It looks like Apple has some big plans for its newly revealed M2 chip in the coming months, with a recent batch of predictions suggesting we could get a full range of M2 hardware, including MacBooks, Mac Mini and Mac Pros in the next 12 months.
As reported by MacRumors (opens in new tab)this comes from trusted Apple analyst Mark Gurman via the latest edition of his Power On Bulletin (opens in new tab)in which it describes the planned product release roadmap.
A range of Mac hardware has been included alongside non-computer products such as the iPhone 14 (which will reportedly include four models), and updated versions of the Apple Watch, Homepod, and even Apple TV, which suggests Apple is getting in full swing. in 2023 with its entire catalog essential.
We’ve already seen the base model M2 chip released in a new MacBook Air and an updated 13-inch MacBook Pro, although if the M1 chip timeline is anything to go by, we can also expect the 14-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro. inch to contain the M2 Pro and M2 Max versions of the new silicon, just as they were released with the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips.
Gurman states on the blog that there are also plans to release an updated Mac Pro alongside the M2 Ultra as an upgrade to the M1 Ultra, as well as an all-new chip called the M2 Extreme, though no further information has been provided on the planned architecture. of expected performance.
In fact, there’s very little information about… well, any of these new SoCs (system-on-a-chip), so while Gurman has a good reputation behind him, don’t take any of these rumors as gospel. It does mention, however, that “these M2 products are likely to come in much quicker succession than M1-based Macs”, so we can assume a shorter release schedule is in the works.
The bulletin also contained some familiar leaks, such as plans for a new iMac, an unnamed 12-inch laptop, a 15-inch MacBook Air, and plans to redesign the 13-inch MacBook Air, though according to Gurman, this all contains Apple’s next-generation silicon in development, the M3.
Analysis: Should I Wait or Should I Buy Now?
There are too many product names being thrown around here and too little substance. Again, Gurman is a typically reliable source for these types of leaks, and Apple is unlikely to not release new hardware in the next 12 months, but we should take this with a pinch of salt as Apple loves to be especially rigid. talked about the development of their product.
All in all, the timeline looks reasonable, although the inclusion of M3 hardware in the lineup could indicate that early releases, like a color redesign of the MacBook Air, won’t make an appearance during the M2’s lifespan.
This also suggests that given the current delays in MacBook shipping, it might be better to wait a few months to see if more powerful models of the M2 chip are released before buying a current model of the larger MacBook Pro laptops.
If the timeline is correct, there’s a good chance that updated versions of the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro will be released in Q4 2022, just in time for Christmas, and even if that window is a little choppy, it’s very It’s likely that if you bought a new MacBook for the holiday season, it could be overtaken by the next generation of hardware in a few weeks.
That said, this should only concern you if you like being an early adopter of the technology or if you want to have the latest generation of hardware.
Current versions of the MacBook Pro range won’t be any less capable if an updated M2 model appears in the coming months, after all, and there are plenty of other portable workstation laptops on the market if you want additional variety outside of the Apple ecosystem.