Rumor: M2 Apple silicon chip to debut in first-half of 2022 with new MBA

"This processor is on track to release in the first half of 2022 alongside the upcoming colorful Macbook (Air)"

What you need to know

• A leak on Twitter claims Apple's next generation of Apple silicon is coming in 2022.
• Dylandkt says the M2 processor will debut alongside the new MacBook Air, rumored for release next year.
• This is different to the rumored M1X, a variant of the M1 that we might see in just a few months.

A rumor on Twitter claims Apple's new M2 Apple silicon chip will debut alongside a new MacBook Air in the first half of 2022.

According to dylandkt, Apple's M2 processor "is on track to release in the first half of 2022 alongside the upcoming colorful MacBook (Air)."

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

Whilst this source's track record is more limited, Dylan did previously correctly reveal that Apple was planning to include the M1 processor in Apple's iPad Pro (2021), and correctly pegged the launch window:

Apparently the new 2021 iPad Pro 11 inch and 12.9 inch will feature the M1 processor. This would make sense since the M1 processor benchmarks pretty well. Will launch either Q1 or Q2 of 2021. Still trying to gather more details on these devices. Stay tuned. #Apple #AppleM1

— Dylan (@dylandkt) November 12, 2020

Dylan notes the M2 is distinct from a rumored new M1X processor:

M1X is an extension of the M1 processor with greater power draw, more cpu and gpu cores. M2 is a next generation chip most likely built on the same foundation the A15 is built on.

Dylan has previously stated the M1X is an extension of the M1 with more cores that will feature in the new Mac mini, MacBook Pro, and the new iMac.

The report also matches other reports we've heard about Apple's plans for a new MacBook Air coming next year, including from Ming-Chi Kuo:

Kuo reiterated reports that in 2021, Apple will release two new MacBook Pros with a new design, likely a 14-inch and 16-inch model featuring Apple silicon. Kuo also says that in 2022 there will be a new MacBook Air featuring a fresh design that will be priced lower than the current M1 version. That's because the cost of Apple silicon is so much lower than Intel, that Apple can offset the increased cost of mini-LED technology.

Kuo confirmed this report against later in March, and is backed up by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Whilst he has previously stated the new MacBook Air could debut in 2021, he confirms Apple has a "direct successor" to the M1:

Gurman also says a new MacBook Air that could debut at the end of this year, Apple has a "direct successor" to the M1 planned that will be faster despite having the same number of cores, it will also have more graphics cores than the M1. The "low-end" 13-inch MacBook Pro will also reportedly feature this same chip.

Apple leaker Jon Prosser has claimed that Apple plans to bring colors to the new MacBook Air range, just as it did with the 2021 iMac, Prosser also accurately leaked Apple's plans for colors for that Mac before it went to market, too.

If reports are correct, the new 2022 MacBook Air could be an absolute force in the mobile computing world, and one of the best MacBooks ever made.

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