We had high hopes for Apple’s recently released M2 chip, but it looks like rival companies are worried about its success for fears it could consume the benefits of Windows laptops with Intel.
As reported by MacRumors (opens in a new tab), this information comes from industry sources cited by Digitimes (opens in a new tab) who claim that the current generation of MacBook is finally within the price and performance suitable to begin to attract those who were previously disinterested. to Buy a Mac System |
The report states “At Wintel [Windows laptops powered by Intel] The brand’s seller noted that at a price of between US $ 1,000 and US $ 1,500, the MacBook Air will replace other high-end laptops. The M2 processor, camera lens and housing upgrades place the slight price increase on the new MacBook Air within a range acceptable to consumers. ”
Price comparison is something that here at TechRadar we have been increasing since the previous MacBook Air powered by M1 and 13-inch MacBook Pro were launched in 2020. To make a comparison, the Dell XPS 15 2020 2020 was sold retail for $ 1,299 (approximately £). 1,030, $ 1,890) at launch for a tenth-generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD.
Meanwhile, the MacBook Air M1 was priced at $ 999 / £ 999 / $ 1,599 AU at launch, and is expected to drop now that its M2-powered successor has been introduced, jeopardizing Windows alternatives of similar prices if they cannot. compete with what Apple offers.
It is also concerned that the current economic crisis facing Western markets will also cause sales figures to plummet as inflation and the cost of living continue to rise. This will not only affect the sale of Intel-based hardware, as people are unlikely to buy expensive technology when times are tough.
Analysis: Success will also depend on supply
(Image credit: Apple)
It is worth noting that Apple still has a supply chain crisis on its hands after long Covid-19-related blockades at its manufacturing facilities in China forced it to close production lines.
We’ve seen some 14-inch MacBook Pro (2021) and 16-inch MacBook Pro (2021) models become hard to come by, with current shipping estimates for new orders well into August as well. the rumors he recently announced. The 13-inch MacBook Pro with M2 engine will also be affected by production delays.
This leaves the MacBook Air M2 in a bit of trouble. There are two potential situations that develop: either supply for the rest of the Mac portfolio has been restricted to suit the anticipated popularity of the MacBook Air (given its consumer-friendly prices), O l ‘Air will also be forced into the same supply problems. .
Apple has also expressed its own concern that supply issues would affect its products throughout 2022, as almost its entire Mac catalog will be affected by shipping delays (opens in a new tab), which it could cost the company between $ 4 billion and $ 8 billion. Simply put, Apple can’t be a big threat to Windows 11-based products if it doesn’t have any stock to sell them.
Apple needs to work on its supply chain, not only to actually ship its hardware, but also to reassure its fan base that the products will still be available for purchase now that it finally incorporates even the most demanding fans Windows, or else you could lose some of your well-earned market share for companies that don’t have a waiting list.