MacBook Air and MacBook Pro equipped with M3 processor will not be released until early 2024

In addition to suggesting that Apple might reduce manufacturing costs for the rumored budget version of the Vision Pro by streamlining features such as EyeSight, Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, in his recently updated “Power On” column, stated that the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro equipped with M3 processors are expected to be unveiled in early 2024.

Historically, Apple has maintained a rhythm of unveiling new iPhone models in their fall events, followed by updates to the iPad and Mac lines in October. However, diverging from this pattern last year, Apple chose to announce the new MacBook Pro models featuring M2 Pro and M2 Max processors at the beginning of this year. Additionally, during WWDC 2023, the 15-inch MacBook Pro with an M2 processor was introduced. It is speculated that Apple might continue this trend, gearing up to release Mac models with M3 processors early next year, and potentially announcing another wave of products at WWDC 2024.

Although Gurman previously stated that the MacBook Air with the M3 processor would launch this October, he has now revised that prediction to early next year, perhaps due to a change in Apple’s product launch timeline. Presently, the upcoming MacBook Air, boasting an M3 processor and potentially available in 13.3-inch and 15.6-inch designs, is in the engineering validation phase. In contrast, the 13.3-inch MacBook Pro with the same processor is nearing mass production. The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with the M3 Pro or M3 Max processors are in the design validation phase and might soon transition to the engineering phase.

Regarding updates to the iPad line, while Gurman reports no signs of imminent refreshes, market rumors anticipate new iPad Air and iPad Mini models by year’s end, featuring the M2 processor design. The mini model is expected to upgrade to the A16 Bionic processor, analogous to the iPhone 14 Pro.

Further market whispers suggest Apple is devising a more affordable MacBook tailored for the educational sector, projected for release in the latter half of 2024. Compared to the current MacBook Pro and Air models, this variant may employ less expensive metal materials and adopt a more simplified design, subsequently reducing its retail price.