Apple's next-generation MacBook Air is likely to enter mass production somewhere in the middle of 2022 – that's according to the reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo in a new note sent out to investors.
Though it's a tad disappointing, it's not hugely surprising that we won't see a new MacBook Air until next year. Kuo's expectation for Apple's next MacBook Air to hit production in the second quarter or early in the third quarter of 2022 aligns with other earlier predictions that the revamped MacBook Air won't debut until 2022.
- Best student laptops
- The best cheap MacBook Air deals
- The MacBook Air is the student laptop I'd buy, but not for the reasons you'd think
The folks over at MacRumors first reported Kuo's latest round of comments, noting that Apple will cut "Apple Silicon MacBook orders by about 15% in the first half of 2022 due to component shortages, a change in market demand, and product transition accommodations."
Earlier predictions for the new MacBook Air have tipped an assortment of new color options, alongside an upgraded M-series chip. The new laptop could also take design cues from the highly-anticipated upcoming MacBook Pros, with a new Air computer possibly shipping in 14 and 16-inch options.
2022 is the MacBook Air's year
News that the MacBook Air won't likely arrive until 2022 is sure to disappoint fans who'd hoped for something much sooner, though the later date does seem to suggest that a new MacBook Air would be more than just the addition of an M2-generation chip, likely featuring a much broader redesign.
Either way, a redesigned MacBook Air will probably take notes from the new larger MacBook Pros, according to Kuo. After that launch, which is tipped to be revealed at a second Apple event planned for later this year, we'll hopefully have more information to go on about what to expect from a new MacBook Air based on what the new Pros offer design-wise.
The notion of a colorful MacBook Air with a bigger screen size has always been an exciting one, but always felt hugely ambitious for a 2021 debut. The more conservative prediction of a mid-2022 release is, at the very least, something to look forward to as we head towards the end of 2021 and will certainly be a key date in next year's tech calendar.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
Luke is a former news writer at T3 who covered all things tech at T3. Disc golf enthusiast, keen jogger, and fond of all things outdoors (when not indoors messing around with gadgets), Luke wrote about a wide-array of subjects for T3.com, including Android Auto, WhatsApp, Sky, Virgin Media, Amazon Kindle, Windows 11, Chromebooks, iPhones and much more, too.
-
Netflix's new Squid Game 2 trailer raises questions – and I'm already sold
The biggest show in the world is nearly back
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Christmas comes early on Netflix, with new no.1 movie taking charts by storm
Meet Me Next Christmas hits Netflix's no.1 spot unseasonably early
By Mike Lowe Published