Mac 2023 air: New MacBook Air | M2, 15-inch, 2023

Jul 7, 2023 alexxlab

New MacBook Air | M2, 15-inch, 2023

Apple is always working to improve its existing product lineups, so rumors about the next release are nearly continuously leaking out from the secretive company. The new MacBook Air rumored previously was announced in June 2022 during Apple’s WWDC conference.

The M2 MacBook Air wasn’t the colorful redesign initially expected, but MagSafe charging and a notched display were added to the model. The information below shows what was rumored for the updated M2 model, which could still arrive in the future 15-inch model now being leaked.

Rumors suggest the larger model could be revealed during WWDC 2023.

New MacBook Air Features

A 15-inch MacBook Air running an M2 processor would likely be a larger version of the 13. 6-inch model with few other changes. However, Apple could introduce more colors or other features for more differentiation.

Design

Rumors surrounding the new MacBook Air indicated it would take on many of the same design elements as the 24-inch iMac. However, it ended up looking closer to the redesigned 14-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro.

A new color like purple could be introduced with the 15-inch MacBook Air

The tapered case was traded for one with a uniform thickness throughout. It is thinner overall than the previous design but thicker than the thinnest point. It is just thick enough to accommodate the USB-C ports.

Apple was expected to use the same color range as the iMac but only announced four options. It isn’t clear why Apple chose several vibrant colors for the iMac and settled with four muted colors for the MacBook Air.

Rumors had suggested the bezels around the new MacBook Air display would be off-white. Instead, they are black, like the MacBook Pro.

Display

The M1 MacBook Air has a 13.3-inch display, which was pushed up to 13.6 inches in the M2 model. If rumors are correct, the display will increase to 15.5 inches in a larger model.

The increase to a 15-inch display likely won’t herald other new features

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expected the display to remain 13.3 inches and possibly use a mini-LED backlight. The technology is relatively new at Apple and is used in the 12.9-inch iPad Pro and 2021 MacBook Pros. While it wasn’t included in the 2022 model, mini-LED could still arrive in the 15-inch MacBook Air.

Using mini-LED instead of LED backlights enables more uniform lighting thanks to more dimming zones and light sources. It isn’t quite as efficient as OLED, but it is much better than LED.

While mini-LED backlighting could trickle down from high-end devices, ProMotion will not. This feature allows a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz for smooth animations and scrolling but likely is too expensive to make the cut for Apple’s budget laptop.

Rumors surrounding the display size haven’t changed much. An update in December 2022 suggested that the new MacBook Air would have a 15.5-inch display instead of a 15.2-inch one.

A rumor shared in February points to an April 2023 release date, suggesting mass production has already begun.

Processor

The second generation of Apple Silicon has arrived with M2. This processor series will likely occupy Apple’s Mac lineup in a few years of updates, so it will probably be used in a 2023 15-inch model.

Apple is expected to use the M2 in the 15-inch MacBook Air

The M2 is up to 18% faster than the M1 and has the Media Engine for improved video editing. It does not increase Thunderbolt capabilities, so the one-monitor limit still remains.

Since the MacBook Air is a consumer-grade device, it is unlikely that Apple would include an M2 Pro in the 15-inch model. There also may be a limitation in what processor is used since the MacBook Air is meant to be fanless.

One incredibly sketchy rumor suggested that Apple would release an updated 13-inch model and 15-inch model in late 2023 with an M3 processor. It doesn’t seem likely that Apple would update the MacBook Air so quickly, and the M2 generation hasn’t been fully released either.

An April rumor from Ming-Chi Kuo paints a clearer picture, with the 15-inch MacBook Air launching in 2023 with M2 processors. It would offer two versions of the base M2, likely one with binned cores, for a lower price.

Ports and Webcam

The new MacBook Air ports include two Thunderbolt ports, a MagSafe connector, and a headphone jack. These will likely be the same ports used in the larger 15-inch model.

The new MacBook Air uses MagSafe

The two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports support transfer speeds up to 40Gbps and can fast charge the MacBook Air. The headphone jack supports high-impedance headphones.

The webcam is upgraded to 1080p with a crisp image thanks to the M2 image signal processor. Apple did not include Center Stage, but did introduce a feature in macOS Ventura that connects the iPhone camera to the Mac as a webcam.

New MacBook Air Price and Release Date

Apple kept the M1 MacBook Air around at $999 to ensure its best-selling MacBook didn’t get priced out of the education market. The 13.6-inch M2 model starts at $1,199 with 8GB RAM and 256GB of storage.

Apple could introduce more colors in a new MacBook Air update

Customers can configure it up to 2TB of storage and 24GB of RAM for a maxed-out price of $2,499. While this price is above an entry 16-inch MacBook Pro, it provides much more storage and RAM than that base pro machine.

The rumored 15-inch MacBook Air would be priced marginally higher than the existing model. Even though the base price could be as high as $1,399, it will be positioned as a fan-less MacBook with a large display which isn’t available in any other model.

15-inch MacBook Air (2023): everything we know so far

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Den nya Apple MacBook Air är äntligen här.
(Image credit: Apple)

It seems all the months of rumors were true, as the 15-inch MacBook Air (2023) was officially announced during Apple’s annual presentation, WWDC 2023. It’s still being powered by the M2 silicon and features a larger screen size, new color choices, an excellent battery life, and more. Only recently renowned Apple leaker Mark Gurman suggested that there would be multiple new Macs at the WWDC 2023 event, including the new MacBook Air model.

Though any rumors suggesting that the MacBook could be powered by the M3 chip were dashed as it’s still using the M2 chip, just like the 2022 version. There was also no refreshed version of the 13-inch model, but the 2022 version did receive a $100 price cut.

To make sure you don’t miss any new announcements, our WWDC 2023 live blog is now up and running, so head over there for all the last-minute rumors ahead of the event and all the big news once it gets going. We also have a full guide to how to watch the WWDC 2023 keynote.

MacBook Air (2023): Cut to the chase

What is it? The new 15-inch MacBook Air laptops
When will it be available? Announced at WWDC 2023, shipping to customers and available at retailers on June 13
What will it cost? $1,299 ($1,199 for education use) / £1,399 (£1,289) / AU$2,199

MacBook Air (2023): Release date

(Image credit: Future)

The 15-inch MacBook Air was officially revealed during Apple’s WWDC 2023 event on June 5. And according to Apple’s official press room, it will be shipping to customers and available at retailers on June 13.

MacBook Air (2023): Price

(Image credit: Future)

The starting price for the 15-inch MacBook Air was officially announced to be $1,299 ($1,199 for education use) / £1,399 (£1,289) / AU$2,199. And judging by the pricing, it will be available in the US and UK at least. If you want 512GB of SSD storage instead of 256GB, that will cost you $1,499.

MacBook Air (2023): Specs

(Image credit: Future)

The 15-inch MacBook Air features a Liquid Retina display, an 11.5mm thickness, a 3.5mm bezel, and weighs three pounds. Its port selection includes a MagSafe port for charging, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and comes in several colors including Midnight and Starlight.

Its revealed specs are also impressive with an 8-core CPU with four performance cores and four efficiency cores, a 10-core GPU for blazing-fast graphics, and a 16-core Neural Engine. Its M2 silicon delivers 100GB/s of memory bandwidth and supports up to 24GB of unified memory.

The laptop also comes with a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, a six-speaker sound system, an 18-hour battery life, a fanless and quiet design, and 500 nits of brightness. And, according to Apple, it’s 12x faster than the fastest Intel MacBook Air.

We don’t have real performance data at this time, so stay tuned for an official review from us later on featuring everything you need to know.

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Named by the CTA as a CES 2023 Media Trailblazer, Allisa is a Computing Staff Writer who covers breaking news and rumors in the computing industry, as well as reviews, hands-on previews, featured articles, and the latest deals and trends. In her spare time you can find her chatting it up on her two podcasts, Megaten Marathon and Combo Chain, as well as playing any JRPGs she can get her hands on.

With contributions from

Michelle Rae UyComputing Reviews and Buying Guides Editor
Matt HansonManaging Editor, Core Tech

All the latest Apple news at WWDC 2023: augmented reality headset, new computers and operating systems 2 Fresh number

Digital

06/06/2023 01 :00

Dmitry Bevza

At the WWDC 2023 developer conference, Apple introduced the Vision Pro augmented reality headset, the new 15-inch MacBook Air, updated Mac Studio and Mac Pro lines, as well as Mac OS Sonoma, iOS 17 operating systems , iPadOS 17 and WatchOS 10.

REUTERS/Loren Elliott

Despite the fact that WWDC literally stands for Worldwide Developers Conference – every year on the first day of the conference, Apple introduces its new devices. WWDC 2023 was no exception. It showed the most anticipated long-term construction of Apple – the Apple Vision Pro augmented reality headset.

Apple has released few new products over the past two decades, but each has been revolutionary in its own way: the iPod in 2001, the iPhone in 2007, the iPad in 2010, and the Apple Watch in 2015. Experts and tech enthusiasts, and not only Apple fans, expected a breakthrough in the field of augmented and virtual reality from the new headset. However, the conference began with the presentation of new personal computers.

The first new product was the 15-inch MacBook Air. Externally, the laptop resembles a 13-inch version and according to Apple, this is the thinnest 15-inch laptop. Its thickness is 11.5 mm. The weight of the devices is 1. 49 kg. The MacBook Air 15 comes in the same colors as the 13-inch model and lasts up to 18 hours on a single charge. Apple VP Kate Bergeron said the new MacBook Air is 12 times faster than the Intel-based MacBook Air thanks to the Apple M2 processor. The price of the new MacBook Air starts at 129$9 and sales start next week.

Updated Mac Studio with M2 Ultra processor. It received a 76-core GPU and is now 30% faster than the M1 Ultra in the previous version of Mac Studio.

Another new addition to WWDC is the Mac Pro with the M2 Ultra. It’s Apple’s most powerful computer and is now up to three times faster than Intel-based Macs (on some tasks).

The new Mac Pro starts at $6,999, $1,000 more than the Intel version. It goes on sale next week with Mac Studio starting at $19.99 dollars.

“The 15-inch MacBook Air is, on the one hand, a logical continuation of the model line. On the other hand, in the same way, all the data indicated that buyers were waiting for a “big cheap iPhone”, and as a result, the iPhone 14 Plus failed in sales, – Evgeny Kharitonov, editor-in-chief of the Ferra. ru portal, says: “The first months of sales will show how the audience actually perceives the new Air – as just a cheap starter and temporary MacBook or as a full-fledged lightweight, relatively low-power, but as compact as possible Apple laptop.”

Craig Federighi (SVP of Software, Apple) unveiled iOS 17, a mobile operating system with new communication features, smart input, improved sharing, and more. The “live voicemail” option now allows you to receive real-time text voicemail. This is done so that the recipient understands the importance of the message. AirDrop has been updated – now iPhone users can share contacts by touching their phones to each other.

Another new app, StandBy, turns an idle iPhone into a smart display of sorts. The bedside display mode is now official, with different clock styles, information, widgets, home controls, and more.

Mac OS Sonoma extends the notification center widgets Now they can be pinned to the desktop. MacOS will be able to sync widgets with iOS – without having to install such widgets/apps on the Mac itself.

A new game mode has been introduced that prioritizes the CPU over the game over background applications. Note that Nvidia has been using this feature for Windows PCs for a long time. Also announced is a new set of game porting tools to help developers port games from other platforms to macOS. Renowned game creator Hideo Kojima has announced that the director’s cut of Death Stranding has been ported to MacOS. The game was originally released in 2019 for the PlayStation 4.

The Apple Watch operating system, watchOS 10, now allows users to view widgets in a “smart stack” powered by machine learning. WatchOS 10 brings widgets, notifications, and other time-critical information to the fore. This will reduce the importance of third-party applications that are little used by the user on the Apple Watch. The Apple Watch is also getting a new incoming call screen from iOS 17 and new features for cycling. The Health app has received a major update to display mental health and vision data.

The most anticipated new product, the Apple Vision Pro Augmented Reality Headset, was unveiled during the second hour of the presentation.

Apple Vision Pro is an ultra-premium device with a $3,449 stage announcement that will be available in early 2024. The headset is able to work two hours offline with an external battery. Its display delivers 4K resolution to each eye. The headset has a Spatial Audio system and speakers built into the arms. Vision Pro sensors detect where the user is for precise spatial audio optimization.

The device is equipped with high-speed cameras and other sensors for hand, eye and voice control. During use, you can change the location of the interface elements relative to the real space, for example, fix the application on the “wall” of a real room. The Vision Pro is geared towards gaming, work, and communication, Apple says, and can run multiple apps at the same time, and the headset user can navigate through multiple layers of apps running in parallel.

The high price and limited features make the Apple Vision Pro helmet an expensive toy for wealthy users

Displaying the user’s face on an external screen creates a transparency effect on the Vision Pro screen, which, according to the creators of the headset, reduces the “spooky effect” present in other VR- helmets. Vision Pro owners will be able to type using a Mac keyboard or Bluetooth keyboard – in addition to air typing.

Apple is also positioning the Vision Pro as a new type of immersive cinema that allows you to watch movies in 3D. Disney enters as the first partner and content provider. The presentation showcased the Disney+ app as it would be in Vision Pro, including 3D interaction with Star Wars landscapes and watching an NBA basketball game directly from the basketball court.

The VisionPro is equipped with the Apple M2 processor and the new R1 chip. Mike Rockwell, VP of Headset Development, said the Apple VisionPro has 12 cameras, 6 microphones, and the R1 chip “virtually” eliminates audio and video processing latency.

The headset runs on the operating system: Vision OS. As Rockwell stated, “VisionOS is the first operating system designed from the ground up for spatial computing.” The Vision Pro will get a new App Store that already has iPad apps adapted to work with the headset. Optic ID technology is responsible for the privacy of the device – scanning the retina as a password. Apple said it filed over 5,000 patents during development.

However, Mobile Research Group Lead Analyst Eldar Murtazin believes that Vision Pro has a number of design flaws: “It is very strange that glass and aluminum are chosen as materials, which increase the weight of the headset, and its soft back indicates that the front of the Vision Pro will outweigh, and to securely fix the device, you will have to tighten the rim around the head, which will negatively affect user fatigue. Also, in his opinion, the announced “base” price does not include taxes, the cost of an external battery and a number of other accessories, and the price at the start of sales may approach $ 5,000: “Such a high price tag, coupled with a short battery life and presented use cases, make Vision Pro into a very expensive toy. ”

Evgeny Kharitonov believes that by introducing Vision Pro, Apple demonstrated impressive technology: “Vision Pro is hardly suitable for serious work due to the fact that it will be physically uncomfortable to use it for a long time, but for turning several “monitors”, as they say, in an open field when needed, or as an attempt to “dig up” 3D movies from the grave – looks commendable.

“Vision Pro will not be extremely popular, but now it is a testing ground for new technologies by enthusiasts who “sponsor them” – the so-called early adopters, in order to get something better in the new version. The first iPhone was also a laughingstock at first flagship Nokia, and the iPad at the time of release was not even the fiftieth tablet model. But this did not save Windows tablets from losing the competitive race,” Kharitonov sums up.

Rossiyskaya Gazeta – Federal Issue: No. 123(9068)

Apple Mac Pro Rack Ultra/64GB/1TB 2023 (Z172)

The all-new Apple Mac Pro combines the high performance of Apple silicon processors with PCIe expansion options ideal for specialized workloads. And every configuration comes with the impressive M2 Ultra, the most powerful Apple chip ever built.

Apple Mac Pro – no equal

The new Apple Mac Pro is simply unmatched when it comes to power and performance. Its operation is based on Apple silicon – an innovative technology designed specifically for maximum efficiency and speed. Thanks to this processor, every task is performed with incredible speed and accuracy.

However, the new Mac Pro not only offers amazing performance, but also features PCIe expansion options. This means you can connect a variety of external devices such as graphics cards, RAID drives and audio interfaces to maximize your potential and realize the most demanding projects.

But that’s not all. Every configuration of the new Mac Pro is equipped with the M2 Ultra, the most powerful chip Apple has ever built. This chip delivers incredible performance and features beyond your expectations. It is capable of handling the most complex tasks with ease, delivering flawless performance and unparalleled quality.

High performance

The powerful M2 Ultra processor is specifically designed to power every Mac Pro. Its GPU has a large amount of shared memory, allowing it to do things that other GPUs can’t. In addition, the M2 Ultra media engine delivers performance comparable to seven built-in Afterburner cards. This means professionals can now complete the most complex workflows with incredible speed and efficiency.

M2 Ultra is the true embodiment of power and innovation. Its unique features ensure fast data processing, smooth task execution and flawless graphics. Thanks to the large amount of shared GPU memory, the M2 Ultra is capable of handling even the most demanding graphical applications and games with ease.

Program optimization: aerobatics

Apple chips are revolutionizing software, and thousands of professional programs are already optimized for their capabilities. The macOS operating system is specifically designed to take advantage of Apple’s chips, and the M2 Ultra in Mac Pro provides a huge breakthrough in performance and software capabilities. There are a huge number of programs that are optimized to take full advantage of the power of Apple chips.

Whether you need to render – special effects, compose 8K scenes or analyze massive datasets, your important software runs faster and smoother than ever before. With the power of the M2 Ultra and integration with macOS, you can get the most out of your projects and reach new heights in your professional life.

Top interfaces

Discover new horizons. For the first time in history, the unique combination of high performance Apple chips and the flexibility of PCI expansion is a reality. The new Mac Pro has seven expansion slots, six of which feature PCIe Gen 4 technology, providing twice the bandwidth for audio, video, networking, and storage cards. The latest PCIe Gen 4 SSD cards are astonishing in their performance – they can reach speeds up to 26 GB / s.

Lightweight and functional combined in an aluminum housing that can be easily removed to access internal components. This design not only maximizes airflow, but also creates a strong and durable structure.

Special attention is paid to the two HDMI ports capable of supporting data rates up to 48 Gb/s for incredibly high throughput. Now you can enjoy resolutions up to 8K and refresh rates up to 240Hz, immersing yourself in stunning detail and fluidity. Your viewing and working experience will reach a new level of quality.

And that’s not all! To meet all your wireless needs, Mac Pro supports the most advanced technologies. WiFi 6E opens the door to wider frequency range and high data transfer speeds. The latest Bluetooth 5.3 guarantees a stable and fast connection with all your devices. Whether it’s wireless headphones, a keyboard or a mouse, you can enjoy flawless communication and work comfort.

Apple Mac Pro – always cold

The innovative cooling system operates virtually silently, keeping PCI cards and other internal components at optimal temperatures even under the most intense workloads. You can enjoy worry-free operation and amazing performance without worrying about system overheating.

Rack mount

Ease of use is what sets the Mac Pro apart. Now you can mount it in a rack, ideal for rooms with a preference for shelving design. This remarkable solution retains all the performance and configuration features of the tower version.

Mac Pro’s stand features 3D mesh for maximum airflow and efficient system cooling. Stainless steel front handles add convenience and style to the rack while providing easy access to the unit.

Beautiful design that makes you forget about everything in the world

Cutting-edge technology seeps into the Mac Pro, making it look and feel amazing on the inside. Thanks to the revolutionary M2 Ultra, Mac Pro retains its signature stainless steel space frame, detachable aluminum chassis, and advanced thermal management system. This ensures that your Mac Pro is strong and stable, even when reconfigured or moved.

Particularly impressive is that the Apple chips used in the Mac Pro are highly energy efficient. This means the new Mac Pro runs even cooler and quieter, even during intensive workloads. You can focus on your work without worrying about system overheating or noisy cooling. Mac Pro becomes the ultimate workstation that’s always ready to work alongside you.

Buy Apple Mac Pro with Pro Display XDR

Look at the greatness of power. The Mac Pro and Pro Display XDR are designed to be the ultimate workstation, and they pair perfectly together. The stunning 32-inch 6K Retina display, with an incredible 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio and up to 1,600 nits of brightness, combined with perfect Pro modes, makes Pro Display XDR an essential part of professional workflows.