According to a report from MacRumors, display analyst Ross Young has shared that shipments for the MacBook Air M4 panels are scheduled to start in October. This information, shared via a subscriber-only tweet, suggests the next version of the MacBook Air could arrive in early 2025. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman supported this, confirming that Apple is targeting the first quarter of 2025 for the MacBook Air M4 release.
This timing lines up for the MacBook Air, which is now scheduled for calendar Q1. January – March. https://t.co/PeiR2WLHDN https://t.co/05qJCCon29
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) September 19, 2024
While these dates align with analyst estimates, it’s worth keeping in mind that product timelines can shift. Companies may delay releases due to production issues or market strategies, so treat these predictions cautiously.
New MacBook Air and iPad Display Panels
Besides the MacBook Air, Apple is also expected to start panel shipments for a 10.9-inch entry-level iPad next month. However, unlike the MacBook Air, this iPad may see a later launch. Initial rumors suggested it would debut alongside new M4 Macs next month, but it now seems the iPad’s release might be delayed.
When Will the MacBook Air M4 Launch?
Current reports point to a launch window of January to March 2025 for the MacBook Air M4. Display panel shipments for the device are starting in October, and this aligns with the idea of a Q1 release next year. Analysts tracking supply chains and production trends have often been accurate in forecasting Apple’s timelines.
That said, there’s always a chance that Apple could tweak its plans. While this prediction seems solid, it’s always wise to keep an eye out for any official updates from the company itself.
Apple’s Product Line and M4 Chip Updates
- MacBook Air M4 panel shipments begin in October 2024.
- Apple aims to refresh its entire Mac lineup with M4 chips by the end of 2025.
- 10.9-inch iPad panel shipments will also start next month, with its release expected later.
By the end of 2025, Apple plans to update its entire Mac lineup to the M4 chip, meaning all its computers will run on the same generation of processors. The MacBook Air is likely to be one of the first models to roll out with this new chip, followed by other devices.
The Future of RAM in MacBooks
Another rumor circulating is that Apple may increase the minimum RAM in its MacBook Air models. Currently, the MacBook Pro is expected to move to a 16GB RAM baseline, which could lead Apple to upgrade the Air to the same. While this remains speculation, it would be a significant improvement, especially for users who find the 8GB option limiting.
Many MacBook buyers opt for the lowest RAM configuration to save on costs, but that choice can impact their computer’s long-term performance. With higher RAM, users would benefit from smoother multitasking and better future-proofing for resource-intensive tasks.
Looking Ahead
As we move into the next year, there’s plenty of anticipation surrounding Apple’s Mac lineup. With expected releases like the M4 MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac, and iPad mini, there’s much to look forward to. We’ll continue to monitor developments and keep you updated as Apple makes official announcements.
