New M2 Macs Set to Render Your Fresh Laptop Model Obsolete
Apple's next wave of laptops and desktops are on the horizon as the tech giant moves into the second phase of Macs powered by custom silicon, according to a report from Bloomberg. The company is reportedly working on new M2 chips and testing at least nine Macs, sporting four different versions of the processor, with third-party apps in the App Store. This suggests that these new devices could hit the market soon.
Bloomberg's sources indicate that MacBook Air, Mac mini, entry-level MacBook Pro, MacBook Pro 14, MacBook Pro 16, and Mac Pro are being tested with the M2 chips. Apple is also said to be tinkering with a Mac mini running on an M1 Pro chip, a potential upgrade that could bring the smaller machine closer to the performance level of the recently launched Mac Studio.
The long-awaited MacBook Air, which is set to replace its M1-powered predecessor, will feature an M2 processor with 8 CPU and 10 GPU cores. Apple's entry-level MacBook Pro and Mac mini will share the same chip, with an M1 Pro version also a possibility.
Stepping up the ladder, the MacBook Pro 14 and 16 will be offered with M2 Pro or M2 Max chips, similar to the current M1 configurations. These improvements will reportedly include 12 CPU cores and 38 graphics cores, up from the 10 CPU and 32 GPU cores currently in use. Apple's second-gen chips are also expected to double memory support from 32GB to 64GB.
Specific launch dates didn't make the cut in Bloomberg's report. However, the MacBook Air, entry-level MacBook Pro, and Mac mini could launch later this year with two systems estimated to drop "around the middle of the year." MacBook Air rumors have been swirling, with many expecting a design overhaul and new color options for the next release.
Bloomberg's exclusive information leak sheds light on the upcoming changes to Apple's product lineup. While we cannot independently verify the claims, developer logs from third-party apps have often served as accurate predictors of forthcoming hardware releases in the past.
As for the product differentiation, its projected that Apple will follow a similar pattern as last year by releasing four different chips: M2, M2 Pro, M2 Max, and M2 Ultra. A significant deviation could occur in the form of a Mac mini running on a more powerful M2 Pro processor, satisfying those who prefer a less expensive alternative to the Mac Studio.
The Mac Pro, a high-end desktop that remains dominated by Intel processors, is also on the list for an upgrade. With the 27-inch iMac still MIA, the M-powered Mac Pro and high-end Mac mini will help complete Apple's transition away from Intel.
Sources:[1] Bloomberg[2] Apple[3] 9to5Mac[4] MacRumors
- The future of Apple's laptop and desktop lineup looks promising with the company testing new M2 chips and exploring numerous Mac models, such as the MacBook Air and Mac mini.
- The MacBook Air, set to replace its M1-powered predecessor, is rumored to feature an upgraded M2 processor with enhanced efficiency, potentially offering 8 CPU and 10 GPU cores.
- Tech enthusiasts are excited about the prospect of a Mac mini running on an M1 Pro chip, which could significantly improve the smaller machine's performance, bridging the gap between it and the Mac Studio.
- As Apple moves towards custom silicon, the MacBook Pro 14 and 16 models will likely come with more powerful M2 Pro or M2 Max chips, providing improved efficiency with 12 CPU cores and 38 graphics cores.