Today, June 6th, 2022, Apple made three hardware announcements at their software-oriented Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). These hardware announcements included an updated version of Apple's low-end to medium range microprocessor (the M2), a substantially revised version of the MacBook Air, and a "speeds and feeds" update to the MacBook Pro 13-inch.
Processors are generally not considered glamorous, but the M2 is a significant upgrade, primarily because it allows Apple's lower-end notebooks to ship with more RAM. This change is important, as no current Apple notebook can upgrade its memory post sale. In addition, the M2 processor has more GPU cores (8 or 10 versus 7 or 8) than the M1. It's important to note that the M2 processor is not more powerful than the higher-end M1 processors—the M1 Pro, the M1 Max, and the M1 Ultra.
The MacBook Air is a substantial upgrade to Apple's most popular notebook, which is also the most prevalent notebook at Penn. A full case redesign replaces the wedge shape that has been present since 2010 with a flat profile that reflects Apple's current notebook design language. Bezels are thinner, allowing a 13.6-inch display in approximately the same form factor that the previous 13.3-inch had. That slightly larger display is also brighter (500 nits versus 400 nits) than the previous MacBook Air. Finally, the display includes the same notch that debuted in the MacBook Pro 14-inch and 16-inch systems—and that notch allows the same class of 1080p camera present in those systems. Other changes include a return to the MagSafe connecter and a four-speaker sound system. The M2 MacBook Air will be available in July 2022. The previous M1 MacBook Air remains for sale, and is still a viable Value Notebook.
The update to the MacBook Pro 13-inch keeps the same basic case that it has had since 2016, but gains the M2 processor. Because the physical configuration is unchanged, the MacBook Pro 13-inch also retains the Touch Bar, which Apple has removed from all other systems. It is also important to note that the MacBook Pro 13-inch now has a slightly smaller display than MacBook Air—something that has never been true before. The M2 MacBook Pro 13-inch will be available in July 2022.
Analysis
The M2 processor is a significant addition to Apple's processor line, because it allows increased life-cycle expectancy for lower-end and lower-power macOS systems. ISC expects to see the M2 processor in the 24-inch iMac and Mac mini at some point in 2022.
The MacBook Air upgrade is a substantial one to an already excellent system. The slightly larger display size and increased brightness will be a positive for many users. This new MacBook Air is now the basis of the macOS Lightweight Notebook recommendation. ISC will review an M2 MacBook Air as soon as possible.
ISC sees the updated MacBook Pro 13-inch as a somewhat challenged system compared to the rest of Apple's notebook line. The ability to scale RAM to 24 GB is a valued upgrade, but the performance gains over the MacBook Air are marginal and the 13-inch MacBook Pro is not in the same performance class as the 14-inch and 16-inch systems, with their M1 Pro and M1 Max processors.
The Notebook Purchasing Guide has been revised to reflect these changes.