matches Apple's trend set with previous releases where both the 13-inch and 15-inch models were upgraded at the same time.
Processor transition
M4 chip update to complete Apple's laptop transition
With the introduction of the M4 chip, the MacBook Air models will complete Apple's laptop line transition to the latest processor. The move comes months after the MacBook Pro models got their M4 refresh. Even with these updates, the new MacBook Air models are likely to sport a design similar to their predecessors, with improvements like support for dual external displays while the laptop's lid is open.
Desktop upgrades
Mac Studio and Mac Pro to receive M4 updates
After the MacBook Air update, only the Mac Studio and Mac Pro will be left on older-generation Apple Silicon processors. These pro desktop machines are likely to get their own M4 updates later this year. The Mac Studio upgrade is expected between March and June, while the Mac Pro update could come anytime between June through fall, completing Apple's transition to its latest processor on all devices.