Apple is reportedly ramping up testing for its next generation of Macs with processors on par with the current M2 chip. This will also feature a screen resolution that's the same as the 14-inch MacBook Air.
Ramping up Testings
Apple is betting on a larger tier of MacBook Air to boost the decreasing laptop sales of the company. According to a report from 9To5Mac, Apple is preparing to release new offerings as it is ramping up testing for the new 15-inch MacBook Air.
The testing has begun through third-party applications from the App Store to validate its compatibility, which is considered an important step in the run-up prior to its launch. The next-generation MacBook Airs will feature the same screen resolution as the 14-inch MacBook Air, with slightly less sharpness.
M3 Chip Variants
For its Apple Silicon performance, it is reportedly on par with M2 devices and is expected to use a new 3 nm fabrication process for some of the M3 chip variants. This means that this will lead to a much-improved performance and efficiency.
Despite the possibility, it is also possible for 3nm tech to be not used in every version of the M3 as Apple could bifurcate the new lineup by using a 5 nm process for these chips and 3 nm for M3 Pro, M3 Max, and M3 Ultra.
Aside from the 15-inch MacBook Air, Apple is also working on new versions of the 13-inch MacBook Air, 24-inch iMac, and entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro. For the first half of 2024, the company also plans to update the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros.
No further information was released on when exactly is the release date for this new offering. But based on a report from The Verge, Apple is testing the MacBook Air with macOS 14, which is planned to reveal at Worldwide Developers Conference this coming June.
Meanwhile, the first Mac Pro with Apple silicon is also currently in development, but just like any other device, the project has also faced setbacks after implementing delays and specification changes.
Laptop Sales
As per a report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is extending its efforts to produce new machines to attract consumers after reporting the worst Mac slump price. Mac revenues also dipped by 10% last summer, with shipments downfall by more than 40% in the first quarter.
This makes the Mac sales receive slow progression, amidst "weak demand, excess inventory, and a worsening macroeconomic climate," as per a report from IDC.
Apple already expected this quarter to be weak but it will not provide its actual results for the period until May 4th. The company is expecting to fight these backdrops by welcoming a new lineup, with fresher features like a larger, high-resolution display.
