The next MacBook lineup could be getting a big shake-up

The next MacBook lineup could be getting a big shake-upward — hither's why

(Paradigm credit: Intel)

We're expecting refreshed MacBook Pros to be revealed this fall, potentially with a new MacBook Air 2021. And from the rumors thus far, we have been expecting both laptops will come with the Apple tree M2 chip or the M1X chipset.

Only iOS developer dylandkt on Twitter claims to have data that the M2 chip volition actually be held for 2022 and will debut in the next MacBook Air, whereas the M1X chip will feature in "Pro Mac" devices, set to make it this year.

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Now, we have no way to verify this information, only if it's legitimate, it would signal that the division betwixt the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro will go a lot larger over the next several months.

At the moment, the gap between the MacBook Air M1 and MacBook Pro M1 isn't significant equally they basically employ the aforementioned chip; the Pro has ane extra GPU core and more space for chipset cooling.

Just wanted to share some details on when to expect the adjacent generation M2 (non the M1X which is reserved for the Pro Mac devices). This processor is on track to release in the first half of 2022 alongside the upcoming colorful Macbook (Air).July 5, 2021

Where in one case we'd thought the M2 and M1X were the same chip but with different rumored monikers, they now appear to be split up slices of silicon.

Apple Silicon split

According to dylandkt, the M1X will be an extension of the Apple M1 bit and will sport more CPU and GPU cores and more Thunderbolt channels, every bit well as suck down more than power. It'southward tipped to feature in a higher end Mac mini, MacBook Pro 2021 xiv-inch and a redesigned MacBook Pro 2021 16-inch.

Other leaks take suggested the M1X will have 10 CPU cores, fabricated up of viii high-performance cores and ii power-efficient ones. A previous rumor has the M2 slated to come up with 12 CPU cores and some sixteen GPU cores, just we'd not identify a lot of stock in this as the information every bit information technology's somewhat sketchy.

Meanwhile, the latest M2 leaks have the second-generation piece of Apple tree Silicon tipped to take eight processor cores, like the M1, simply likely pushed to a college clock speed. And a big graphics upgrade is also on the cards with the GPU jumping from eight cores to ten or more than.

So it would appear that the M1X will exist a chipset designed for ability users. That would suggest the M2 chip will be more of a second-generation take on the M1 improving performance and efficiency, but not aimed at handling the enervating workload of creative professionals.

Of form, these are all unconfirmed leaks and rumors, as well as some healthy speculation. But they could point a potential fork in the road for the Mac and MacBook lineup.

MacBook Pro and MacBook Air could tread unlike paths

MacBook Air 2021 concept — (Epitome credit: Devam Jangra/YouTube)

As it stands, the performance of the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac 2021 — all with the M1 chip — is largely the same across the board. The M1 has impressed us so far, simply information technology arguably makes information technology tricky to justify getting a MacBook Pro over the Air or going full desktop with the new iMac.

However, if the next MacBook Air does indeed become the M2 chip and offers a heave in performance over its predecessor, likewise as a new design — we're hoping for slimmer display bezels at to the lowest degree — it could stand apart from the rumored next-gen MacBook Pros.

The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros are currently expected to debut in the fall, though when isn't exactly clear right at present. The rumors and then far have the launch in late Oct/early November or mayhap a late September reveal is in the cards.

But new MacBook Pro models are tipped to offer a new design with rumors claiming an HDMI port and SD card slot are on the way, as well every bit potential mini-LED displays. Combine this with a significant bound in performance, and the next MacBook Pros could be serious Apple Silicon devices targeted at professionals that need the power and flexibility to carry out enervating tasks like CAD work or 4K video rendering.

That would leave the MacBook Air as more of an every-person macOS laptop, which is what it was e'er meant to be. And past non needing to appeal to pro users, Apple could potentially cost the next MacBook Air more than aggressively to keep Windows ultraportable laptops at bay; the latter could get more than appealing to a wider range of users cheers to Windows 11 and its new user interface, which isn't a huge leap away from macOS.

As always, fourth dimension will tell which of these rumors and leaks come to fruition. Merely it looks like a shake-upwardly is coming to the MacBook lineup, which could be very good news.

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Tom is the Tom's Guide's Automotive Editor, which means he can usually exist found knee deep in stats the latest and all-time electrical cars, or checking out some sort of driving gadget. It's long fashion from his days as editor of Gizmodo UK, when pretty much everything was on the table. He's usually found trying to squeeze another giant Lego set onto the shelf, draining very big cups of coffee, or complaining that Ikea won't let him buy the stuff he really needs online.