The only rumored product worthy of Apple’s event hype: The M2 MacBook Air

We’re a couple of days away from Apple’s occasion on March 8, which implies there’s loads of time for decoding Apple’s occasion invitation. Whereas the six-color 3-D Apple emblem and the tagline appear to trace at a 5G iPhone SE or iPad Air, these merchandise aren’t actually ok to be the celebs of an occasion titled “Peek Efficiency.” You can look even additional and discover good explanation why Apple will use this occasion to unveil a brand new MacBook Professional or possibly a refreshed Mac mini. However that’s probably not sufficient both. However the MacBook Air could be. Right here’s why.

A peek at M2 efficiency

Stories have mentioned that the MacBook Air will characteristic the M2, Apple’s next-generation CPU that comes after the M1 MacBook Air, which was launched in November 2020. So the timing appears proper for a processor improve, which makes the MacBook Air match for the occasion. However unveiling the M2 MacBook Air takes on extra significance than a easy next-gen launch that we’re used to seeing with Intel-based Macs.

For Apple’s Mac silicon, that is the primary time for a generational launch. Whereas we are able to use the iPhone and iPad silicon as a information to assist decide Mac silicon efficiency, they’re totally different platforms with various factors that affect velocity. With the M2, we’ll lastly get a “peek” on the sort of enhance we’ll get because the roadmap rolls on with the M3, M4, and so forth.

Another excuse why the M2 MacBook Air is a match for Apple’s March 8 occasion has to do with sustaining advertising and marketing momentum. The M1 Professional and Max had been launched about six months in the past, which is sufficient for the hype prepare to begin to peter out. Apple wish to hold the constructive vibes going for a short time longer as its silicon turns into extra firmly established. So releasing an M2 MacBook Air right now refuels the Apple silicon hype prepare.

And after we’re completed inspecting the M2 MacBook Professional’s efficiency, what we’re going to do? We’re going to make use of that knowledge, therapeutic massage it with stories of doable CPU core formations and optimizations, after which attempt to present a “peek” at what a future M2 Professional and Max can do. That’s extra buzz for Apple, buzz that the corporate values, particularly since Intel not too long ago revealed its newest processor.

Efficiency artwork

With an occasion referred to as Peek Efficiency, it’s apparent to see how the MacBook Air’s processor matches into the “Efficiency” half. However that’s solely a part of what would make the MacBook Air one of many greatest reveals in years.

The MacBook Air has established itself as Apple’s hottest client laptop computer. With the M1 MacBook Air, Apple principally took the present design and changed the Intel CPU with the M1. However when Apple launched the 24-inch iMac (it’s all-in-one for the buyer market) it revealed a brand new iMac design out there in a number of totally different coloration variations.

The MacBook Air could possibly be much more dramatic. Very like when Steve Jobs pulled the unique MacBook Air out of its interoffice envelope, Apple’s new search for the MacBook Air could be a serious change, one that matches with the corporate’s design template for client Macs. Apple’s occasion invitation contains a 3-D Apple emblem with a reinterpretation of the six colours stripes, so maybe that’s a secret “peek” on the daring new colours for the MacBook Air.

Willis Lai/IDG

Peak Apple

Apart from a brand new processor and a brand new design with new colours, what else may the brand new MacBook Air characteristic?

How about 5G connectivity? That may match with “Efficiency.” Including it might make this MacBook Air the primary Mac laptop computer with built-in mobile connectivity. Whereas I assumed this may be a pro-level characteristic, Apple may determine it’s a characteristic that belongs in all of its laptops and have it debut together with the M2. Additionally, Apple may unveil a new iPhone SE with 5G, so there’s one other 5G product to tie it to the occasion.

One other “Efficiency” tie-in may contain MagSafe, the ability connector Apple reintroduced with the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Professional. Apple may additionally outfit the M2 MacBook Air with a MagSafe connector that permits for quick charging. And the remainder: a Mini LED show surrounded by a white bezel and a notch for a 1080p FaceTime digital camera; two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports (one on both sides of the laptop computer).

We received’t know till Tuesday whether or not Apple plans to launch its new MacBook Air which of those rumors are true. But when Apple actually desires t make a splash at its Peek Efficiency occasion, there’s no different product that matches the invoice.