Apple will introduce the next-generation MacBook Air refresh in 2022. This is the largest design update since 2010, when Apple introduced the 11-inch and 13-inch models. This guide combines all the rumors we have heard about a complete redesign of the MacBook Air's design.
Design
Apple will no longer use the MacBook Air's wedge-shaped design. The next-generation MacBook Air will also have a tapered appearance. The current MacBook Air models have a thicker back, tapering to a thinner front design. Apple will however transition to a more MacBook Pro-like design that has a uniform shape.
The next MacBook Air will be lighter and thinner than the current model. It is expected to borrow design elements from the MacBook Pro as well as the 24-inch iMac. Rumours suggest that the next MacBook Air will have slim, off-white bezels with a matching keyboard and a chassis in multiple iMac-like colors.
Apple has released the iMac with a variety of colors, including blue, green and pink as well as silver, yellow and orange. We could also see the same options for the MacBook Air. The MacBook Air, a fun entry-level model that is similar to the 24-inch iMac, will be available in the same colors as the MacBook Pro.
Display
Apple's MacBook Pro featured a mini-LED screen, and the MacBook Air may use the same technology. Although we don't know yet if the display will have a notch similar to the MacBook Pro, it is possible if the bezels can be made thinner. Apple might decide to not include a notch in the display, as it may be more obvious in off-white colors.
Naming
Leaker Dylandkt claims that Apple might drop the "Air", and revert to the standalone "MacBook." name. Although it's unclear if this will happen or not, it is possible. Apple did this in the past with its 12-inch MacBook.
Keyboard
The keyboard of the MacBook Air is expected to look similar to that of the MacBook Pro keyboard, with full-sized function keys. Apple made the entire keyboard black on the MacBook Pro. This includes the area below the keys. Apple could do the same for the MacBook Air in white, but only with the keyboard.
Camera
The same 1080p camera used in the MacBook Pro will be available on the next-generation MacBook Air. Although it's a significant improvement on the current 720p camera, and enhanced by the image signal processor within Apple's chips; it's not as good as the iPhone and iPad's camera quality.
Ports
The MacBook Air will have multiple USB-C/Thunderbolt ports. However, it is unlikely to include an SD card slot or HDMI port. This allows the MacBook Pro to distinguish the two machines.
M2 Apple Silicon Chip
Rumours suggest that Apple is working on a new M2 chip for its MacBook Air. Although the M2 will not be as powerful than the M1 Pro or M1 Max chips used in MacBook Pro models, it will be an upgraded version the M1 chip.
Renders
Although the M1 chip may have the same number (8 cores), it will likely offer speed improvements. The M1 chip could have better graphics, with 9-10 GPU cores instead of the seven or eight found in the M1 MacBook Air.
Leaker Jon Prosser has created renderings for the new MacBook Air in a range of iMac-like colors.
The launch of the MacBook Air is expected to occur in 2022. However, a precise timeline has yet to be established. Ming-Chi Kuo, an Apple analyst, expects mass production will begin in the second or third quarter. This would suggest a launch around August or September. Dylandkt, meanwhile, has stated that the machine will be available in mid-2022.
