In a surprising move, Apple has unleashed three powerful MacBook Pro laptops featuring the M3 Apple Silicon, enticing consumers to consider the entry-level M3-powered laptop over the anticipated MacBook Air. What’s intriguing is that the M3 MacBook Air’s potential has already been showcased, and to unveil its secrets, one needs to delve into the internals of the smallest MacBook Pro.
Update: Sunday, November 19 – Apple’s ongoing updates to the Mac lineup, specifically the new M3 family, promise heightened performance and potential for professionally focused machines. This raises questions about the M3 MacBook Pro, which might seem inadequate with its “Pro” label.
Source: Apple
According to a report by Mark Gurman for Bloomberg, Apple is actively developing an M3 Ultra processor, likely to make its debut in a forthcoming Mac Studio aimed at desktop users and power the coveted Mac Pro by 2024, possibly in the latter half of the year.
Looking further ahead, the M4 family and Axx chipset series, prevalent in iPhones and iPads, are set to transition to a more efficient 2nm fabrication process. Apple’s strategic control over essential raw materials for 3nm chipsets has led industry observers to speculate that Tim Cook might have already initiated orders for the prospective 2nm chips.
However, for now, Apple is directing attention to the M3-powered MacBook Pro, urging potential laptop buyers to evaluate the offering carefully.
Source: Apple
Mark Gurman’s report for Bloomberg also unveils a promising addition for MacBook enthusiasts – the inclusion of a modem in the MacBook lineup, enabling cellular connectivity worldwide. While this feature is common in high-end Windows laptops, its absence in Apple’s laptops has been conspicuous. The downside, however, is the extended timeline, with the first modems expected in 2026 and the possibility of their integration into the Mac family not occurring until 2028 at the earliest.
Apple has a tradition of launching its new Apple Silicon family with a MacBook Air, catering to the broad consumer audience. However, this pattern was disrupted with the M3 launch last month, which introduced three new MacBook Pro laptops and a new iMac, featuring M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chipsets, but no MacBook Air.
Source: Apple
From a logistical standpoint within the broader Apple ecosystem, this decision aligns with the scarcity of raw materials for the 3nm fabrication technology used in the M3 chipset. The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max also utilize this technology and are expected to outsell MacBook Air or MacBook Pro units, making the iPhone a priority in the supply chain.
By launching the M3 with the MacBook Pro, Apple reduces strain on its supply chain, ensuring that the iPhone can maintain its traditional surge in sales during the final quarter of the calendar year.
Image: Apple
Although Apple introduced a new MacBook Air in June powered by the M2 chipset, unveiling a new MacBook Air in October would risk diminishing the reputation of the M2 laptops as being a generation behind just four months after the 15-inch model’s arrival.
Nevertheless, even without a MacBook Air labeled laptop, the entry-level MacBook Pro featuring the M3 chipset stands out. As noted by teardown specialists iFixit, the M3 MacBook Pro boasts a single fan, substantive changes on the main circuit board (primarily by omission), and a larger heat sink to enhance cooling and extract more power from the M3 chipset.
Drawing parallels with the M2 MacBook Pro compared to the M2 Pro and M2 Max laptops, and the M1’s history, it becomes evident that the “vanilla” M1 MacBook Pro resembled a MacBook Air with an additional cooling fan, offering around 20 percent more power than the fanless MacBook Air. Even without the cooling fans, the M1 and M2 MacBook Pros appeared as modified versions of the MacBook Air.
While the exact specifications of the M3 MacBook Air are set to be revealed in the latter part of Q2 2024, it seems that we’ve already caught a glimpse of what’s in store. The M3 MacBook Air might not be available for purchase just yet, but it’s poised and ready. Apple seems to have crafted a clever compromise with this hybrid laptop, ensuring it bears the “MacBook Pro” label on the outside while commanding a price that befits its distinguished name.
Well play Apple.
