Andrew Orr
Display production for the rumored 15-inch MacBook Air is expected to increase, with a possible launch now thought to happen in late April or early May.
Display analyst Ross Young of Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) tweeted to paid subscribers about the rumored 15-inch MacBook Air on Monday. Young has previously shared rumors of the device.
In response to a commenter, Young said that panel production for the larger MacBook Air started in February and increased in March. Apple reportedly plans another manufacturing surge in April, possibly launching in late April or early May.
Young is relatively accurate in Apple leaks and rumors and has previously suggested a Spring 2023 launch for the 15-inch MacBook Air. If rumors are correct, the display will be 15.5 inches, between the 14-inch MacBook Pro and the 16-inch MacBook Pro.
It's expected to have the same design as the 13-inch MacBook Air, and rumors disagree on the chip it will possess. Some reports say it could have an M3 processor, which would be the newest addition to the Apple Silicon lineup for Macs.
However, the M3 chip isn't expected to start mass production until later in 2023, as it could use a 3nm chip process. It's more likely that it will include an M2 Pro or M2 Max chip since a MacBook Air with an M2 chip already exists.
The timing of the launch is also in question. It might be too late in the year for a product launch in the spring, unless Apple announces the New MacBook Air in a press release instead of a keynote.
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19 Comments
Wasn't this supposed to appear when 13.3.1 was released? Mac sales are in a slump just like PC's and as other articles have said, pandemic spending has dried up and who can afford Macs that now cost over $5000 depending on configuration it will be the same with the Air even if it's an M3. iPhone sales like other manufacturers are also going to slow down since it seems Apple has to keep its profits up
We are looking at replacing my partner’s ten year old 13” MacBook Pro. Right now we are looking at another MBP in order to get a 14” screen. We’ll be very interested in a larger Air, features, ports, and price.
If launched in late April, it will likely feature the M2 SoC. One would expect no launch of a 13.6 inch MacBook Air if this is the case. If launched at WWDC the chances increase for an M3 upgrade for both machines. The XR headset will likely require an M3, so it might occasion its use in the MacBook Airs earlier than a debut of the A17 in the new iPhone Pros.
looks like i'll be waiting a while after just replacing my second battery on my 2015 MBP. These old eyes were hoping for a bigger Air and at almost $400 per replacement gets expensive
Getting a tad close to WWDC though.