Generally reliable technology leaker Dylandkt has claimed in a Twitter post that Apple’s much-anticipated M2 processor – the sequel to the popular M1 in much of the current Mac range – will make its debut in a new model of MacBook Air that will be released in the first half of 2022.
Just wanted to share some details on when to expect the next generation M2 (not the M1X which is reserved for the Pro Mac devices). This processor is on track to release in the first half of 2022 alongside the upcoming colorful Macbook (Air).
— Dylan (@dylandkt) July 5, 2021
It had previously been rumoured that the new chip would appear in this autumn’s new MacBook Pro models, but sources now suggest that Apple will settle for a souped-up version of the M1 chip in that device – provisionally known as the M1X – rather than the full-version M2 update.
The M1X will be faster than the M1 (which is already quick enough to impress in our review of the late-2020 MacBook Air, among other devices) but it won’t incorporate the more fundamental upgrades expected from the M2. The biggest change is that the M2 will be based on 4-nanometre (nm) technology, whereas the M1 and M1X are based on 5nm.
You can read all about Apple’s upcoming laptops in our new MacBook Air and new MacBook Pro rumour hubs. Given that the earliest of these aren’t expected to launch until autumn, however, you may be looking to buy before then. We monitor the lowest prices on the current range in our roundups of the best MacBook Air deals and best MacBook Pro deals.
This article originally appeared on Macworld Sweden. Translation and additional reporting by David Price.