Apple fans, brace yourselves. After months of rumors, the tech giant appears ready to launch its next-generation M4 MacBook Air as early as this week, according to trusted Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman. New iPads could follow shortly after, though the Pro model may wait for the M5 chip.
Why This Week Matters
In his Power On newsletter, Gurman doubled down on predictions that Apple is “gearing up” for an imminent Mac-related announcement. He noted the dwindling retail stock of current MacBook Air and iPad models, a classic sign that Apple is clearing inventory for new devices. The iPad Air and entry-level iPad are reportedly in short supply, hinting at refreshed versions.
M4 MacBook Air Expected Features
The new MacBook Air will likely retain its sleek, fanless design in 13-inch and 15-inch sizes. The star upgrade is the M4 chip, the same processor powering the latest MacBook Pro. While the Air’s lack of fans may limit sustained performance, leaked benchmarks suggest a 20-25% speed boost over the M3 model.
iPad Upgrades on the Horizon
The iPad Air, last updated with an M2 chip, could skip the M3 entirely and jump to the M4, though Gurman speculates Apple might wait until 2025 for that leap. However, this refresh will likely come with an M3 chip. Both the 11-inch and 13-inch models are predicted to be available.
The base iPad, which is still painfully confined to an A14 chip, is poised to receive the A17 Pro chip pulled from the latest iPhone 15 Pro. This upgrade is all about adding smart AI features to the device, giving it a modern edge while keeping the price tag reasonable. Think of it as a more innovative, versatile gadget that won’t empty your wallet.
Now, what about the iPad Pro?
If you are waiting for a shiny new iPad Pro, you might want to relax for a bit. According to Gurman, Apple is holding off on refreshing the Pro lineup until its next-gen M5 chip is ready. That means we probably won’t see a new model until late 2024 at the earliest—maybe even early 2025. So, for now, the current Pro models will have to do!
Why These Updates Matter
The MacBook Air remains Apple’s most popular laptop, and the M4 chip could close the performance gap with the Pro series. For iPads, the Air’s rumored upgrades might explain its recent holiday sales surge over the Pro model. The entry-level iPad’s A17 chip would also bring it closer in Power to the iPad mini 7.
Final Thoughts
While Apple has not confirmed dates, Gurman’s track record adds weight to these claims. If the M4 MacBook Air arrives this week, expect Apple to highlight its speed, efficiency, and Apple Intelligence integration. For iPad users, the focus will be whether the Air’s upgrades justify its premium price.
Stay tuned to The Tech Basic for confirmed details as they drop.