We've been hearing news for a while about a major overhaul of the MacBook Air's design, including rumours that it will be thinner and lighter than ever. Now it's been reported that it will be released in mid-2022 and will have a mini LED display for improved image quality.
Ming-Chi Kuo, an Apple analyst who's provided accurate insights in the past, says the next MacBook Air will have a Mini LED display, a technology that Apple already introduced in this year's iPad Pro 12.9 and is expected to bring to the MacBook Pro later this year (see our guide to the best laptops for graphic design for the best laptops available now). If you've already got a MacBook Air, and you're looking to protect it, look at our guide to the best MacBook Air cases available to buy.
According to MacRumors (opens in new tab), Ming-Chi Kuo revealed in a note to investors that the new MacBook Air will have a 13.3-inch mini-LED display. Mini LED technology is increasingly being used in new televisions. It shrinks the LED modules in LCD screens to offer brighter, more vibrant images with a wider colour gamut and truer blacks. Higher contrast allows Mini LED displays to approach the quality of OLED screens – but without the issue of burn-in.
Although we were hugely impressed with the internal specs of the latest M1 MacBook Air, the design itself had barely changed, leaving it looking a little old compared to the shiny new iMac. It looks like that will change next year. We've already had a glimpse of what the 2022 MacBook Air might look like thanks to renders from our favourite Apple leaker, Jon Prosser. It appears it will have a straight, thinner design and will come in seven colours, inspired by the 2021 iMac. It's also rumoured to have vastly reduced bezels around the 13-inch display.
The new shape alone could be a game-changer for creatives, making the machine more portable – and creating a more obvious difference with the MacBook Pro. Add to that the enhanced visual display of a mini-LED screen, and the MacBook Air will really stand apart from the competition. It's also rumoured that the new model will get a more powerful update on the M1 chip (possibly the M2), a pair of Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and MagSafe charging.
However, if performance is what's most important for you, there's no need to wait for next year's release since the current M1 MacBook is pretty incredible, offering outstanding performance and battery life. See the best deals available now below.
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