Apple is gearing up for a significant update to the MacBook Air, slated for release around March 2024, as reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. This refresh, which follows a major design overhaul in 2022 and the introduction of a larger variant in 2023, will focus on internal enhancements rather than external design changes. The highlight of the 2024 MacBook Air models is expected to be the incorporation of the new M3 chip, first introduced in the recent MacBook Pro updates.
The M3 chip, marking Apple’s shift to a 3-nanometer process, promises substantial improvements in both performance and efficiency. Benchmarks reveal the chip’s CPU performance is up to 21% faster compared to its predecessor, the M2, with GPU speeds showing a 15% increase.
Alongside the MacBook Air, Apple is concurrently working on updated 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro models. These developments are happening in parallel with macOS 14.3, an update anticipated between late January and February. While the software update may arrive earlier, the new hardware, including the MacBook Air, is expected to be released around March. This launch is likely to coincide with the release of updated iPad Pro and iPad Air models, also projected for a March debut.
While there is no specific information on when other Mac models will receive updates, Apple’s recent refresh cycle included the MacBook Pro and iMac in October 2023, the Mac mini in January 2023, and both the Mac Studio and Mac Pro in June 2023.
Apple’s Mac sales experienced a notable decline in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2023, with revenues falling to $7.6 billion, a 34% decrease from the $11.5 billion earned in the same quarter of the previous year.
However, the company remains optimistic about a sales rebound, banking on the success of the October MacBook Pro launch and the upcoming early 2024 MacBook Air refresh to drive growth.
