WWDC 2022 begins June 6 with Apple’s annual developer-focused conference. While we expect some much-needed ads for MacOS, reports indicate that Apple may also have some Mac ads in the program.
As usual, Apple has not announced or hinted at any new Mac at the show, but leaks and rumors in recent months suggest that at least two Macs will be released during the presentation. These are the four Macs we could see at WWDC, as well as one that almost certainly isn’t.
MacBook Air M2
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The most likely MacBook we will see at WWDC 2022 is the MacBook Air M2. Apple usually launches a new MacBook Air every year, but we didn’t get an updated model in 2021. The current model will be two years old, so an updated model with new silicon from Apple is definitely in order.
We may not have seen any updates last year due to global chip shortages. In late 2021, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that the MacBook Air M2 be delayed until late 2022 after struggles to ensure a sufficient supply of chips. While it is rumored that the machine will come with the M2 processor, recent speculation says that the MacBook Air M2 will have more design changes than performance improvements.
These design changes include various colors for the MacBook Air M2 to match the 24-inch iMac M1, as well as rounded white keys. We’ve been watching all of Apple’s events since the second half of 2021 for a new MacBook Air, so if we see new Macs at WWDC, the MacBook Air M2 will almost certainly lead the line.
Mac Pro with M1 Extreme
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Workstation-class Mac Pro does not follow the annual release rate of other Macs, but the current model is ready to upgrade. The available version was now released in 2019, and is the only Mac that still uses an Intel processor (apart from the 27-inch iMac). Apple’s newly released Mac Studio scratches the itch on the workstation, but even Mac Studio should be tied behind the Mac Pro.
We don’t have rumors of Mac Pro specifically, but we do have rumors about an M1 Extreme processor that could power it. It is reported that this chip uses the same concept as the M1 Ultra, joining four M1 Max chips instead of the two that appear on the M1 Ultra. Although Apple released the Mac Pro MPX modules with the promise of years of upgrades, the current Mac Pro does not appear alongside all of Apple’s silicon-powered Macs, so we could see a new model in the WWDC.
Mac Mini M2
The Mac Mini doesn’t have to be renewed, but several sources have suggested that Apple will launch the Mac Mini M2 at WWDC. It wouldn’t be a surprise considering that Apple launched the M1 Mac Mini and the M1 MacBook Air side by side, but the company’s recent Mac Studio could indicate that Apple is not yet ready to review this mini. form factor.
While not aligned with Apple’s traditional launch cycle, the company itself confirmed that a new Mac Mini would be coming soon. The Apple Studio Display referred to a new Mac Mini model in its firmware, suggesting that a release is imminent. Rumors suggest that Apple is currently testing new Macs with M2 chips, and the report says two of them are Mac Mini.
13-inch MacBook Pro M2
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Like the MacBook Air M1, the 13-inch MacBook Pro M1 hasn’t seen any love in the last two years. Apple has advanced with its 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros, both available with an M1 Pro or M1 Max processor, while the small 13-inch model has been left in the dust. Respected Apple analyst Mark Gurman says two new Macs will be launched at WWDC, so we may see a 13-inch MacBook Pro M2 along with a new Air.
However, we are much more likely to see the Mac Pro M1 Extreme or the Mac Mini M2. The current 13-inch MacBook Pro has been cannibalized by the MacBook Air M1, as both machines have the same processor options and the Air is cheaper. As Digital Trends computer editor Luke Larsen points out, the M2 MacBook Pro is a bad idea, as rumor has it that Apple will continue to use the same chassis, which has been around since 2016. However, there is a possibility we will see. this year at the WWDC.
Unlikely: 27-inch iMac M2
Earlier this year, Apple said there was only one Mac left to switch to Apple Silicon, and this is the Mac Pro. The larger iMac has been clearly left out of the list, and instead of upgrading it, the Intel-based 27-inch iMac has completely stopped manufacturing.
Of course, Apple has its current 24-inch iMac M1, but this will not be aimed at creative professionals who used to resort to the iMac to get the best all-in-one solution.
Don’t worry – the idea of a bigger and more powerful iMac is still in the works. Don’t expect it to be announced at WWDC this year. If you trust the rumors, it won’t be until 2023 until we have a proper 27-inch (or larger) iMac.
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