Don’t buy new MacBook Air, iPad – updates may be imminent

Looking to buy a new MacBook Air or iPad Pro? It’s best to wait a few more weeks if you can.

According to a new MacRumors report, recently updated internal Apple support documents suggest that unannounced products will be released soon. The materials are intended to help employees respond to customer service inquiries regarding these soon-to-be-announced products. (Apple typically updates its internal documents when a new version is on the horizon.)

This report joins Bloombergit’s Mark Gurman’s report last month. According to Gurman, Apple was likely considering a March release for its new lineup of MacBook Air, iPad Air, and iPad Pro.

Some of Apple’s most popular products are long overdue for a refresh

So, what exactly can we expect from Apple? The documents don’t specify this exactly. But when we look at the Apple product release timeline and speculation about further upgrades, consumers can expect a new MacBook Air and a new iPad in the coming weeks.

There’s also potentially an update down the road for Apple’s desktops, the Mac mini and Mac Studio.

It’s been a long time since Apple released a new iPad.

Expect new iPads soon

The standard iPad and Pro models were last upgraded in October 2022, making the current versions more than a year old. It’s been even longer since other iPad models have been upgraded. The iPad Air was last upgraded in March 2022, a refresh that’s been overdue for almost two years. However, this pales in comparison to the current iPad mini model, which launched in September 2021.

While it’s clear that the entire iPad lineup is in need of an upgrade, current reports suggest that Apple is only preparing a new iPad Air and an iPad Pro at the moment. It is likely that the iPad Air will finally get the M2 chip and the iPad Pro will get the M3 chip.

MacBooks are also on the horizon

Speaking of the M3 chip, Apple launched the new MacBook Pro last October. These laptops were the first to feature Apple’s latest M3 chipset. Apple also rolled out an updated lineup of the iMac desktop model with the M3 chip.

Since then, half of Apple’s computer lines have been sold with the M2 chipset. While the M2 certainly remains a powerful option for buyers upgrading from an older Intel Mac, reviews of the M3 have shown the latest chip to be another significant step forward.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

For consumers looking to save money, the release of new models equipped with the M3 engine will also result in a price reduction for the M2 models.

The latest MacBook Air refresh was released in June 2022 with the M2 upgrade. It’s been over a year without a new MacBook Air. An upgrade is expected and the M3 chip is ready to go. All signs point to Apple announcing the MacBook Air M3 very soon.

As for Apple’s Mac mini and Mac Studio, these desktops are also due for an M3 update. The Mac mini M2 launched in January 2023, so it’s been a little over a year since Apple refreshed its most affordable computer. It is possible that Apple will make a new announcement about the Mac mini in the coming weeks.

As for Mac Studio, the M2 version was released at WWDC in June 2023. So while the M3 upgrade might be on the way soon, consumers will likely have to wait a few months before getting any news on it . Apple could announce the Mac Studio M3 at this year’s WWDC.

So unless you’re a consumer who needs a new MacBook Air or iPad immediately, it’s best to wait. By doing so, you can take advantage of great deals on the current generation of products or splurge on Apple’s most advanced new MacBook Air or iPad yet.