A fresh rumor has surfaced, causing confusion by hinting at either a significantly delayed launch of the 15-inch MacBook Air or a much earlier release of the Apple Silicon M3 than originally anticipated.
15-Inch MacBook Air Release Date: Conflicting Rumors Spark Buzz and Speculation
In recent months, there has been an increase in rumors surrounding a larger MacBook Air, but there has been difficulty in determining a launch window. While the consensus previously placed the release for a 15-inch MacBook Air in April 2023, a new report from 9to5Mac contradicts this window.
According to unnamed, independent sources referenced in the report, Apple is working on a new generation MacBook Air that comes in two sizes and will be announced simultaneously. These new laptops are expected to use the M3 processor, and the 13-inch MacBook Pro is also rumored to feature the same processor. The 13-inch MacBook Air is reportedly codenamed J513, while the 15-inch MacBook Air is codenamed J515, and both sizes are expected to be released in the second half of 2023 or during WWDC in June.
However, it is highly unlikely that a MacBook Air launching in the first half of 2023 will use the M3 processor, which is expected to be built with the 3nm process not entering mass production until later in 2023. Additionally, the 13-inch MacBook Air was just updated with the M2 processor and a redesign in July 2022, making a new model launch soon seem unlikely.
While rumors previously pointed to an early 2023 launch for the 15-inch MacBook Air, the contradictory nature of these new reports raises doubts about this release window. It also seems unlikely that Apple will announce the M2 MacBook Air in 2023 alongside a new 15-inch model with M3 processors, given the awkward timing and lack of indications that the 13-inch MacBook Air would be updated alongside it.
As for the rumor that the 13-inch MacBook Pro will feature the M3 processor, this seems possible but unlikely, given the other new products expected to launch in 2023. Furthermore, rumors have not pointed to a 13-inch MacBook Pro refresh with M3, casting further doubt on this report.
In any case, Apple is expected to continue rolling out the M2 processor with the M2 Ultra and the Mac Studio soon. The M3 processor will likely follow later, but its release window remains uncertain until news of a Mac Pro running Apple Silicon is announced.
