MacBook Air what storage size should I buy: What to consider

As I noted in other posts, when selecting new mobile devices, such as iPhone and iPad, I've always followed the practice of not choosing the one with the least amount of storage, nor the one with the most. That decision has served me well over the years. My thinking on storage for a computer is similar with some added context.

Unlike a phone (and, to a lesser extent, a tablet), your computer is going to spend many years with you. As such, you're likely going to accumulate many software titles and files throughout the device's life. You must have enough storage as your needs inevitably grow. Couple this with how Apple makes it impossible to swap out flash storage on MacBooks post-purchase, your choice of storage is a permanent one that you'll have to live with for a long time.

Apple offers the 13-inch MacBook Air (M1, 2020) with 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB of flash storage.

Because I never recommend going with the least expensive Apple device model, the 256GB option is out. Therefore, I would suggest that it's best to go with a 512GB MacBook Air (M1, 2020) version for most people.

Which one? You can select the least expensive MacBook Air (M1, 2020), change the storage from 256GB to 512GB, and pay $1,199. Or you can spend an extra $50 and get a slight upgrade, also with 512GB.

The two versions in this case are:

• $1,199: Apple M1 chip with 8‑core CPU, 7‑core GPU, and 16‑core Neural Engine, 8GB unified memory, 512GB SSD storage
• $1,299: Apple M1 chip with 8‑core CPU, 8‑core GPU, and 16‑core Neural Engine, 8GB unified memory, 512GB SSD storage

As you can see, the extra Grant gives you an 8‑core GPU while leaving everything else the same.

MacBook Air what storage size should I buy: are you creative?

If you are a creative or photographer who needs to store lots of files on your MacBook Air (M1, 2020), bump up your storage to either 1TB or 2TB. However, if you must decide on more storage or better memory, but not both, go with more memory.

Need accessories?

Your MacBook Air will look better when put beside some nice accessories. Our favorites of the year include cases, headphones, backup drives, and more and come at various price points.

Apple's recently held event was all about the iPhone with AirPods getting some of the spotlight. However, it seems that the company has a lot more hardware coming this year. In the latest Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman has detailed the iPad and Mac hardware we could see at a possible Apple October event.

Gurman says that he's expecting a revamped iPad Pro with an M2 processor, and the 10th gen iPad with its biggest upgrade yet, including a transition to USB-C. He also says Apple is working on M2 versions of three Macs, the Mac mini, Mac Pro, and MacBook Pro, and we can expect at least two of these in October.

Two new iPads and at least two new Macs coming in October

It looks like the 10th gen iPad will be the biggest upgrade of the lot. Codenamed J272, it will feature a USB-C port, which will make the entire iPad lineup USB-C. There's no word on whether we'll get a fully-laminated display. However, 9to5Mac is anticipating a slight screen-size increase to 10.5 or as much as 10.9 inches, but no other display improvements like a wide color gamut or higher brightness.

Coming to the iPad Pro (2022), Gurman says we can expect an M2 chip, which has been rumored for a while now. The display/size versions will stay the same, it appears, with an 11-inch LCD model and a 12.9-inch miniLED model. New accessories, including MagSafe, and improved battery life are also expected.

New Macs are inbound, too, as we've heard before. Apple is known to be working on the final piece of its Apple Silicon transition, the Mac Pro. In addition, we've been expecting M2-family upgrades to the MacBook Pro and the Mac Mini. Gurman says we can expect at least a pair of these at the event. It's likely that the Mac Pro is one of them, given it's been a long-time coming. 

The MacBook Pros are still somewhat fresh, so if Apple is to leave out one of the three possible Mac launches for the October event, it would likely be the MacBook Pro.

While it might not be on sale anymore, Apple's 2020 iMac is one of the last truly upgradeable Macs. You can't change out the CPU or any of the central components like the motherboard, but you can replace the HDD with something larger, quicker, or both, and you can swap out the RAM.

You have to use laptop RAM for it to work, but you can easily upgrade your RAM very cost-effectively if you shop around. Thankfully, we've done all the shopping around for you — now you just have to work out how much extra RAM you want to put in your computer.

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How to choose the right RAM for your 27-inch Intel iMac

So, why do you want to go with third-party RAM at all instead of buying more RAM when you order your 27-inch iMac? It comes down to cost. For instance, if you need a massive 128GB of RAM in your iMac, it'll run you an additional $2,600 if you choose Apple's upgrade option. Get the Timetec Hynix 128GB RAM set instead and it's only $647.

When buying a memory upgrade for your iMac, my first piece of advice is the same for any other component: buy the best you can afford. While I would recommend spending money on a better graphics processor or more storage before you buy a RAM upgrade, memory is still worth upgrading if you can.

The exciting news for iMac owners is that you really only need to worry about capacity. The memory that you get for your iMac, and indeed, everything we've recommended, has to have these basic specifications:

• PC4-21333
• Unbuffered
• Nonparity
• 260-pin
• 2666MHz DDR4 SDRAM

Now here's the thing: nobody sells RAM marked with PC4-21333. Instead, you'll find RAM with PC4-21300, but don't worry. This memory is still compatible with your iMac. It has more to do with how some companies round a particular memory value than any actual spec. You shouldn't notice a difference.

As long as the RAM you get follows these specs, the only decision you have to make is about capacity. Every other spec is going to be the same except for the actual amount of memory you get.

When thinking about how much memory you should actually get, it comes down to a question of purpose. How are you going to use your iMac? Most people will be fine upgrading to 16GB of RAM. While you can get away with 8GB if your computer use is relatively light, if your iMac will do any amount of work, either professionally or for school, you'll want to upgrade to at least 16GB of RAM.

Why? Because your work is going to be more intensive than you think it is. More RAM makes it easier to have more applications open at once, have more browser tabs open, can lead to faster waking from sleep, and can just help your computer run faster. Plus, if you do have that one intensive application for work or school that needs a lot of RAM (and that could be Chrome), the more you have, the less your system chugs to a halt when you're using it.

I'd say that if you can swing it, get 32GB. For nearly every student out there and most professionals, it's all you'll need. If you spend a lot of time on your computer, 32GB should give you the headroom to handle anything that's thrown at you, even video and audio editing, without having to worry. If you're working professionally in video or high-end development, consider 64GB or 128GB.

Best memory for 2020 iMac (27-inch): Our recommendation

For most people, 16GB will be enough, and because of that, we'd recommend the OWC 16GB DDR4 RAM kit. It's only one stick, but it leaves your other RAM slots open if you want to expand up to 64GB by just buying this kit three more times.

If you want more headroom for things like more intensive applications or more browser tabs, most consumers, and indeed, most professionals, will be okay with the OWC 32GB DDR4 RAM kit. We'd select the OWC kit because it's a reliable product with a long-standing presence in the Mac community. While much of that is valid for Crucial, some of us have had some issues with Crucial memory in the past that I haven't encountered with OWC.

Are you ready to ditch Intel for Apple silicon? Be sure to check out our list of the best Macs you can currently buy.

In 2021, Apple finally released a MacBook Pro with a generous number of the ports that had been sorely missed in years prior. For those of us who purchased a MacBook between 2015 and 2021, however, we know the pain of two lonely USB-C ports, a headphone jack, and nothing more. If that's you, then a handy USB-C hub like the Baseus 8-in-1 Hub will almost certainly be in order.

The Baseus 8-in-1 offers an HDMI, an Ethernet, and two SD card slots alongside three USB-A ports and a USB-C port that provides pass-through charging. If you've been missing the convenience of all those ports on older models or juggling multiple dongles, then this all-in-one solution might be just what the MacBook ordered. This product has served me very well with little to no issues, so I'll lay out my experience with the Baseus 8-in-1 Hub and what you can expect if you purchase this accessory. It's sure to be a hit among those looking for one of the best USB-C hubs for MacBook Pro.

Baseus 8-in-1 Hub: Price and availability

Baseus products are sold at most major retailers, such as Amazon, Walmart, and the Baseus store. No matter where you buy it, the Baseus 8-in-1 Hub goes for a mid-line price of about $40. And while this review addresses the 8-port hub, this product also comes in 6-port and 11-port configurations. If you'd like to wait for it to go on sale, keep your eye on the iMore Deals page for the latest discounts.

Baseus 8-in-1 Hub: Just the one dongle

My MacBook Air only has three ports; two USB-C and one headphone jack. No offense to Apple, but this leaves a lot to be desired. At first I ordered a couple of little dongles so that I could at least connect my USB-A hard drive to the laptop, but this did not solve the problem of connecting and/or charging multiple devices with the MacBook at once. And the idea of purchasing multiple dongles for HDMI, SD cards, and Ethernet ports seemed like a bit much. That's where a hub comes in.

Baseus solved my port problem with the 8-in-1 Hub and I was able to do away with the drawer of dongles. With this, I'm able to connect multiple devices to my MacBook such as my iPhone, external storage, and a printer, all at the same time. I've also used it to connect my MacBook to my television to play content directly without the frustrations of spotty AirPlay. And although I don't often need the Ethernet port, I did use it a few times just to make sure it worked, and this port also functions perfectly well for wired internet.

It's the first time since I retired my 2014 MacBook Pro that I have access to all the ports again! The hub makes transferring photos and videos from my security cameras much quicker and easier too. I honestly don't know what me took me so long to get a larger multiport hub like this. By large I mean large in functionality, because the actual product is quite compact and streamlined.

Since the Baseus Hub works like an extension of your MacBook itself, it will also charge any device you plug into it. You can use it to charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, Magic Keyboard, or any number of other devices as long as the hub is connected to the MacBook. In order for it to charge your MacBook, however, you will need to plug the Hub into a wall adapter using a USB-C cable. This will bring me to the next section.

Baseus 8-in-1 Hub: Running hot

Since the Baseus 8-in-1 Hub is advertised as a pass-through charger for the MacBook, I was a little surprised that it didn't come with a USB-C cable. I guess I shouldn't be surprised in today's world of add-ons and upsells, but an extra USB-C cable for charging would have been a convenient addition to the package. As of right now, I just use my MacBook's long charging cable to get the job done.

The Baseus Hub can charge multiple devices at once, but I noticed that gets a little hot when doing so, hotter than I would expect. When I connect multiple devices to the hub as well as a charging MacBook, it heats up pretty quickly. Since it has never shut down or malfunctioned when running hot, I figure the heat must not be doing too much harm.

Baseus 8-in-1 Hub: Competition

There are plenty of hubs, dongles, and docking stations that are made to work with MacBooks, although few of them have the full suite of eight ports. We have previously reviewed the Anker PowerExpand 7-in-2 USB-C Adapter, which plugs directly into the MacBook's two USB-C connectors and provides an additional seven ports to work with. This one is interesting in that it plugs directly into the MacBook, so it feels more streamlined. Despite the fact that it does not have an Ethernet port like the Baseus hub, it's $20 more expensive, so I prefer the Baseus, personally.

Another similar option is the Twelve South StayGo that offers the same combo of eight ports that you find on the Baseus Hub. Out reviewer enjoyed the convenient cord storage on the StayGo, and the extra-long USB-C cable that is included for charging. Since this unit does come with the additional charging cable, it has an added value over the Baseus Hub, but it's also a full $60 more expensive. It's up to you to decide if it's worth the price difference.

Baseus 8-in-1 Hub: Should you buy it?

• You lament the lack of ports on your MacBook.
• You work from home.
• You have too many dongles.

• You don't want to buy an additional USB-C cable for charging
• You don't trust a device that runs hot

In my opinion, anyone with a MacBook Pro built between 2015 and 2021 needs a hub like this. The same is true for those who own the ultra-minimal MacBook Air, which has always been light on ports as well. If you find yourself reaching for a different dongle every time you need to connect anything to your MacBook, then this hub is for you. Especially for those that work at at home and don't have access to an office supply of dongles, hubs, and connectors.

Simplify your workflow with this one stop shop for ports. Since I've had this hub on my desk, I haven't had to reach for any other dongle. This is the one that does it all, from pass-through charging to reliable Ethernet and HDMI connections. Although an extra USB-C cable would have been a nice addition to this product, it's still provides great value for the price. The streamlined size and shape fit right into my home office, and this is one accessory that never leaves my desk.

What you need to know

• Skinning outfit dbrand has released a new Craig Federighi-inspired skin for the new MacBook Air.
• The new skin takes a still from Apple's WWDC22 opening keynote and turns it into a protective skin.
• The new skins are limited but can now be ordered for $32.

Apple's Craig Federighi has become something of a style icon for fans of Apple's products the world over. The company continues to lean into that and now a famous still from WWDC22 has been turned into a skin for the recently-refreshed MacBook Air.

Federighi, or as he's best known to the internet, Hair Force One, was prominent throughout WWDC22 and one portion of the opening keynote video saw him running through the halls of Apple Park, stroking his hair as he went. Now, skinning outfit brand has turned that image into a new MacBook Air skin and it's just as awesome as it sounds.

Who doesn't want Hair Force One on the lid of their new Mac, right?

Dbrand was watching that keynote like the rest of us, saying "while watching WWDC, we had two questions for Apple: what the hell are you doing with these transitions and how can we profit off of them?" The answer? "We can only answer one of these questions, and it's by turning Craig into an M2 MacBook skin."

As for the wrap itself, it's super thin and tough and will protect your new MacBook Air from the usual bumps and scrapes when you're out and about.

Unfortunately, dbrand says that supplies are limited but you can order one of these stickers right now for $32. You really ought to as well, because I can assure you that taking Federighi to the local Starbucks with you will never, ever get old.

The new MacBook Air is on sale now and our review is now live. In short, EiC Gerald Lynch loves the little machine — giving it a full five stars. The brand new Apple M2 chip is as fast as can be and the new look makes this a stunner of a Mac. You can order one of your very own starting from $1,199 direct from Apple. Although looking at the current stock situation, you might have a wait on your hands.

What you need to know

• The first customers in the world have started to get their new M2 MacBook Air.
• Customers in New Zealand are among the first to receive Apple's latest notebook.
• The new MacBook Air with M2 chip officially releases on Friday, July 15 everywhere.

The first M2 MacBook Air preorders are starting to get into the hands of customers!

While many of us are still waiting for Friday to roll around, some customers on this planet are already becoming the first to get their hands on the new MacBook Air.

The new MacBook Air with M2 processor is already available from Apple to preorder but, for most of us, we're still waiting for release day. While most of us are still living in the past, it is already that day in countries like New Zealand and Australia. Some customers have taken to social media to share proof of their newly delivered MacBook Air:

New Zealand does not currently have any Apple Stores in the country so all of its customers are getting their new M2 MacBook Air through delivery. In Australia, however, Apple does have retail locations so we should also expect to see photos of customers picking up their new notebooks at their local store if there is any in-store stock.

The new MacBook Air features a major redesign that matches the design language of the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro. It includes a larger display, M2 processor, and MagSafe charging. It's also the first MacBook Air that can be upgraded with 24GB of memory.

What you need to know

• Apple's new M2 MacBook Air is here.
• iMore's review gives it a smashing five stars.
• We've been blown away by its portable performance and power.

Apple's new M2 MacBook is here, and while we haven't had it very long, we've had it long enough to know that it's a five-star, M2-powered portable beast that you should definitely take notice of.

The new M2 MacBook Air will be released officially tomorrow, July 15. It has already been available for pre-order for about a week, and we can confirm that if you've already pulled the trigger you will not be disappointed.

The new M2 MacBook Air wows in our review thanks to its fantastic design, its great battery life, and the power of the M2 chip. In performance terms, the machine is a close run race against the MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022), and for its target audience, this is a device that will handle everything you can possibly throw at it and more. You'll start to hit some limits as you try video editing or 3D work, but for on-the-go portable performance the new MacBook Air is unmatched. From our Editor-in-Chief Gerald Lynch's review:

You can find out where to pre-order the MacBook Air with M2 here, and all of the mentioned outlets will have the device in stock and on sale from Friday, July 15.

What you need to know

• Some customers are starting to see their MacBook Air preorders ship.
• The new MacBook Air will officially release on Friday, July 15.
• It features the M2 processor, a new design, a larger display, and MagSafe charging.

Some lucky MacBook Air customers are already starting to see their preorders ship.

When Apple announced the latest generation of the MacBook Air at WWDC earlier last month, it revealed the largest design upgrade ever for its consumer-focused notebook. The new MacBook Air adopts the design language of the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro and adds a larger display, M2 processor, and brings back the era of MagSafe charging. It's also the first MacBook Air that you can upgrade up to 24GB of memory.

For some lucky customers who were among the first to preorder the new MacBook Air, Apple is already shipping their new notebook their way (as spotted by MacRumors:

While it's always exciting to see a new product get closer to customers, this is an expected update. Apple usually ships its new products a few days before they are officially released to ensure that the order gets to the customer exactly on release day. Sometimes, some of those preorder customers might even get lucky and see their new product show up before release day.

Preorders for the new MacBook Air are still available if you still want to get a reservation in before the notebook is officially released online and in Apple Stores on Friday, July 15.

What you need to know

• Apple's new M2 MacBook Air has begun to appear in online speed tests.
• The M2 chip packs a punch and matches the numbers posted by the 13-inch MacBook Pro.
• The M2 MacBook Air goes on sale this coming Friday, July 15.

Apple's new M2-powered MacBook Air doesn't officially arrive until this Friday, but the first benchmarks have already begun to appear online. Those benchmarks show us what we all expected — the new machine is a fast one.

While Apple hasn't yet started to sell the new Apple M2 MacBook Air, some people around the world already have them in-hand for various reasons. Some of those people are running Geekbench benchmarks and uploading them to the web. One Twitter user spotted one such run, with the new MacBook Air scoring 1,899 in the single-core score test and 8,965 in the multi-score run.

For comparison, these match previous scores posted by the 13-inch MacBook Pro almost exactly, as you'd expect. Both machines use the M2 version of Apple silicon, although there are slight differences in the number of GPU cores available in some variants. Based on speed tests of the M1 version from 2020, the new MacBook Air is around 20% faster than its older sibling.

The new MacBook Air is undoubtedly going to be the best Mac for a whole ton of people, although its starting price of $1,199 may put some off — not that the current expected delivery times bear that out. Placing an order now could see you waiting weeks depending on the configuration you order. The new machine's improved chassis and modern looks, not to mention new colors, could help make it a popular option among those buying a new Mac notebook this year.

Those looking to pick up a new Mac could definitely do worse than checking out our list of the best Amazon Prime Mac deals before placing a purchase, though. The 2020 MacBook Air and a number of MacBook Pro models are available at low prices as part of this year's festivities.

What you need to know

• Delivery dates for Apple's redesigned MacBook Air are already slipping into late July and early August.
• The next-generation notebook was originally unveiled at WWDC 2022.
• The new MacBook Air features the company's new M2 processor, a new display, and MagSafe charging.

If you've been planning on preordering the new MacBook Air, you might want to get on that.

Preorders for the new MacBook Air are now live and, according to the Apple Store website, delivery dates for the next-generation notebook are already slipping into late July and early August.

While those who were quick about placing their orders were able to get delivery dates of next week, others will have to wait a little while longer. Some configurations won't come any sooner than August 1, with the upgraded 10-core GPU version especially suffering right now. As ever, adding customizations to your order could see it ship later than you'd like, too. Adding more memory and increasing the SSD storage can add weeks to delivery times across all of Apple's Macs and the new MacBook Air is no exception.

The color chosen does seem to have a degree of impact on the delivery estimates, however. Choosing a Space Gray MacBook Air could get your machine in-hand two weeks earlier than another color, depending on the specification.

The new notebook will be officially released on Friday, July 15 both online and in-store and, while some lucky customers got their preorder in with a delivery date that matches release day, the rest of us are going to have a longer wait to get that redesign in our hands.

It's not a surprise that Apple is experiencing shipping delays for its new MacBook Air. The Air hasn't seen a major redesign since 2018 when Apple finally updated the first generation of the notebook with a Retina Display, USB-C, and a small update to the design. With this year's generation, we're experiencing the biggest upgrade to the Air's design...well, ever.

The new MacBook Air features a completely new design that matches the design language of the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro and includes a larger display, M2 processor, and MagSafe charging. It's also the first MacBook Air that can be upgraded with 24GB of memory. But again, do that and you're likely to face a longer wait than most in terms of delivery.

Preorders for the new MacBook Air with M2 chip are open now. The notebook will officially release on Friday, July 15, but is unlikely to feature in the Prime Day MacBook deals given how new it is. Look out for some older models though!

The Macbook Air is a thing of beauty. Weighing in at just 2.7 pounds, you'll want to take this delightful laptop with you everywhere, so you’ll need one of the best M2 Macbook Air sleeves to keep it looking its best and protect it from life's bumps, scrapes, and spills.

You’ll quickly find there’s more choice than you might expect. Do you opt for something thick and protective, or something slim and light in keeping with the Macbook’s profile? Need something with an in-built stand? Hard or soft? Do you need one of the best cases for MacBook Air with M2 or will a sleeve suffice?

The MacBook Air should fit into any 13-inch laptop sleeve, even ones made for other laptops, so we’ve scoured the net to find the best laptop cases and sleeves for your needs. 

Quick List

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Q & A

Our first impressions of the MacBook Air with M2 were quite positive, as this model marks a whole new look for Apple's lightest laptop lineup. It's certainly one of the best Macs you can buy now. Obviously, you'll want to keep it protected when you're taking it on the go.

If you just want something basic and inexpensive but still nicely padded and attractive, go for the MOSISO Laptop Sleeve for MacBook. It comes in so many colors and has a handy zippered pocket for small, flat accessories like chargers. 

The outer layer is polyester for resisting outside elements, the middle layer is spongy to cushion against drops and bumps, and the inner layer is a fluffy faux-fur to cradle your MacBook Air in softness. We like that it's slim and lightweight, so it won't bulk up that featherweight laptop too much.

A more luxurious option we love is the beautiful WaterField Designs VERO Sleeve for MacBook Air. It's crafted from high-quality full-grain leather in San Francisco. Like all leather products, this sleeve will develop a rich patina over time. 

The interior is lined with soft, plush microfiber to keep your MacBook Air safe from scratches. The key is to choose something slim and lightweight that's easy to tuck under your arm or into a backpack. This will greatly increase the safe portability of your laptop. 

The material for the best sleeves for Macbook Air really depends on your priorities. If you don't care what it looks like, but you want something that's going to be really durable to protect your Macbook, you want a hard plastic or EVA case like the Finpac entry above. This will withstand the occasional bump and ensure your laptop gets to its destination safely, although it's not the most stylish option. 

Some of the materials are waterproof, such as the Inateck case with matching charger bag. If style over substance is what you're after, a smart leather choice such as the Vero or Woolnut cases can really make you look the business. 

What you need to know

• Preorders for the new MacBook Air will kick off on July 8.
• The new notebook will officially release on July 15.
• The new MacBook Air features a new design, M2 chip, and FaceTime 1080p camera.

We finally have a preorder and release date for the new MacBook Air!

Apple has announced that preorders for its redesigned notebook will go live on July 8 at 5 am PT. Those who are interested in preordering the new MacBook Air will be able to do so on the Apple Store website or through the Apple Store app. Third-party retailers are sure to also jump on the train and offer preorders for customers as well, so keep an eye out on your merchant of choice if it happens to be someone other than Apple.

The company has also revealed that the new MacBook Air will officially release on July 15. On that day, customers who got a preorder in early enough will be lucky to see their new laptop show up on their doorstep. The company is also sure to try and have some inventory in its retail locations as well, so customers are sure to flock to their local Apple Store to see if they might be in luck.

The new MacBook Air features a complete redesign that closely matches the design language of the new MacBook Pro models. It comes packed with a larger 13.6-inch display, Apple's new M2 processor, a 1080p FaceTime camera, and MagSafe for charging. It comes in Space Gray, Silver, Starlight, and Midnight.

At a new starting price of $1199, the new consumer-focused notebook is a couple of hundred dollars more than the current M1 MacBook Air, but Apple is keeping that $999 base model in the lineup as well.

The only question now is, what color are you picking?

Amazingly, it's July, and we're only two months away until Apple's likely to announce new iPhones, iPad Pros, and more. Until then, there'll be much to keep us busy, including more chatter about Cupertino's latest software updates, including iOS 16 and macOS 13 Ventura, and the upcoming official arrival of the next version of Apple's most popular Mac.

The countdown is on

In September, Apple typically announces new versions of its most popular product, the iPhone. Although we're not likely to see a new iPhone mini this year, Apple is still expected to reveal four new handsets this fall, just as it has in recent years. This time, we're likely to see an iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Max, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Those names are just rumors, however. According to the latest reports, September 13 is the most likely date for this year's iPhone reveal.

Public betas ... incoming

Apple has now released two developer betas for macOS 13 Ventura, iOS 16, iPadOS 16, tvOS 16, and watchOS 9. Following the release of the third set, the first public betas should be incoming. These should be arriving the week of July 4 or July 11 at the latest. So sign up today to join the Apple Beta Software Program.

Something's in the Air

The latest 13-inch MacBook Pro is now available to purchase and in the coming days, the 2022 MacBook Air should join it on virtual store shelves. Announced on June 6, the latest MacBook Air is a significant update. It offers a larger display, flat-body design, MagSafe, two new colors, and much more. Already considered the best MacBook for most people, the 13.6-inch MacBook Air is likely to be in short supply when it goes on sale in a few days. Get those Apple Cards ready, folks.

Prime Day

This year's Amazon Prime Day event is scheduled for July 12-13. Already, we've uncovered a few Apple-related deals in the lead-up to the event. We're also hearing rumblings that Amazon is expected to hold another Prime Day event this fall, news that's frustrating some sellers. No worries, we'll cover both events so you don't have to, and let you know whenever great deals pop up, especially those relating to Apple products.

Odds and ends

It's summertime, but that doesn't mean the last few days have been quiet on the Apple front. The more exciting news items include:

• It seems Apple TV+ now offers the highest-rated content across all streaming platforms. Count me as one of the Apple TV+ skeptics when the service went live in November 2019. I never doubted Apple would introduce terrific content on the new service. However, I never expected there would be so much of it so soon. Can you think of one Apple TV+ title that arrived with mostly bad reviews? Are you like me and can't wait for Thursday nights to arrive when new episodes drop? Are you just waiting for the NFL to announce Apple TV+ will get to carry Sunday Night Ticket starting in '23?
• Let's play a game. How long do you think the 13-inch MacBook Pro will stick around? The latest model only just launched, but it's already one I highly recommend you don't buy despite its pretty good reviews. Moreover, this Mac has little in common with the 2022 MacBook Air and the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. And yet, here it is. My prediction: Apple will quietly pull the 13-inch MacBook Pro from the market before spring arrives next year — or at least until it exhausts its Touch Bar components.
• Finally, big news on the iMore front. In the past few weeks, we picked up a new editor-in-chief, Gerald Lynch, and saw Stephen Warwick receive a well-deserved promotion to iMore news editor. Lynch, who comes to us from Tech Radar, has some terrific new ideas for the site that will undoubtedly come to fruition in the coming weeks and months. I'm excited about the changes, and you will certainly be too, so stay tuned. With Warwick, you can expect more news headlines about the products you love — and those not yet released. He also has some terrific ideas for the site that he'll unwrap soon.

Thanks for reading,

Bryan

What you need to know

• Apple's M2 MacBook Air is reportedly going on sale on July 15.
• Pre-orders for the new MacBook Air are thought to be set for July 8.
• The new machine is the first MacBook Air with M2 Apple silicon and a new look.

Apple's hotly-anticipated M2-powered MacBook Air will reportedly go on sale as soon as July 15, according to a new report.

With the Apple M2 13-inch MacBook Pro already out in the wild, many are waiting for the redesigned MacBook Air to become available. The machine features an all-new look, notch and all, and is set to become a popular product in Apple's lineup.

Now, citing a retail source, MacRumors claims that the new MacBook Air will go on sale on July 15, with pre-orders kicking off a week prior — July 8.

This will not only be the first major redesign for the MacBook Air in a while, but it'll also be the most powerful thanks to that new M2 chip. Apple promises all-day battery life and speedy performance thanks to an 8-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU. 16 Neural Engine cores round out the Apple silicon. Other notable specs include the use of MagSafe 3 for charging and that new 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone support.

The entry-level M2 MacBook Air will cost $1,199 when pre-orders begin, while those looking for the 10-core GPU will need to splash out $1,499. Other configurable like larger SSDs and more RAM will of course bump the price. Maxing out the specs will cost a pretty penny, but those looking to get the best Mac their money can buy should probably look elsewhere — the MacBook Pro, perhaps.

It remains to be seen how well-stocked the new MacBook Air is and how easily people will be able to pick one up. Apple's Macs have suffered from low availability for months due to various economic reasons including global parts shortages, although the recently-released 13-inch MacBook Pro has fared better than most.

As always, it's important to note that retail shipment dates can change, but Apple does already say that the new Mac will go on sale in July — given the lack of wiggle room, it's probably safe to say we won't be waiting too much longer before we can take that adorable little thing for a spin ourselves.

The MacBook Air is Apple's best-selling Mac, and our favorite Mac. When a new version arrives, it's big news. The 2022 MacBook Air is a significant update vs. the previous model, the MacBook Air (2020). Besides offering a more powerful chip, the 2022 model comes in a new design with a bigger and better display. The MacBook Air (2022) also sees the return of the MagSafe charging port and more, like an updated FaceTime camera. None of this means you shouldn't consider the older model. In some cases, the 2020 version might be the laptop for you. Let's take a look at the differences so you can decide.

MacBook Air (2022) vs. MacBook Air (2020): Key differences

Although there are clear differences between the MacBook Air (2022) and MacBook Air (2020), it's amazing how similar they are in key areas such as storage capacity and battery life. The older model could be a better choice depending on your most important preferences. Take a look:

Despite the impressive specs of the latest MacBook Air, you can see here that the older version still has a lot to offer — starting with a less expensive price. So the question here is, how many bells and whistles do you need?

MacBook Air (2022) vs. MacBook Air (2020) A game-changing design

The latest MacBook Air introduces a flat design and looks similar to the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models from 2021. The older MacBook Air offers a wedge design that sets it apart from other MacBooks. In addition, the new design enabled Apple to add a MagSafe charging port and a slightly bigger and better display. This time, the MacBook Air has a 13.6-inch (diagonal) Liquid Retina display versus the 13.3-inch (diagonal) Retina display found on the older model. The Liquid Retina display offers 2560 by 1664 pixels with 500 nits brightness vs. the 2560 by 1600 pixels and 400 nits found on the 2020 version. The newer display also comes with a better 1080p FaceTime HD camera and screen notch, featured on the two largest MacBook Pro models as well.

Design-wise, the MacBook Air (2022) also includes two new colors: Midnight and Starlight, which replaced the Gold colorway found on the 2020 model. Both models are also offered in traditional Space Gray and silver.

MacBook Air (2022) vs. MacBook Air (2020) M2 performance better all around

One of the biggest reasons to choose the latest MacBook Air over the previous model is the transition from the Apple M1 chip to the Apple M2 chip. The next-generation silicon means more speed and power efficiency thanks to a more powerful 8-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU. As a result, Apple says the M2 is up to 1.4 times faster than the M1 model, although battery life remains the same, up to 18 hours between charges for both.

Specifically, Apple claims the M2 offers 1.4x faster video editing performance, 1.2 times speedier image filters and effects performance, 1.3 times faster gaming, 1.6 times faster scene edit detection, 1.4 times speedier photo stitching, three times faster video transcode performance, and 1.2 times faster image upscaling. However, these numbers assume you purchase a MacBook Air (2022) with an 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and 24GB of RAM. In tests, Apple compared that model with a MacBook Air (2020) with an 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, and 16GB of RAM. Both had a maximum of 2TB of storage.

MacBook Air (2022) vs. MacBook Air (2020): Price changes

The MacBook Air (2022) still represents the least expensive MacBook around. Unfortunately, the starting price has increased by $200, with the entry-level version clocking in at $1,199 vs. $999 for the older model. This means the all-new 13-inch MacBook Pro (2022), still starting at $1,299, is now just $100 more than the least expensive MacBook Air. The price differences on both sides are nothing to scoff at and could make it harder to make a decision on which MacBook is the one right for you. Throw in the likely discounts we'll soon be seeing on the MacBook Air (2020), and the choice could prove even more difficult to make.

Another point: Continued worldwide shortages could mean there's limited supply for the MacBook Air (2022) — at least for a few weeks or months.

MacBook Air (2022) vs. MacBook Air (2020): Which one should you get?

The MacBook Air (2022) is the better choice for most folks, even at a higher price than the previous model. This laptop offers a fresh design, a better Apple M2 chip, a larger display, MagSafe, a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, and more. However, if you're less concerned about speed and performance updates, don't understand why MagSafe is oh-so-cool, need a MacBook now, and don't want to wait, or want to simply save some cash, there's absolutely nothing wrong with selecting the older model. This also applies if you're considering upgrading to the new Air (2022). If the 2020 MacBook Air still works for you, you should stick with it — after all, it still contains Apple silicon, offers the same battery life and storage availability, and comes with a well-received wedge design.

What you need to know

• A new leak says Apple may debut an OLED MacBook in 2024.
• Ross Young says it could come alongside two new OLED iPads.
• Features include a brighter screen, reduced power consumption, and variable refresh rate.

A new leak says that Apple will debut a massive upgrade for the MacBook in the form of an OLED display in 2024.

In a tweet from DSCC's Ross Young for Super Followers seen by iMore, Young says that it is "looking increasingly likely" that Apple will debut a new 13.3-inch OLED MacBook in 2024 alongside the rumored 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Young says this device is "expected" to be a MacBook Air but could also be a MacBook Pro, a MacBook, or a "new category."

That would a laptop similar in stature to the new M2 MacBook Air, but would deliver serious upgrades in display performance. Paired with Apple silicon it would likely be the best MacBook the company has ever created. Specifically, Young says the OLED tandem stack Apple plans to use in all three OLED products will give four major boosts. It will improve the brightness of the display, increase the display's lifespan, and improve power consumption "by around 30%." Young says the new models will also have LTPO for an improved improved variable refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, Apple first debuted variable refresh rates on the MacBook Pro (2021) last year.

As Young notes, this could debut in 2024 alongside two new iPad Pro models that we've been told could debut in 2024 as well.

Apple's brand new M2 MacBook is barely out of the oven, but already we're hearing multiple rumblings of major Mac upgrades at every turn. It was recently rumored that Apple is planning a new 15-inch MacBook Air model to go alongside its new 13-inch version. We are also expecting upgrades to the MacBook Pro in the form of a mighty new M2 Pro and M2 Max chips we expect to follow the M2.

Gurman has also leaked news about a possible new 12-inch MacBook, although other analysts don't agree with this prediction.

Earlier this week insider Ming-Chi Kuo reiterated reports of a 15-inch MacBook coming next year.

Ross Young is an ultra-reliable leaker who has a phenomenal track record of accurately predicting the course of Apple's plans and future details about its products.

What you need to know

• Geekbench tests have leaked for the new M2 MacBook Air.
• According to the tests, single-core performance is up by almost twelve percent.
• Multi-core performance is up almost twenty percent.

Apple made some bold promises with the M2 processor when it revealed the next-generation processor at WWDC earlier this month, and it appears those promises are shaping up.

One of the things people are also waiting for when a new processor is coming close to release is benchmark scores. They typically leak before the processor is actually in the hands of the public, and today is no exception. Spotted by Vadim Yuryev, known for his Max Tech YouTube channel, Geekbench scores for the new MacBook Air with the M2 processor have leaked, giving us a first look at how the next generation processor performs.

According to the report, single-core performance with the M2 chip is up by almost twelve percent when compared to the M1. Things get even better with multi-core performance as the M2 achieves almost twenty percent more performance than its predecessor.

Those performance metrics line up with what Apple promised from its new processor at WWDC earlier this month. However, the final review will always occur once the new MacBook Air gets into the hands of users.

The new MacBook Air is expected to launch in July, but we are still waiting to hear from Apple as to when you'll be able to preorder the upcoming notebook. Regardless of when that happens to be, we're only a month away!

What you need to know

• Apple is rumored to be readying refreshed iPad Pro tablets for a launch later this year.
• Bloomberg's Mark Gurman believes a launch could take place in September or October.
• The new tablets will reportedly offer wireless charging while gaining improved cameras and an M2 chip.

Despite new rumors that Apple will launch a new 14-inch iPad Pro as soon as next year, a new report claims that the current lineup will get a refresh within the next few months.

Writing in the weekly Power On newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman answered a question on whether a new iPad Pro is expected "soon." Gurman says that will depend on your definition, although September or October now look like likely release windows for updated pro-oriented tablets.

Gurman went on to say that the new tablet is expected to ship with the M2 Apple silicon that was announced during WWDC22 last week, an upgrade from the M1 the current hardware uses. Talk of some sort of wireless charging system continues, with Gurman saying this is the year we will see that rumor come to fruition. It still isn't clear whether that will offer some sort of reverse wireless charging — to power AirPods, for example — or not, however.

Gurman also expects Apple to upgrade the camera system this year, although details remain unclear.

This news comes just days after rumors of a new 14.1-inch iPad Pro surfaced via display supply chain analyst Ross Young. That tablet is expected to arrive in 2023, so don't expect Apple to announce that product for a year or so.

Apple's addition of the M2 chip in this year's iPad Pro makes plenty of sense. The M1 is now also available in the latest iPad Air and additional differentiation between products is never a bad thing — the Pro model should always have the better chip where possible, presumably. Apple's upcoming iOS 16 will also make use of as much horsepower as Apple can give it thanks to a new Stage Manager feature that brings advanced multitasking to Apple's tablet lineup. That feature is so resource-heavy that it will require an M1-power iPad, or newer, in order to function.

As impressive as a new M2-powered iPad Pro will be, it'll only remain the best iPad on the market until that rumored 14-inch model arrives — assuming the rumors bear fruit, of course.

What you need to know

• Apple is reportedly readying a new 15-inch MacBook Pro to join the recently introduced 13.6-inch model.
• A new 12-inch Mac portable is thought to be readying for a 2023/2024 release.
• Apple's larger MacBook Air is set for a 2023 release, according to reports.

Apple is rumored to be readying a new, larger 15-inch MacBook Air that could arrive as soon as next year while a smaller 12-inch notebook is also thought to be in the cards for a release in late 2023 or early 2024.

In terms of that new MacBook Air, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that the machine will be a "wider version" of the new 13.6-inch machine that Apple announced earlier this week. This matches a previous report from display analyst Ross Young who pointed to a potential 2023 release. Gurman appears to back that up with today's report. Gurman doesn't mention which chip the new MacBook Air could benefit from, but it's likely to be a future-generation M-series chip. Expectations aren't that it will offer new display technology, either.

Gurman also notes that Apple is again ready to get back on the mini-MacBook train. A new 12-inch notebook is said to be in the works with a launch set for late 2023 or early 2024. Apple's previous 12-inch MacBook was discontinued in 2019 and ran Intel chips. The move to Apple silicon would allow for improved performance for a device that was always hamstrung by Apple's assistance on removing all fans.

Gurman says that it is "unclear if the new 12-inch laptop would be a low-end device or a higher-end machine that's part of the MacBook Pro line," something that would have a big bearing on its expected price. However, given the small size and Apple's likelihood to go fanless once more, the former seems more likely. Apple once sold an 11-inch MacBook Air, a machine that the 12-inch MacBook was the spiritual successor to. That smaller MacBook Air was the best Mac for people who needed the ultimate in portability, but it too suffered from poor performance.

What you need to know

• Apple hosted the first day of WWDC 2022 yesterday.
• During the keynote, the company unveiled the new MacBook Air.
• All of the initial hands-on videos about the new MacBook Air dropped today.

Update, June 8 (6:20 pm ET): Added additional hands-on videos at the bottom of this article.

Yesterday, Apple unveiled its new MacBook Air on the first day of WWDC 2022.

The new MacBook Air comes in a brand new design and features the company's new M2 processor. It also now comes packed with a larger display, MagSafe charging, full-size function keys, and an upgraded FaceTime camera.

iMore's own Gerald Lynch was in attendance at the WWDC keynote and had a chance to go hands-on with the new MacBook Air. In addition to our own coverage, a number of creators and outlets have also posted hands-on videos with Apple's new notebook.

You can check out all of the hands-on videos with the new MacBook Air below:

iJustine

Brian Tong

UrAvgConsumer

Karl Konrad

Matthew Moniz

The Tech Chap

The Verge

PCMag

CNET

MKBHD

Did we miss anyone? Let us know and we'll add them!

What you need to know

• Apple announced the new MacBook Air at WWDC 2022.
• The notebook features a new design, a larger display, MagSafe charging, and more.
• Apple has released an ad to go over the features of the new MacBook Air.

The new MacBook Air already has its ad.

Earlier today, Apple kicked off WWDC 2022 with its usual keynote presentation. In addition to all of the software announcements, the company also unveiled the new MacBook Air with M2 processor.

To celebrate the unveiling of the new MacBook Air, Apple has also released a new ad titled "The new MacBook Air | Supercharged by M2," which shows off all of the features of the new notebook. You can check out the new ad below:

The new MacBook Air features a brand new design that is similar to the redesigned MacBook Pro, with a larger display, MagSafe charging, and a new FaceTime camera. It will come in four finishes: Silver, Space Gray, Starlight, and Midnight.

iMore's Gerald Lynch is attending WWDC this week and got hands-on with the new MacBook Air. If you want to hear his initial thoughts, check out our hands-on look at the new MacBook Air.

What you need to know

• Apple has just unveiled its brand new MacBook Air.
• The new MacBook Air has been completely redesigned.
• It features the new M2 chip, MagSafe, a Liquid Retina Display, and more.

Apple has just unveiled its stunning new MacBook Air at WWDC 2022, featuring the new M2 chip.

The new MacBook Air eschews the wedge shape of the old model in favor of a new square design that is 20 percent less voluminous than the prior model.

It's 11.3 mm thick and weighs just 2.7 pounds, hailing in silver, space grey, starlight, and midnight.

It has a MagSafe charging port and two Thunderbolt ports for connectivity, as well as a spicy new Liquid Retina Display, and a notch housed in a larger 13.6-inch display with thinner borders. The screen supports 500 nits of brightness, up 25% on the old one, and has 1 billion colors.

It also has a new 1080p FaceTime camera with twice the resolution and low light performance of the old one. Audio comes by way of new speakers and mics and it supports Spatial Audio for Dolby Atmos.

The MacBook Air supports fast charging and is 5 times faster than previous Intel MacBooks, and considerably faster than the old one.

Prices start at $1,119, which gets you 18 hours of battery life and 50% charging in just 30 minutes.

The new Air comes in alongside the current MacBook Air with M1 as the new best MacBook you can buy and supports up to 2TB of SSD storage and 24GB of RAM.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro with M1 is also getting Apple's brand new M2 chip. From our previous announcement:

The new MacBook Air will be available next month.

What you need to know

• Bloomberg's Mark Gurman doesn't expect Apple's next MacBook Air to come in multiple iMac-like colors.
• A new MacBook Air is expected to be announced during Monday's WWDC22 opening keynote.
• We might get a new blue color, however.

Current rumors point to Apple potentially announcing a refreshed MacBook Air during Monday's WWDC22 event, but hopes of the machine coming in eye-popping colors look set to be dashed.

Reports over the last few months have had Apple readying a new MacBook Pro complete with iMac-like colors including red, orange, and more. Now, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has poured cold water on that belief, saying that we might get a couple of colors — but not the rainbow that we were led to expect.

Gurman wrote about his expectations on Twitter, dashing hopes as he tapped away at his keyboard.

Gurman included an image of the blue iMac, suggesting that we might see that added to the mix. If that's accurate, we can expect Space Gray, Silver, Gold, and Blue MacBook Airs to go on sale within the next couple of weeks — although we'll just need to wait until WWDC22 to be sure what colors the best Mac for most people will come in.

Besides the new look, an updated MacBook Air could well see the inclusion of new, second-generation Apple silicon in the shape of an M2. Colors aside, the machine's chassis is also set to change to make it look more like the latest MacBook Pro lineup.

Apple's WWDC event will kick off on Monday, June 6 with a streamed opening keynote that will also see the announcement of iOS 16, iPadOS 16, macOS 13, tvOS 16, and watchOS 9 if past events are any indication.

What you need to know

• Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has poured cold water on the prospect of a new mixed reality headset being announced during WWDC.
• A refreshed, M2-powered MacBook Air could see its debut during the WWDC opening keynote.

Apple's WWDC opening keynote is now just a week away and while it isn't unheard of for Apple to share news of upcoming hardware at its developer conference, it isn't the rule, either. In terms of this year's event, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says that we shouldn't get too excited about the idea of Apple showing off its mixed reality headset — but the new MacBook Air is a different kettle of fish.

Writing in his weekly Power On newsletter, Bloomberg's Gurman says that while it's possible that Apple could show off its fabled mixed reality headset, it isn't something that we should pin our hopes on. Apple has already reportedly shown the headset to members of the board, suggesting that it is nearing an official announcement.

But there's more hope in terms of a new MacBook Air, with Gurman pointing out that developers have been seeing the device appear in their app reporting for some time now. The new machine, set to be powered by next-generation Apple silicon, could get its first outing next week.

A refreshed MacBook Air could well be the best Mac for a ton of people, but with Apple continuing to battle supply chain issues across its Mac lineup, actually being able to buy one of the new machines might not be as easy as it would like.

Apple will hold its WWDC22 opening keynote online next Monday, June 6 and we expect to see iOS 16, iPadOS 16, macOS 13, tvOS 16, and watchOS 9 break cover. All of the new software will be released later in the year, likely in or around September.

Did you just get a brand new Mac? Congrats! It's an excellent machine that you've picked out and it will certainly last you at least the next five years or so, if not more. But how do you get everything set up, especially if you choose not to restore from an old backup? Don't worry, thanks to services like iCloud, the Mac App Store, and other cloud-based storage providers, such as Dropbox, setting up a new Mac is not as tedious as you think.

Here are the steps for setting up and customizing your best new Mac from scratch, whether it's a great MacBook like the new MacBook Pros, or even an iMac.

Step 1: Set up your Mac

Before you can get to the fun of customizing your Mac, you should probably unpack it and set up the new Mac first. Logging into iCloud here will start the process of syncing your keychain, internet accounts, and Desktop & Documents folders (if you have them active), so it's good to do right off the bat.

Step 2: Reauthorize your internet accounts

iCloud will sync all your internet accounts from another Mac, but any non-Apple account will have to be reauthorized (read: password re-entered) before you can use them again. As such, doing this first on a new machine is ideal.

1. Open System Preferences.
2. Select the Internet Accounts icon.
3. Click on the Account you wish to activate and check the appropriate boxes (Mail, Messages, Notes, and the like).

Repeat for each account you wish to reauthorize.

Step 3: Customize your System Preferences

While you're in System Preferences, you might as well customize some other aspects of your system. This includes, but isn't limited to:

• Whether you want Dark Mode for your toolbars (General)
• Changing your desktop picture and screensaver (Desktop & Screen Saver)
• Your Dock size and preferences (Dock)
• FileVault and Gatekeeper (Security & Privacy)
• Notification preferences (Notifications & Focus)
• How long you want the display to stay on before sleeping (Energy Saver or Battery)
• Touch Bar customization (Keyboard)
• Enable Dictation (Keyboard)
• Multitouch gesture customization (Trackpad)
• Alert sounds (Sound)
• Turn on Back to My Mac (iCloud, Sharing)
• Add other cards to Apple Pay (Wallet & Apple Pay)
• Add VPNs if necessary (Network)
• Pair any Bluetooth accessories like headphones (Bluetooth)
• Add any other fingerprints (Touch ID)
• Add additional user IDs (Users & Groups)
• Add any restrictions (Parental Controls)
• Change Siri preferences (Siri)
• Set up Time Machine (Time Machine)
• Add any Accessibility preferences (Accessibility)

Step 4: Check for Software Updates

New Macs should ship with the latest and greatest software, but on the off-chance that you're not on the latest version, check for new updates:

1. Go to the Apple menu in the top left corner.
2. Select App Store.
3. Click on the Updates tab.
4. Install all necessary updates.

Step 5: Redownload Mac App Store apps

Next, you should redownload Mac App Store apps that you need on the new computer.

1. Go to the Apple menu in the top left corner.
2. Select App Store.
3. From any tab in the Store, click on your Profile at the bottom left of the screen. (You may have to sign in to iCloud again.)
4. Download any previously purchased apps you wish to install on your Mac. Look for the download symbol.

Step 6: Redownload non-Mac App Store apps

If you use any Adobe products or other non-Mac App Store items, you won't be able to re-download them from the App Store: Instead, open Safari and download them from their respective websites. A big one here is Dropbox — not only is it good to get your folders synced, but if you use Dropbox for syncing your information (say, 1Password), you'll want it installed so that your passwords are easily accessible.

Step 7: Set up your password manager

Before you get into customizing Safari and your other apps, make sure you can sign in to all of them by setting up your password manager. (You do have a password manager, right? If not, now is a great time to think about getting one, so you don't have to scrounge for passwords any time you need to set up a device from scratch.)

If you don't have a password manager, make sure to check out our recommendations for the best password manager apps for Mac right now.

Step 8: Customize the Finder, Safari, and other app views

The View menu allows most app windows to be pretty thoroughly changed, depending on your preference; a must-customize list includes Finder, Safari, and Mail, but pick the apps you use most often to fix first!

This is also the time you might want to customize the Touch Bar for each app if you have a compatible Mac, and or add Favorites to Mail's toolbar (which don't sync via iCloud, for some reason).

Step 9: Add Safari extensions

Most of us use at least one Safari extension on our Macs, whether that's a Pinterest pinner, Buffer socialer, or even just an ad blocker. After you've customized Safari, it's a great time to configure your Safari extensions. Make sure to check Apple's Standout Safari Extensions to see some great Safari extensions that you can grab right now.

Step 10: Log in to common websites

Whether your internet addiction includes Facebook, Quora, Twitter, Google, or Reddit, chances are there's a web service you can't live without. Go ahead and log into those now, so you don't have to worry about scrounging around for two-factor codes. (You do have two-step authentication set up for those other accounts, right?)

Step 11: Make sure Messages is sending from the right iCloud address

When you set up a computer from scratch, you miss out on a critical part of your history: your iMessage archive, which is encrypted and only synced as part of an iCloud backup. As such, you'll need to re-customize your Messages settings, including which address you send from by default. Otherwise, people may not understand why "terribledadjokeslol@icloud.com" is suddenly sending them iMessages.

For step-by-step instructions, make sure to check our How to set up iMessage on Mac guide.

Step 12: Sign in to Music and Photos

Want to use Apple Music and iCloud Photo Library? You'll need to open Music and Photos before doing so and likely log in with your Apple ID and password.

For more information, take a look at our iCloud Music Library and How to set up iCloud Photo Library on Mac guides.

Step 13: Enjoy your new Mac!

After all of that customization, take some time to enjoy using it! It's new and shiny, after all.

Don't forget to make a Time Machine backup of your Mac this time around, so you don't have to set everything up from scratch again.

Looking for a new Mac?

If you're still in the market for a new Mac, make sure to check out what we think are the best Mac desktops and MacBooks for 2022.

A fresh start for all!

While everyone uses their computer differently, these are the most important and basic things to consider setting up first before fully diving in to your brand new Mac. Honestly, these are what we do first when we get a brand new Mac and choose to not restore from an old backup. After all, sometimes it's good to start fresh!

Updated May 2022: Updated for the latest version of macOS.

What you need to know

• Someone wanted to see if a USB-C iPad mini would work with the iPod Hi-Fi.
• The iPod Hi-Fi was released in 2006 and used a 30-pin dock connector.

The iPod Hi-Fi is still one of the most beloved Apple products to date, partially because it was just so .... odd. A giant box of speakers that you plopped your iPod on top of? Sure, why not. And it cost $350 because of course it did. It's weird, it's whacky, and it works with USB-C iPads.

Yes, really.

YouTube channel Will it Work? wanted to see what would happen when a USB-C iPad mini was plugged into a rather fetching iPod Hi-Fi. But they didn't just want it to work — they wanted to be able o listen to music, charge the iPad, and even control the audio using the iPod Hi-Fi's remote control. That all sounds like a bridge too far for something that was released before some of the people reading this were even born.

So really, there's only one question — will it work? Let's find out!

As amazing as that all is, it's fair to say most people aren't going to go through the hassle of making their iPad mini work with an aging speaker but it's good to know that they could if they really wanted to. This of course isn't the first time an iPod Hi-Fi has been paired with something it was never designed for. We've already seen a Nintendo 3DS do sterling work, but there's something about an iPad mini that makes this video even more impressive.

There's little doubt that the latest iPad mini is the best iPad for a ton of people. Now we know that it's the best iPad for those who own a 16-year-old iPod Hi-Fi, too.

Professionals of all kinds love the iPad Pro. Whether you're a business professional, a teacher/professor, engineer, or an artist/creative, you've decided the iPad Pro is the best iPad for your particular needs. Now you just need to decide: which size? We're here to help you choose.

11-inch vs. 12.9-inch iPad Pro: Breaking it down

If you are the type of person who cares solely about internal specs, both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro are the same on the inside. Both feature Apple's M2 chip, which has four performance cores and four efficiency cores, just like the M2 Macs. You can get all of the details in our iPad Pro (M2) review. Let's break down the pertinent specs.

They both have an 10-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine. Also, you get 8GB of RAM on models with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage, but 16GB RAM on the 1TB or 2TB models. Both models support accessories like the Apple Pencil 2, Apple Pencil (USB-C), and the Smart Keyboard Folio. The only real difference between the two is the display, and we don't just mean size.

11-inch vs. 12.9-inch iPad Pro: All in the details

Overall, when it comes to "which iPad should I buy," for the iPad Pros, we think the 11-inch model is the better pick for most people. It's much more lightweight and portable while still providing a ton of power with the M2 chip. With the M2 chip inside, you are getting a powerful iPad gaming machine, as well as a device that is no pushover when it comes to getting work done.

If you get the Wi-Fi + Cellular version, you can even go work anywhere with 5G coverage. And even though it's using the regular Liquid Retina display from the last generation, it's still very capable and beautiful for most people, especially when it comes to watching videos or reading. Plus, since the 11-inch is more compact, it's easier to hold up when reading eBooks or watching movies without feeling wrist fatigue.

For most people, the 11-inch iPad Pro should be more than enough. However, if you are a serious professional who is constantly dealing with high-brightness and high-contrast HDR content, then the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is the best iPad for you, even more so if you opt for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model with 5G.

The Liquid Retina XDR display was made to deliver extreme brightness, deep blacks, and all of the subtle details that may otherwise be hidden. It's the best way to view and edit high-brightness and high-contrast content, such as HDR photos and videos. If that sounds like what you need, then the 11-inch may not cut it.

The larger screen estate for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is also warranted if you need a bigger, more comfortable canvas for the best drawing apps for Apple Pencil. The 12.9-inch is also great if you want less cramped keys on the iPad Magic Keyboard or other similar keyboard cases.

11-inch vs. 12.9-inch iPad Pro: Which iPad should you buy?

If you can adjust to smaller, more compact keyboard accessories, don't plan on drawing or handwriting notes too much, and don't work with HDR content, then the 11-inch iPad Pro (2022) should be good enough for you. Especially now that it has the M2 chip, it has plenty of power. It's also a much easier size to take with you, and you won't get tired of holding it. Plus, it starts at $300 less than the 12.9-inch and would be a great complement to any existing setup.

If you need the additional display real estate or highly value the HDR capabilities of the XDR display, then it's worth spending the extra to get the 12.9-inch version for the best iPad experience. You'll also benefit from full-size keyboard accessories, allowing you to transform your iPad Pro into nearly a full-on laptop replacement. 

One thing to keep in mind when buying pricey tech is that these models are both over a year old at this point. Don't let it stop you: these are powerhouse machines that will be amazing for years to come. But with the M3 chip already in several Mac models, we can certain that the M3 iPad Pro won't be far behind.

The iPad is a terrific tool for both work and leisure. It even has a bunch of Multitasking features that allow you to do even more with it at once, though you might not yet know how to use features like Slide Over and Split View on your iPad.

Using iPad Multitasking can help turn your iPad into a laptop replacement or the ultimate content consumption device — or both — so it's well worth getting to grips with these features. We're here to show you how!

How does Multitasking work on iPad?

There are four main components to Multitasking on iPad: Slide Over, Split View, Picture-in-Picture, and the App Switcher. These features have received continual improvement since their introduction onto the iPad and have only gotten better ever since.

We've included instructions towards the end of this guide specifically for the new iPadOS 15 Multitasking Menu, though the previous gesture-based methods for invoking Multitasking still work in version 15 as well as previous software versions, so we've kept those in, too.

Slide Over allows you to have an additional app on the left or right side of the screen in an iPhone-sized floating pane; you can also hide it off the screen or re-summon it at any time by swiping it away (hence the "slide" portion of the name).

Slide Over doesn't have a default "app" you can slide in from the screen — after a restart, you'll need to drag one on the screen from the Dock or Home screen.

Split View lets you have two persistent apps sitting side by side on your iPad. Depending on the screen size of your iPad, those two apps may be displayed as Compact (iPhone UI) or Regular (iPad UI) next to each other.

On certain iPads, you can also resize Split View panes for a 50-50, 25-75, or 75-25 split in a horizontal orientation; when holding the tablet vertically, you'll only have the 25-75 or 75-25 options.

• 50-50: Each app takes up the same real estate on the iPad.
• 25-75: The app on the left takes up just 25% of the screen, with the right app taking up 75%.
• 75-25: The app on the left takes up 75% of the screen, with the right app taking up 25%.

When multitasking in the App Switcher, Split View apps remain conjoined until separated; Apple calls them "App Spaces." However, unlike the Mac's Spaces, you can't have multiple configurations of the same apps (i.e., an App Space that had Safari and Mail, and an App Space that had Safari and Fantastical) at this time.

Suppose you're watching a video in an app that supports Picture-in-Picture. In that case, you may be able to minimize the video window to float alongside your current workspace, effectively making the video a second Slide Over pane.

Once in Picture-in-Picture mode, you can pinch-to-zoom or shrink the window, position it in any corner of the screen, play/pause video, slide the video off-screen, or return it to its original app.

The App Switcher can be accessed by swiping up with one finger from the bottom edge of the screen and holding it in the middle until the app switcher appears. It shows you your Dock and your recently used apps, and any Split Views you have set up, making it easy to jump between different apps.

Recently used apps can be scrolled through by swiping right and tapping on them to enter them; you can also force quit them by pressing and holding on a pane and moving your finger upward.

If you're running iPadOS 15, you can use the App Switcher to combine apps into Split Views and even quit one app that is already in a Split View to take the remaining app full screen. Slide Over apps also show in the App Switcher in iPadOS 15.

How to use Slide Over or Split View on iPad

Whether you want to add a Slide Over pane or enter Split View, adding an app to your workspace is pretty simple.

How to Use Slide Over on iPad

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to invoke the Dock.
2. Tap and drag on an app you want to use in the Dock.
3. Drag the app to the center of the screen.
4. Release your drag.

5. if you want to Hide your Slide Over app, you can touch and swipe the edit handle at the top of the screen to the left or the right to hide it.

Drag a different app on top of your existing Slide Over to switch the app.

How to Use Split View on iPad

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to invoke the Dock.
2. Tap and drag on an app you want to use in the Dock.
3. Drag the app to the far left or right of the screen until you see the main app pane bump over, leaving a black space.
4. Release your drag.

Drag a different app on top of your existing Split View to switch the app.

1. If the Slide Over view is hidden, swipe to the left or right side of the display to invoke the slide over window.
2. Drag the Slide Over pane's Edit handle at the top of the screen to the far right or left until you see the main app pane bump over, leaving a black space.
3. Release your drag.

1. Pull down on the Split View pane's edit handle at the top of the screen until you see the main app pane bump over, taking over the entirety of the screen.
2. Release your drag.

How to reposition an app in Slide Over

1. Tap and drag the edit handle to position the Slide Over window on the left or right side of the screen.
2. Release your drag.

3. Drag the Slide Over window all the way to the right or left side of the display until it disappears to dismiss the window.

1. To reposition the size of each Split View, drag on the vertical edit handle in the middle of the screen.
2. Tap and drag the top edit handle in the middle of the screen to the left or right to reposition the Split View window.
3. Release your drag.

4. To move an app to the left or right side of the Split View window, tap on the edit handle at the top of the screen and move the app to the right or the left.

How to add multiple apps to Slide Over

In addition to adding multiple apps to the Slide Over window, you can also switch between them and even close them like you would on your iPhone. Here's how.

1. When you have a Slide Over window, slide your finger up from the bottom of the screen to bring up the Dock.
2. Tap-and-drag an app icon from the Dock to the Slide Over view, ensuring it's above the split line or towards the side edges where the window becomes smaller.
3. This new app will go to the forefront of the Slide Over apps.

4. Repeat steps 1-3 for all of the apps you need in a single space.

If you want another instance of an app already open in Split Screen or Slide Over views (i.e., Safari), you can choose to open up an existing instance or a fresh new slate.

How to rotate through app tabs in Slide Over view

When you have several apps open in the multiple Slide Over view, only the most recent one appears in the front. But it's easy to rotate between all of your open app tabs in a Split Screen or Full-Screen space.

1. Make sure to get several apps in Slide Over view using the directions above.
2. Touch and hold the handle at the bottom of the frontmost app in Slide Over view.

3. Swipe to the right to bring the previous app to the front.
4. Repeat the process until you get the app you need in the front.

How to trigger the Slide Over Switcher

Earlier, we showed you how to rotate through multiple app tabs in Slide Over view. If you don't want to go through them all one by one, you can spread them out and pick the one you want to jump to with the new Slide Over Switcher.

1. With multiple Slide Over apps active in a space (single or Split Screen view), touch-and-drag the handle at the bottom of the Slide Over app upwards.
2. Once you see the other Slide Over views peeking through, release your finger.
3. All apps you've opened in Slide Over view will appear spread out in cards.
   • Scroll through them by swiping left and right.
   • Tap on the app you want to jump into.

How to remove Slide Over windows

1. While you're in Slide Over view, activate the spread out app tab view (Slide Over Switcher) as described above.
2. Scroll left and right to find the app that you want to remove.
3. Swipe that app's card up to remove it.

4. Repeat steps 2-3 until you've removed all of the apps that you want.

How to use App Exposé on iPad

When you start opening up many apps and working with multiple instances of an app, it's easy to lose track of what you have open. Your iPad has a few ways to see everything simultaneously: App Exposé and Slide Over Switcher.

App Exposé lets you view all open windows for an app. There are two ways to do this.

1. When you're in Split Screen, Full Screen, or Slide Over mode, slide your finger up from the bottom of the screen to bring up the Dock.
2. Tap on an app.
3. App Exposé will reveal all open instances of that app, including Split Screen and Slide Over views.

1. On your Home Screen, long-press on an app icon until a menu pops up.
2. Tap on Show All Windows to open App Exposé for that app.

While you're in App Exposé, you can tap on an instance of that app to open it back up. Slide Over views cannot be opened unless there is an active app or Split Screen view.

How to use Slide Over and Split View in iPadOS 15

With iPadOS 15, Apple has made some changes to how both Split View and Slide Over work. They've made it so that it's easier to do and more fluid thanks to the new Multitasking Control button. Here's how to use Split View and Slide Over in iPadOS 15.

1. Launch an app that you want to open on your iPad. It should take up the entire screen.
2. Open the Multitasking Menu at the top of the app, near the status bar by tapping the ellipsis icon (•••).
3. Select whether you want Split View (center option, 50/50) or Slide Over (right option, looks like one-third). Either way, your current app will slide over to the side, bringing you to the Home screen and Dock.

4. Select another app that you want to open in either Split View or Slide Over.
5. If you went with Split View, it defaults to 50/50. You can drag the handle in-between the two apps to go 25/75 or 75/25 Split View.

6. If you went with Slide Over, you can drag the app from the top bar (with the Multitasking Control button) to move it to the left or right side of the screen.

Optionally, you can still invoke an app into Slide Over or Split View by dragging it from the Dock by swiping up from the bottom of the screen. If you choose this method, drag it to the center for Slide Over or to either the left or right for Split View.

If you want to change out an app in Split View, repeat steps 3-6 above with another app of your choosing.

When you have an app that already has multiple windows or views open, then you can invoke the App Shelf, a new feature that builds on the App Exposé feature of previous iPadOS versions.

When you have multiple windows open, the Shelf shows automatically when you open the app, though you can prompt it to show at any time with the below method.

1. In an app that supports multiple windows or views (i.e., Safari), open up a new window.
2. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to bring up the Dock.
3. Tap the app from your Dock while you're still in the app.
4. The Shelf lets you view your current open windows, and you can even open a new window if needed.

5. You can tap the Multitasking Control button on these windows to bring them into Split View or Slide Over mode.

How to use Quick Note in iPadOS 15

In addition to regular multitasking methods and the new Multitasking Menu, Apple also added an all-new feature with iPadOS 15 in the form of Quick Note. It allows users to quickly jot down ideas, save links, write something with Apple Pencil, and more in the Notes app without disrupting your current multitasking setup.

We've got a dedicated guide showing you how to use Quick Note that is well worth checking out.

Do more at once

Now that you know how to use Slide Over and Split View in iPadOS, you'll be able to enjoy the best iPad Multitasking experience. It might take a little while to get into the habit of using these features regularly, but once you do it opens up a whole new way of using your iPad.

Updated April 2022: Updated for iPadOS 15 multitasking.

What you need to know

• Reports indicate Apple has a new Mac mini in the works.
• A reference to the unreleased device has been spotted in Apple's Studio Display firmware.
• It could be a more high-end M1 Mac mini, or a new Mac mini with all-new M2 Apple silicon.

A new unreleased Mac mini has been spotted referenced in the firmware of Apple's Studio Display.

As noted by developer Steve Troughton-Smith:

The reference to 'Macmini10,1' seems likely to be an unannounced Mac mini, but as Troughton-Smith notes, it really isn't clear what Apple might be planning.

9to5Mac has previously reported that Apple is planning a new M2 Mac mini with an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU. From that report:

Ming-Chi Kuo, however, says that Apple's new more powerful Mac mini isn't coming until 2023, having previously predicted it would launch this year before stating it was delayed.

If the latter is true, a new Mac mini could feature the more powerful M1 Pro chip and other new features, rather than a new generation of Apple silicon. However, more power would push the Mac mini into the territory of the new Mac Studio, Apple's most-recent powerful desktop computer.

What you need to know

• Apple is expected to launch two new Macs in the middle of the year.
• According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, one of those is "likely" to be the new MacBook Air.
• Gurman says that the company could unveil the new laptop at WWDC.

The redesign to the MacBook Air has been long reported and one of the only things left to learn about the new laptop is when it might be released. According to Mark Gurman, it might be coming at Apple's summer event.

In the Bloomberg reporter's latest "Power On" newsletter, Gurman says that Apple is going to release two new Macs in the middle of the year. According to the reporter, one of those new Macs is "likely" to be the all-new MacBook Air.

Gurman goes on to say that, if Apple is going to announce a new MacBook Ait, "what better place to do so than WWDC?" The company's annual developer conference is set to kick off on Monday, June 6, so it would be a perfect time to introduce some new Macs if Apple truly plans on releasing them over the summer.

The new MacBook Air is expected to come in a new design and a range of colors - the same as the new iMac that Apple released last year. It is anticipated to come packed with the M2 processor and a mini-LED display.

If you need a MacBook now, however, check out our list of the best MacBook to get so far in 2022.

What you need to know

• Apple is reportedly adding three more Macs to its obsolete list.
• Two MacBook Airs and one MacBook Pro are reportedly going obsolete this month.
• All three are expected to be considered obsolete on April 30.

A few more Macs are going the way of the dinosaur.

According to an internal memo obtained by MacRumors, the company is adding two MacBook Air models and one MacBook Pro model to its list of obsolete products. All three have already been on Apple's vintage list for the last two years.

The three models will be reportedly added to the obsolete list on April 30, including the last remaining 11-inch Mac - the 11-inch MacBook Air. The others include a 13-inch MacBook Air and MacBook Pro from that year:

• MacBook Air (11-inch, Early 2014)
• MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2014)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2014)

Once the models are officially on the obsolete list, they will no longer be able to receive hardware service from a repair center, meaning that customers can no longer get them repaired by Apple or one of its Authorized Service Providers. They can still get it repaired by a third party, but those repairs will no longer be backed by Apple.

Apple is expected to announce a redesign to the 13-inch MacBook Air at an event in the fall. The company is also rumored to be working on a 15-inch version of the MacBook Air that could see a debut in 2023.

What you need to know

• Apple has a new MacBook Air on the way.
• More reports indicate this will be landing in the second half of 2022.
• Digitimes says the MacBook Air will add more momentum to Macbook sales.

A new report from Digitimes reiterates that Apple plans to launch a new MacBook Air in the second half of 2022.

Digitimes says that Apple is seeing "hot" sales of its MacBook Pro (2021) from last year that have lingered into 2022 with "higher-than-expected" shipment volumes. In a snippet, Digitimes says Apple is planning to release a new MacBook Air in the second half of 2022.

That echoes multiple previous reports, previously Ming-Chi Kuo has predicted that the MacBook Air will be released in the second half of the year with an M1 chip, a new form factor, and some exciting new colors. We are also expecting the new MacBook Air to be slightly bigger than the current one, sized up to 13.6-inches from 13.3-inches.

Expectations for the new device have been revised significantly. We were previously led to believe by multiple reliable leakers and insiders that the new MacBook Air featured a new generation of Apple Silicon, likely the M2 processor, as well as the possibility of a mini-LED display. Both of these have since been revised, with the MacBook Air for 2022 looking like a much quieter upgrade over the MacBook Air with M1, which is one of the best MacBooks Apple has ever made.

What you need to know

• Apple is expected to unveil a new MacBook Air later this year.
• DSCC's Ross Young says it will be 13.6-inches in size.
• That would be a slight increase on the current model.

Supply chain insider Ross Young says a new MacBook Air expected later this year will feature a larger display.

Young took to Twitter firstly to follow up on his big revelation earlier this week that Apple is planning to release a new 15-inch MacBook Air in 2023. Young says the new model will have a 15.2-inch screen. He also stated it would not include mini-LED technology.

Young went on to note that a new MacBook Air (2022) expected later this year would also be increasing in size slightly from 13-3 inches to 13-6 inches. That might not sound like much, but when you remember the measurement is a corner-to-corner reading, it all adds up. Being a display analyst, Young did not offer any comment on the overall form factor or design, so it is unclear if this means the overall chassis of a new MacBook Air could be bigger.

Earlier this week, stalwart Apple insider Ming-Chi Kuo stated that a new MacBook Pro would start mass production in either late Q2 or Q3 of 2022, featuring the M1 chip, no mini-LED display, a new form factor, and colors. The last of those was a feature previously leaked by Jon Prosser several months ago. Young confirmed to iMore his own understanding the next MacBook Air won't feature mini-LED.

The news could be dissapointing for anyone looking to make a jump from the MacBook Air with M1, one of Apple's best MacBooks ever created. Rumors of an M2 chip and a mini-LED display seem to have evaporated in recent months, leaving a lot to be desired in terms of the overall upgrade potential.

What you need to know

• Ming-Chi Kuo took to Twitter to agree with Ross Young about a new 15-inch MacBook.
• According to Kuo, the laptop could reach mass production by late 2023.
• It may also drop the "Air" from the name.

Yesterday, it was reported that, along with a larger 13-inch Mac and 10-inch iPad, Apple is developing a new 15-inch MacBook Air that could launch as soon as next year. Now, it appears that the 15-inch version might not be an "Air" after all.

The original news came from Ross Young, who said that the larger MacBook Air could come as soon as 2023.

Today, Ming-Chi Kuo took to Twitter to say that the anticipated laptop could reach mass production by the fourth quarter of 2023. Kuo also made a prediction that the 15-inch MacBook could drop the "Air" from its name, potentially going back to the standalone "MacBook" name. The last "MacBook" was the 12-inch model that was discontinued years ago.

Predictions for Apple's potential 15" notebook in 2023:

1. Mass production in 4Q23 if all goes to plan.
2. Although a larger display generally consumes more power, the design goal is to use the same 30W power adapter as MacBook Air.
3. It might not be called MacBook Air.

Before we get a 15-inch MacBook or MacBook Air (whatever it ends up being called), Apple is anticipated to release a redesign to the MacBook Air later this year.

What you need to know

• A new report claims Apple may have a larger MacBook Air in the works.
• DSCC's Ross Young says that Apple may be planning a new 15-inch model for 2023.
• Apple may also be planning a larger 10-inch iPad and a larger MacBook Air 13-inch.

Apple may be planning to launch a new 15-inch MacBook Air in 2023, along with larger versions of its 13-inch model and a new larger 10-inch iPad model, according to a new report.

The news comes via Ross Young and DSCC's Quarterly Advanced IT Display Shipment and Technology report. According to DSCC's roadmaps, Apple is planning to launch a 15-inch MacBook Pro next year. While this isn't the first time we've heard about Apple possibly considering a larger MacBook Air, it is the first more concrete rumor we've heard about the possible larger MacBook.

Internal emails from Apple reveal that Apple considered a 15-inch MacBook Air way back in 2007 while Steve Jobs was still at the helm, eventually settling on an 11-inch and a 13-inch model. More recently, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported in January 2021 that Apple had previously considered the larger form factor but had decided not to move forward with it, but didn't rule out the possibility completely.

Young and DSCC also indicate that Apple is planning a larger 10-inch iPad model, possibly indicating that the base-model iPad is getting a redesign to bring it in line with the design language of the iPad Air and M1 iPad Pro (2021) that would make space for the larger display. The report finally states that Apple is planning a larger MacBook Air that is still in the 13-inch form factor bracket but with a larger display than the current design.

A report from Mark Gurman earlier this week indicated that a new MacBook Air was still a few months away. We'd previously heard it would come quite early this year. Ming-Chi Kuo has also thrown the prospect of new M2 Apple silicon into doubt, suggesting it will come with an M1 chip instead.

What you need to know

• Alaska Airlines is testing using iPad Pro tablets in lieu of the traditional check-in desk.
• iPad Pros are being tested at a San Jose airport before rolling out elsewhere.

Alaska Airlines is testing switching out the traditional check-in desk and replacing it with a bank of iPad Pro tablets. The test is underway in San Jose right now.

The iPad Pro check-in tests are underway at the San Jose Norman Y. Mineta International Airport, according to Fast Company, with the decision to use iPad Pro tablets being a notable one — especially for Apple.

The new iPad Pro check-in system isn't the only change being trialed in San Jose, either. self-server drop-off points are also being tested, as is a facial recognition system that is designed to do away with the need for passports at the gate. It's all very modern and, maybe, futuristic. So futuristic that it's expected that it will be as many as five years before the introduction of iPad Pro-based check-in systems is complete. Assuming no problems are discovered during the new trial, that is.

You can read more about what Alaska Airlines is doing in the full Fast Company report now.

What you need to know

• Apple won't announce a new MacBook Air until the second half of this year, according to Mark Gurman.
• Bloomberg's Apple reporter believes that the M2-powered refresh of Apple's cheapest MacBook won't arrive until much later this year.
• Those hoping for an updated 14 or 16-inch MacBook Pro are going to need to wait until next year.

Apple is heavily rumored to have a refreshed and redesigned MacBook Air in the works and while we originally expected it to arrive in the first half of this year, we're now being told that isn't happening. Look to the second half of 2022 instead, we're told.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman is the one doing the telling this time around, writing in his weekly Power On newsletter. According to Gurman, the updated Apple silicon version of the MacBook Air was expected to pack an M2 chip and make an appearance in the first half of 2022. That machine was supposed to come with "an all-new design, MagSafe, the M2 chip, and more" but it now looks like we will have to wait until later in 2022 before the new machine is announced.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently pointed to a new MacBook Air coming during the second or third quarter of this year, but they bucked the trend by saying that it will come with an M1 chip rather than an updated M2. Quite which one happens, we'll have to wait and see.

Back to Gurman and the Bloomberg reporter also believes that we won't see a new MacBook Pro refresh until next year, at least in terms of the high-end 14 and 16-inch versions. They're already the best Macs for people who need portable machines, but with the M2 chip not likely to arrive until later this year the M2 Pro and M2 Max variants are unlikely to be announced until 2023.

What you need to know

• Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that we shouldn't expect a new design when Apple next updates the Mac mini.
• The current Mac mini design has remained largely unchanged for 12 years.
• Apple is rumored to have a new Mac mini with improved Apple silicon coming next year.

Apple's rumored 2023 Mac mini refresh won't come with a new look according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

The rumored Mac mini refresh won't happen until 2023 according to a report by the same analyst last week. That machine has been rumored to have new Apple silicon in the form of an M2 or M2 Pro chip, although that could change between now and launch. For now, though, Kuo says that the outsides won't be anywhere near as interesting as the changes going on internally.

Kuo's short and sweet post to Twitter instead says that we should expect the 2023 Mac mini to "remain the same form factor design" as the previous models. That form factor has largely remained unchanged for 12 years at this point, despite rumors that things would change. However, it's possible that the rumored Mac mini redesign was in fact the chassis eventually used for the newly announced Mac Studio.

The new Mac Studio has the same footprint of the Mac mini but is notably thicker, potentially causing some confusion among leakers and analysts.

The current M1 Mac mini has proven popular but has been blown out of the water by Mac Studio, something that is to be expected given the higher price and more powerful M1 Max and M1 Ultra internals.

Kuo recently began tweeting after creating the account 11 years ago and despite initial doubts it has since been confirmed that the account does indeed belong to the TF International Securities analyst.

Apple's MacBook Air is reportedly set for a pretty hefty update in 2022, with rumors indicating it could get new Apple silicon and a mini-LED display. Here's what we think we know about the rumored device.

Design

The MacBook Air's design has been iconic ever since the day Steve Jobs pulled one out of an envelope on stage back in January 2008. Apple has kept the thin form factor ever since but reportedly plans to tweak the design this year. From a May report:

Mark Gurman reports that Apple is planning a "thinner and lighter" MacBook Air.

Colors?

Jon Prosser also says that the new MacBook Air lineup could feature colors just like Apple's M1 iMac, but we don't know if it will be the same range or a slightly different set.

M2 Processor

Next-generation Apple silicon is reportedly coming to the next MacBook Air. Mark Gurman reports that Apple has a "direct successor" to the M1 processor from the MacBook Air with M1 and 13-inch MacBook Pro with M1 that will be faster despite having the same number of cores, it will reportedly also feature more graphics cores. This isn't to be confused with the new Apple silicon expected in 2021, an 'M1X' processor that could feature 10 cores including eight high-performance cores, up to 32 graphics cores, and up to 64GB of RAM.

mini-LED

Aside from Apple silicon, the biggest upgrade planned for the new MacBook Air is reportedly a mini-LED, according to multiple reports. From Digitimes:

And also Ming-Chi Kuo:

MagSafe

According to Mark Gurman the new MacBook Air will also herald the return of MagSafe charging to the MacBook Air, just like we're expecting in the mini-LED MacBook Pro (2021).

Release date

Whilst we don't have a specific release date for Apple's next MacBook Air, we do know it's coming sometime in 2022, at least according to leaks and rumors. The most recent and most specific timeframe comes from Ming-Chi Kuo who says the mini-LED Macbook Air will debut right in the middle of next year. By contrast, Mark Gurman noted in January the device could preview in the fall.

What you need to know

• A new report claims that Apple has no plans to release a new 27-inch iMac.
• The report also calls into question the return of the iMac Pro.
• It appears that the Mac Studio and Mac Pro will be Apple's sole "Pro" desktop Macs.

After Apple announced the new Mac Studio, many were wondering if Apple will ever bring an update to the 27-inch iMac or a return of the iMac Pro. A new report makes all of that seem less likely.

According to a report from 9to5Mac, Apple has no plans to release a "larger-screen iMac in the near future." If true, this means that those wishing for a new 27-inch iMac powered by Apple silicon will be disappointed.

The report goes on to say that no iMac will receive Apple's higher-end chips. This could not only mean that the regular iMac will go without such chips, but also calls into question any return of an iMac Pro.

If the report holds true, it would mean that the Mac Studio and Mac Pro are Apple's new pro-level desktop machines with the Mac mini and 24-inch iMac as the company's consumer-level machines.

What you need to know

• A new report claims that Apple will release a redesigned MacBook Air with an M2 chip this year.
• The report also claims Apple will upgrade the existing 13-inch MacBook Pro with the M2 chip.
• It is even considering dropping the "Pro" name from the 13-inch MacBook Pro.

This week, Apple unveiled the M1 Ultra chip, its most powerful Apple silicon processor yet and, according to the company, the most powerful chip ever created for a personal computer.

Despite the announcement, it doesn't appear that Apple is letting off the gas. A new report from 9to5Mac claims that, despite contradicting rumors, Apple will release a redesigned MacBook Air with an unannounced M2 processor by the end of the year.

In addition to a new MacBook Air, the company may also bring the M2 to the current 13-inch MacBook Pro. According to the report, Apple is even considering dropping the "Pro" from the 13-inch MacBook Pro and turning it into the new entry-level MacBook.

Apple is also anticipated to announce a redesign to the Mac Pro along with another new chip, but it is currently unclear when those will be announced.

In the meantime, the company is releasing the new Mac Studio and Studio Display next week.

What you need to know

• A new report claims Apple will release versions of the Mac mini powered by the M2 chip.
• The company will release versions powered by the M2 and M2 Pro processor.
• Apple is rumored to unveil the first M2 processor as soon as this year.

While the Mac mini didn't get any airtime at Apple's "Peek Performance" event, it appears Apple still has big plans for its tiny desktop.

According to a report from 9to5Mac, Apple is planning to release new versions of the Mac mini packed with the unreleased M2 and M2 Pro processor. The M2 chip is reportedly based on the A15 Bionic chip and will include an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU.

The report also claims that Apple will release a version powered by the M2 Pro chip which will feature a 12-core CPU.

The report says that development of the M2 Mac mini is nearly complete and that the company could announce the new version as soon as this year.

While we have to wait to see what happens with the Mac mini but, in the meantime, we can enjoy the Mac Studio, Apple's brand new desktop computer that the company announced alongside the new Studio Display.

Comparing the Mac Studio to the Mac mini is almost like comparing apples to oranges. Still, the similar form factor makes it natural to wonder how the two devices stack up against each other. Both machines are small independent Macs that you'll need a separate monitor, keyboard, and mouse for, and both are small desktop boxes that can fit in most spaces and don't take up a lot of room. Aside from those facts, though, the Mac Studio and Mac mini have very different purposes, which becomes very apparent when you dive into the specs.

Mac Studio vs. Mac mini: The power is in the specs

The Mac Studio has power and performance in spades and offers two different processors when it comes to power: The M1 Max, which is the most powerful chip found in the MacBook Pro (2021), and the brand new M1 Ultra, which, as its name suggests, is an incredible new chip that's bigger, better, and beefier in performance than the M1 chip before it. On top of the better chip, you'll also notice that the Mac Studio has higher RAM and more available storage options.

Everything about the spec sheet tells you that the Mac mini and Mac Studio are in entirely different leagues, clearly meant for different types of work. As its name implies, the Mac Studio is intended for "studio" work, whether it's design, music production, film editing, or anything else that requires the power and performance to work smoothly and seamlessly into your workflow. In contrast, the Mac mini is a competent home computer that is meant for much more everyday tasks such as writing, some light photo editing, browsing the web, and everything else you do during your average day.

The price difference between the two Macs not only strengthens this argument but when you think about all the extra accessories you need to purchase — a monitor, in particular — those hidden costs can add up.

Mac Studio vs. Mac mini: The "hidden" costs

If you're looking at the price of the Mac Studio and you start to feel faint, remember that the near $2,000 starting price doesn't include essential accessories like a monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc. The most significant expense when considering either the Mac mini or Mac Studio is a monitor and it's important to remember to factor the cost of a monitor into your purchasing decision.

It's important to consider that you can buy the top-end model Mac mini, with 16GB of RAM, at least 512GB of storage, and one of the best Mac mini monitors for less than the starting price of just the Mac Studio itself. Heck, you could probably buy two monitors that are a little cheaper and still end up under that $1,999 price point.

Now, no monitor is going to make your Mac faster or perform better, so if you need the power that an M1 Max or M1 Ultra chip (or the better RAM and storage) packs, then you'll need to pay the premium price tag. But, the Mac mini is a very competent home computer that will allow you to build a nice little workstation at home for a lot less money.

Mac Studio vs. Mac mini: Which should you buy?

You likely already know which of these Macs is best for you just by looking at the price and spec sheet, but if you are truly on the fence, my best advice is to strongly consider how you plan on using your Mac.

If you do CPU or GPU intensive work daily and are looking for a device that can not only keep up with your workflow but run buttery smooth even through your toughest projects, then some configuration of the Mac Studio is the best option.

If you don't need anything crazy powerful and you're just looking to upgrade your Mac that you use as a family computer or home office, the Mac mini is going to allow you to do that just fine — and save money to boot!

What you need to know

• Ming-Chi Kuo appears to have changed his mind regarding the next MacBook Air.
• Multiple previous reports have stated Apple will debut a MacBook Air with an M2 processor later this year.
• Kuo now claims the device will feature an M1 chip, as well as no mini-LED display.

Reports apparently stemming from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo indicate the analyst has revised predictions regarding Apple's next MacBook Air.

According to a tweet purportedly sent by Kuo, Apple's next MacBook Air will actually not include some of the previous upgrades that Kuo and multiple other sources have said it will. From the source:

The new color options are not a surprise, both Kuo and Jon Prosser have reported that Apple will debut a new MacBook Air with color options, and Kuo has further previously stated that the MacBook Air will be redesigned. Other rumored features we've heard about include support for MagSafe charging.

However, according to this latest tweet, Kuo claims that the new MacBook Air will not feature either the M2 chip or mini-LED display, despite multiple previous reports to the contrary.

As early as March 2021 Kuo himself reported:

Kuo reported the same forecast in December of 2020 and reiterated it in July 2021. Digitimes has also reported on numerous occasions the next MacBook Air will feature mini-LED.

There have also been other reports that Apple's next MacBook Air will feature an M2 Apple silicon chip including from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who says that Apple is testing a new M2 chip with 8 CPU and 10 GPU cores.

The changed timeline is also contrary to previous rumors, with both Kuo and Mark Gurman reporting the MacBook Air would debut in the first half of 2022, Kuo's tweet claims mass production is not set to begin until later this year, perhaps as late as Q3.

It is worth noting that this latest Kuo insight does not come from his usual verified channel, but from a Twitter account that has not been publicly verified as belonging to the famed analyst. It is however the Twitter account associated with a LinkedIn profile that is believed to belong to Kuo. The alleged account shared details of the rumored iPhone SE prior to Apple's March event, wrongly predicting the new phone would support mmWave 5G. Other details shared about the form factor, storage, case, and colors were accurate, following previous reports Apple was not planning to change the iPhone SE's design.

What you need to know

• Apple's March event means that some devices have had to be killed off.
• Apple has discontinued the 27-inch iMac.
• The new iPhone SE and iPad Air mean the old versions are no more.

Apple has today announced a raft of new and updated products, but that also means that some have now gone the way of the dodo — three, in fact.

While there is understandably a lot of talk about the new Studio Display and Mac Studio, there was also the refreshed iPhone SE and iPad Air, just as we had expected. But all of those new and refreshed products mean that some others had to pay a price.

As some had feared, the stalwart 27-inch iMac has now been removed from sale which means anyone who wants something of that size will now need to buy the Studio Display and a Mac to go with it. The current 24-inch iMac is still hanging around of course, but the 27-inch variety never got Apple silicon and while it might in the future, it definitely didn't today.

The new iPhone SE is here, which means the old 2020 iPhone SE is now very much dead. While the new iPhone SE comes with the same display and Touch ID, we now get something with a beefier CPU — an A15 instead of the older A13. And yes, there is now 5G connectivity which means the older model is already looking just that — old.

The new iPad Air obviously means the end of the old one, which means that the iPad Air 4 is now more. We get a new M1 chip in the updated version which makes it quite the powerhouse and means a 60% speed increase over the older model. That's a big deal, making this the best iPad for a whole ton of people. The old one is still a great tablet though — if you can find one on sale, snag it!

What you need to know

• Apple has discontinued the 27-inch iMac.
• It disappeared from Apple's website following the March event.
• Apple will replace it with the new Mac Studio.

Apple's 27-inch iMac has been discontinued following the company's March event, and will be replaced by the Mac Studio.

As noted by iMore:

Apple now only sells its 24-inch iMac with M1. Its other desktop computers are the Mac mini, Mac Pro, and the all-new Mac Studio announced at its March Event on Tuesday. From Apple:

As noted the new Mac Studio arrived alongside Apple's new Studio Display, however both can be used separately with other devices.

What you need to know

• Apple is now expected to announce a new Mc Studio product during its March 8 event.
• Rumors have the new Mac Studio being around twice the thickness of the current Mac mini.
• Apple is said to be testing an M1 Max chip as well as a whole new chip inside this machine.

Apple will announce a whole new type of Mac dubbed Mac Studio during tomorrow's online event, according to a new report. Mac Studio will effectively take up the same amount of desk space as the current Mac mini but will be around four inches tall, according to that same report.

Citing people "familiar with the matter," YouTuber Luke Miani and Apple Track report that the machine will be around the same height as two M1 Mac mini devices stacked on top of each other.

It isn't yet clear exactly what Apple silicon this machine will have inside it, although a previous report suggested that Apple was testing both the M1 Max and a "variant of the Apple Silicon chip that is even more powerful than the current M1 Max." That's likely why this machine is taller than a Mac mini — the additional space gives Apple room for more cooling.

The report and accompanying YouTube video suggest we should look forward to a "wide array of IO" and more USB-C ports than are currently available on the current M1 Mac mini

Apple's March 8 event is already looking set to be a big deal with new iPad Air and iPhone SE products coming. Talk of an M2-powered MacBook Air and MacBook Pro won't go away, either. But the latest rumors point to the Mac being a big part of the event with Mac Studio at the point of the spear. A new display is also rumored, likely aimed squarely at people who by Apple Studio.

Take an iPad, add much better cameras, faster processors, ridiculous refresh rates, wide-gamut color, four speakers, a smart connector for keyboards, and the Apple Pencil and you have iPad Pro — the computer for the rest of us.

Current models include the fifth-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro and the third-generation 11-inch iPad Pro. Apple previously offered 9.7- and 10.5-inch iPad Pro models as well. For creative and mobile professionals, the iPad Pro might just be the dream machine.

Buying your iPad Pro

Of course, before you can enjoy using your new iPad Pro you first need to decide which iPad Pro you should get. Fortunately, for the 2021 iPad Pro, the two differently-sized models are essentially the same in all but display size.

Both run the super-powerful M1 chip that first debuted in Apple's Mac lineup and offer up to 10 hours of battery life. Whichever size you get, you'll enjoy Apple Pencil support, a compatible Magic Keyboard, USB-C connectivity, 12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra Wide cameras plus LiDAR, as well as a 12MP front-facing camera with support for Center Stage.

The storage configuration are the same across the board with 128GB at the base model all the way up to 2TB at the high end. If you don't know what iPad storage to get, we can help there too.

One key difference to note between iPad Pro models is the display technology used in each size. You'll get a gorgeous display with P3 wide color, ProMotion, and True Tone regardless of size, but the smaller 11-inch model offers a Liquid Retina display whereas the 12.9-inch variant has the more fancy Liquid Retina XDR display.

That XDR affix refers to the underlying technology mini-LED which allows for blacker blacks and up to 1,600 nits peak brightness for HDR content. If you want the absolute best display in an iPad, go for the 12.9-inch model.

Using your iPad Pro

Whether iPad Pro is your first iPad, your first Pro, or simply your latest iPad Pro upgrade, the first thing you need to do is get it set up and running. You can set your iPad Pro up from scratch or restore from a previous backup, if you have one, and you can even move data over from an old Android tablet or Windows PC, if you're switching over.

We've also got guides on setting up Face ID on iPad Pro, how to use apple Pencil, and optimize your iPad battery life if you need to.

Getting more out of your iPad Pro

With the Smart Connector, Apple Pencil, and USB-C adapters, there are more iPad Pro accessories than ever before and tons of ways to make the most of your powerful new tablet. That's not to mention all of the great iPad apps and amazing iPad games available on the App Store.

Apple also has a ton of great services like Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade so you'll have no problem finding ways to put your iPad Pro to good use.

Be more Pro

For a lot of folks, iPad Pro is powerful enough to be a full-time laptop replacement and its gorgeous touch screen and exemplary speakers make it even more versatile. Whether you plan to use yours for work or play, the linked guides above will help you get the most out of Apple's best iPad.

Updated March 2022: Updated for 2021 iPad Pro.

What you need to know

• Apple is rumored to be working on a new Mac Studio machine.
• The Mac Studio is thought to be similar to Mac mini but with more powerful internals.
• No timescale has been given for the product's release.

Apple is reportedly working on a new type of Mac that would sit between the Mac mini and Mac Pro in its desktop lineup. The machine, dubbed Mac Studio, is expected to look similar to a Mac mini but with more powerful internals.

While the Mac Studio name could change, a new 9to5Mac report says that it will upgrade the Apple silicon to one of two possibilities — an M1 Max similar to the MacBook Pro or a new chip that's even more capable. Both are reportedly being tested.

The new machine is said to carry the designation J375 inside Apple and is likely to be aimed squarely at people who want a professional machine but would rather not go the MacBook Pro route.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported in August of last year that Apple was working on a 'smaller Mac Pro' that would be launched in 2022. That could well be this machine being reported on today. If true, we could see as many as 40 cores being offered in what would likely be the upgraded M1 Max chip mentioned earlier in this report.

If all of this comes to fruition we can expect the standard Mac mini to hang around with the new Mac Studio replacing the current Intel i7 Mac mini that Apple continues to sell. No timescales for any of this have been shared, although Apple does have an event planned for next week that is expected to see at least one new Mac announced.

If this machine does ship we can expect it to be the best Mac for a whole ton of professionals that find themselves tethered to a desk.

What you need to know

• The M1 Mac mini is small, but YouTuber Quinn Nelson wanted to make it smaller still.
• Nelson 3D printed parts and created a miniature Mac mini.
• The 16-minute video is well worth a watch from start to finish.

The M1 Mac mini is already pretty small but given the lack of power needed by the Apple silicon inside, not to mention how cool it runs, couldn't Apple have made the whole thing ... smaller?

That's exactly what YouTuber Quinn Nelson wanted to find out so they spent months doing just that — they made the M1 Mac mini a whopping 78% smaller by ripping the Apple silicon out and putting it into a custom 3D-printed mount and then into a custom 3D-printed chassis. And it all works surprisingly well.

The fact that any of this works probably shouldn't be all that surprising given the fact the current M1 MacBook Air doesn't have a fan and is about as thick as a piece of paper sliced in half. But to see it done is still mightily impressive — not least because the whole thing is powered by a Microsoft Surface power adapter and an old MagSafe charger. Yep, you read that right!

I won't spoil any more of the fun — just watch the video to see perhaps the best Mac video you've ever seen. Oh, and the whole thing has those eye-breaking cheese grater-like holes from the Mac Pro and Pro Display XDR, too!

Absolutely amazing, I'm sure you'll agree!