Apple’s WWDC 2023 is fast approaching, and we’ll be there! But first, let’s discuss the most likely MacBook and Mac desktop announcements ahead of the event.
Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, WWDC 2023, kicks off on June 5, at which time we anticipate the launch of at least one new MacBook laptop or Mac desktop. It makes sense that the rumor mill has been churning with possible Mac reveals, as Apple’s annual developer event is the perfect launchpad for new hardware and software. Last year’s conference saw two new Macs debut, so it stands to reason that we’ll see more fresh faces added to the Mac lineup during this year’s keynote.
(Editor’s Note: This story was updated to reflect new leaks and rumors since the initial time of publishing.)
A 15-inch MacBook Air is the most widely rumored announcement, scaling Apple’s ultraportable to its biggest size ever. A 15-inch model would provide a roomier laptop presumably priced below the more powerful MacBook Pro. We’ve been hearing rumors of this 15-inch MacBook Air for more than a year, but recent reporting by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests that it’s one of several new Macs coming shortly.
Rumors can’t seem to agree on whether the new large Air will have the already released M2 processor or a newer M3 chip. It’s reasonable to assume that a plus-sized MacBook Air would use the same updated design as the current 13.6-inch M2 model, as well as a similar collection of two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a MagSafe charging port, and a headphone jack. However, we don’t know if the greater size will also prompt Apple to include something like an HDMI monitor port.
One thing is highly likely: The larger display should scale up the resolution from the current Air’s 2,560 by 1,664 pixels to something closer to the 3,456-by-2,234 panel of the 16-inch Apple MacBook Pro. Just don’t expect the same mini LED technology; that’s likely reserved for the more premium Pro models.
This is another hotly rumored product, but given the fact that Apple just updated the 13.3-inch MacBook Pro a year ago with the M2 processor, it seems unlikely that it will get another upgrade so soon. Nevertheless, Bloomberg’s Gurman says an updated MacBook Pro is in the works.
If Apple does decide to roll out a new 13-inch model, we’re hoping for a redesigned chassis that follows the lead of the 14- and-16-inch models and finally dumps the Touch Bar. The Tocuh Bar is a failed experiment, and Apple needs to bring the entry-level 13-incher up to the standard that the larger, more premium models have set.
After this year’s announcement of the latest 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro laptops, the previous MacBook design continued unchanged, but with more powerful M2 Pro and M2 Max silicon. Apple does like to stick with its designs considerably longer than competitors that release products on shorter cycles, but if the MacBook Pro line was due for a refresh, a revamped 13-inch Pro might be a timely opportunity to introduce new features or design elements.
