The only product supposedly worthy of Apple’s hype: the MacBook Air M2
We’re days away from Apple’s March 8 event, which means there’s plenty of time to interpret Apple’s event invite. While the six-color 3D Apple logo and slogan seem to hint at a 5G iPhone SE or iPad Air, these products aren’t really good enough to be the stars of an event called “Peek Performance.” You could search even further and find some good reasons why Apple will use this event to unveil a new MacBook Pro or perhaps a refreshed Mac mini. But that’s not really enough either. But the MacBook Air would be. Here’s why.
An overview of the performance of the M2
Reports have indicated that the MacBook Air will feature the M2, Apple’s next-generation processor that comes after the M1 MacBook Air, released in November 2020. So now seems like a good time for a processor upgrade, which makes the MacBook Air a good fit. for the event. But unveiling the M2 MacBook Air takes on more significance than just the next-gen version we’re used to seeing with Intel-based Macs.
For Apple’s Mac silicon, this is the first time for a generational release. While we can use iPhone and iPad silicon as a guide to help determine Mac silicon performance, they are different platforms with different factors that influence speed. With the M2, we’ll finally get a “sneak peek” at what kind of boost we’ll get as the roadmap progresses with the M3, M4, etc.
Another reason the M2 MacBook Air is a fit for Apple’s March 8 event has to do with maintaining marketing momentum. The M1 Pro and Max were released about six months ago, which is enough for the hype train to start to run out of steam. Apple would like to keep the positive vibes going a bit longer as its silicon becomes more firmly established. So the release of a MacBook Air M2 at this time refuels Apple’s silicon hype train.
IDG
And once we’re done reviewing the performance of the MacBook Pro M2, you know what we’re going to do? We’ll take that data, massage it in with reports on possible CPU core formations and optimizations, and then try to give a “sneak peek” of what the future M2 Pro and Max can do. That’s more buzz for Apple, buzz the company appreciates, especially since Intel recently unveiled its latest processor.
performance art
With an event called Peek Performance, it’s clear to see how the MacBook Air’s processor fits into the “Performance” part. But that’s only part of what would make the MacBook Air one of the biggest reveals in years.
The MacBook Air has established itself as Apple’s most popular consumer laptop. With the MacBook Air M1, Apple essentially took the existing design and replaced the Intel processor with the M1. But when Apple released the 24-inch iMac (it’s all-in-one for the consumer market), it revealed a new iMac design that came in several different color variations.
The MacBook Air could be even more dramatic. Much like when Steve Jobs pulled the original MacBook Air out of its inner casing, Apple’s new look for the MacBook Air would be a major change, one that matches the company’s design pattern for consumer Macs. Apple’s event invite features a 3D Apple logo with a reinterpretation of the six color stripes, so maybe it’s a secret “peek” at the MacBook Air’s bold new colors.
Willis Lai/IDG
tip apple
Besides a new processor and a new design with new colors, what else could the new MacBook Air offer?
What about 5G connectivity? It would fit with “Performance”. Adding it would make this MacBook Air the first Mac laptop with built-in cellular connectivity. While I thought it would be a pro-level feature, Apple might decide it’s a feature that belongs in all of its laptops and debut it with the M2. Additionally, Apple might unveil a new iPhone SE with 5G, so there’s another 5G product to tie it into the event.
Another “Performance” link could involve MagSafe, the power connector that Apple reintroduced with the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros. Apple could also equip the MacBook Air M2 with a MagSafe connector for fast charging. And the rest: a Mini LED screen surrounded by a white frame and a notch for a 1080p FaceTime camera; two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports (one on each side of the laptop).
We won’t know until Tuesday if Apple plans to release its new MacBook Air, which of these rumors are true. But if Apple really wants to make a splash at its Peek Performance event, no other product fits the bill.
Roman has been covering technology since the early 1990s. His career began at MacUser, and he has worked for MacAddict, Mac|Life and TechTV.
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