Apple is expected to announce a new MacBook Air with the M2 processor and a colorful redesign during WWDC or in the second half of 2022. Here's everything we know about it so far.
The new MacBook Air could be announced at WWDC
When the M1 processor launched in late 2020 in three of Apple's popular computers, no design alterations were made to any of them. The MacBook Air has retained the same overall aesthetic since it was pulled out of an envelope in 2008, but that could change with the M2 model.
Like the 24-inch iMac redesign, the new MacBook Air is expected to take on a thinner, lighter chassis with a bright color scheme. The renders produced by AppleInsider showcase off-white bezels, a notched display, and a white keyboard.
The tapered case design has always been an iconic part of the MacBook Air, but its thinness was an illusion due to a convex slope that houses its internal components. Now, Apple may be able to fit everything into a case just wide enough to hold the Thunderbolt 4 ports.
The aluminum chassis might take on the more rounded shape of the 14-inch MacBook Pro design, but with color options. Apple is likely to mimic the 24-inch iMac colors with blue, green, pink, silver, yellow, orange, and purple hues.
The new MacBook Air may have two-tone color schemes
The interior color would be slightly muted with white keys set in a color-matched aluminum basin. The bezel around the display is expected to be off-white and feature a notch for the camera housing.
Active leaker Jon Prosser has shared renders previously based on disassembled part images given to him. These renders show a chassis without a tapered case, which may be to ensure there's space for internal components in the thinner design.
The 13.3-inch Retina Display may gain mini-LED backlighting
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believed Apple could add a mini-LED backlit display to the new MacBook Air, but later said this feature wasn't coming to the redesigned notebook. The 13.3-inch display would be the smallest MacBook with the technology, but Apple seems to treat mini LED as a pro feature for now.
Thanks to improved I/O, the M2 is said to allow the MacBook Air to have two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a MagSafe connector for charging. While it hasn't been confirmed, we expect the laptop will be able to drive multiple external displays, unlike the 2020 model.
The new MacBook Air may have MagSafe and Thunderbolt 4
The M2 is rumored to have better performance than the M1, but not the M1 Pro or M1 Max. It would likely have more technologies packed in, like the Media Engine and a faster Neural Engine.
The webcam may be 1080p and have an ultra-wide lens for Center Stage. This capability debuted in the iPad Pro and has yet to make it to any Mac models, but is available in the Studio Display.
The new MacBook Air may come in a variety of colors
After April's Apple Event, rumors began shifting to a later release window for the new MacBook Air. Mark Gurman says the release has slipped into the third or fourth quarter of 2022 with a possible announcement taking place at WWDC in June.
More evidence of a WWDC announcement has shown up as we get closer to the event. Developers have seen signs of a "next generation MacBook Air" running their apps. Gurman says this suggests a launch of the product is imminent, so it is possible the M2 and the new MacBook Air will be revealed at WWDC.