Last week saw Apple announce an update to the MacBook Air, bringing the new design language and debuting the M2 chip in the fashionable consumer laptop. For many, that’s reason enough to buy the macOS machine. For others waiting for something a bit bigger, the news that Apple is working on a 15-inch version of the MacBook Air is a surprise that has been a long time coming.
The latest details on the MacBook Air with a larger display come from noted Apple analyst Ross Young; “…as we previously indicated, the 15″ MacBook Air is 15.2″. It won’t have ProMotion or MiniLEDs.”
One of the benefits will be the return of a 15-inch display to the lineup. With the MacBook Air covering 13- and 15-inch, and the MacBook Pro covering 13-, 14-, and 16-inch, if the screen size is your only consideration then Apple will have something to offer for every preference.
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Of course, the larger MacBook Air is not going to be on a par with the specifications of the Pro laptops. The professional laptops already have clear differences when compared to the consumer laptops; they come with faster and more capable Apple Silicon chipsets in the M1 Pro and M1 Max – neither of which are overhauled by the current M2; more I/O ports for peripherals and external devices; and the options of more storage and more memory… which is a critical option as there is no way to increase either of these after you have purchased your machine.
Nevertheless, thanks to Apple Silicon even the base MacBook Air has more than enough performance for day-to-day use, including light video editing and media creation. Those on the lookout for ultimate power keno where to look. For everyone else, Apple’s MacBook Air is going to satisfy.
What’s been missing – and long wished for – has been a MacBook Air with a larger display. Apple has offered Mac laptops with smaller screens including the original 11-inch MacBook Air and a 12-inch MacBook, but never moved into the larger laptop category. Presumably, the MacBook Pro range is strong enough to be differentiated by power and not by size.
The only catch is this new and exciting future for the MacBook Air is in the future. Not now. With an expected release date in 2023, those looking for a new MacBook with a large display are going to have to wait a little longer.
Still, it’s been fourteen years since the first Air was slid out of an envelope by Steve Jobs. What’s another year?
Now read why the new MacBook Pro may not be everything many hoped for…
