March is usually a month of new product launches for Apple, and this year seems to be no exception. While the exact date is still unknown, reports suggest that several new Macs and iPads are set to be released in the coming weeks, bringing some exciting changes along with them.
If you’re considering getting a new MacBook, March could be the perfect time to make your purchase. Here’s what we can expect to see stealing the spotlight.
The Arrival of the M3 MacBook Air
The most anticipated Mac to be unveiled in March is the MacBook Air. Currently, this is the only Apple laptop without the M3 chip, following the upgrade of the MacBook Pro last year. The MacBook Air is expected to receive the entry-level M3 chip, offering notable GPU improvements. While it may not be a significant upgrade compared to the M3 Pro or M3 Max, the enhanced GPU performance will be appealing to those interested in light gaming.
The M3 chip brings enhancements to CPU and graphics performance, including hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading, improving rendering quality for gaming and other tasks. Despite not getting the more powerful M3 Pro or M3 Max chips, the M3 MacBook Air is expected to outperform the M2 model.
Additionally, the M3 chip introduces Wi-Fi 6E support, enhancing connectivity. While the MacBook Air’s design and display are likely to remain unchanged, the performance boost from the M3 chip makes it a worthwhile investment for gaming enthusiasts.
Both the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models are expected to receive the M3 chip simultaneously in March, aligning their updates moving forward, similar to the MacBook Pro lineup.
A Potential Mac Mini Release
While the MacBook Air is a sure bet for March, there’s also speculation about a Mac mini release. With the last update in January 2023, the Mac mini has gone over a year without changes, potentially making it the only consumer Mac remaining on the M2 chip if the MacBook Air gets the M3 upgrade.
Rumors suggest the M3 Mac mini is in development, hinting at a potential upgrade with the M3 Pro chip for improved graphics and gaming capabilities. However, without concrete evidence of its release date, it’s uncertain whether the Mac mini will make an appearance in March.
Unlikely Mac Releases
While there are expectations for new products in March, certain Mac models are unlikely to be unveiled.
Don’t anticipate new MacBook Pro models, as they were last updated in October 2023, making a swift refresh unlikely until fall 2024. The iMac, also updated in October 2023, may follow a similar update cycle with extended intervals between upgrades.
Furthermore, the Mac Studio and Mac Pro are speculated to receive updates later in 2024 according to reports, ruling out a March release. With the last update in June 2023, these high-end Mac devices are likely to see updates after a year or more.
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