We're now almost exactly halfway through 2024, and rather than looking back at the charred remains of our New Year's resolutions, we'd rather review what happened in the world of Apple MacBooks. And also what's potentially coming in the next six months.
If you're in the market for a new laptop, you might be wondering whether it's a good time to buy a new MacBook Air or if it's better to wait for a potential M4 upgrade. Well, we've put together this guide to help you answer these questions and decide which is the best MacBook for you.
Read on to find out what Apple has already launched in 2024 and what rumors predict we could see before the year is out – for Mac fans, it looks like there's a lot to look forward to…
MacBooks in 2024: what's been released so far this year?
This year has been pretty quiet (so far) when it comes to MacBook launches. We’ve only seen two new models take the main stage: the 13-inch MacBook Air and its 15-inch sibling.
Both were launched at the same time in March and came with Apple's latest M3 chip inside. These were minor updates, with the new chip being pretty much the only notable change.
Still, that doesn't mean any of these laptops are worth it; In fact, quite the opposite. Our review of the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3) stated in no uncertain terms that “the world's best laptop just got better.” Our Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M3) review also gave that model a five-star rating, praising its excellent performance, solid design, and long battery life.
However, if you've been hoping to see a new MacBook Pro this year, you're out of luck. Apple hasn't released any pro-grade laptops in 2024, though, as we'll see shortly, that's expected to change in the coming months.
MacBooks in 2024: What releases can we expect for the rest of the year?
While Apple sometimes releases new MacBook Air models early in the year (as it did in 2024), the same is not typically the case for the MacBook Pro. Instead, Apple typically releases new MacBook Pro models late in the year, usually in the fall.
There's a good chance that pattern will repeat itself in 2024. According to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, Apple plans to release new MacBook Pro models “between late 2024 and early 2025.” While we don't know for sure if they will be released before the end of December, Apple has a habit of updating the MacBook Pro at the end of the year, so we think there's a good chance it will happen.
What can we expect from these new MacBook Pros? The biggest highlight will be the inclusion of the new M4 chip, which has already made its way into the iPad Pro. We also think there could be some minor tweaks to connectivity options, perhaps with faster speeds or more Thunderbolt ports. Beyond that, we don't expect to see much else, as almost all the focus will be on the M4 chip.
Last year, Apple launched all major variants of the M3 chip (namely the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max) at the same time, and it’s possible that the same could happen again in 2024. That said, don’t worry. We’d be surprised if we only saw base MacBook Pro M4 models launch this year and had to wait until 2025 for the M4 Pro and M4 Max editions, returning to the staggered plan we’ve seen in the past.
Either way, it's a quick turnaround for a device that wasn't updated until 2023, but it makes sense. Apple's upcoming macOS Sequoia operating system is packed with artificial intelligence (AI) features, and it's thought the new M4 chip will help power these new tools when it comes to the MacBook Pro. That could be a key selling point and something the M3 versions wouldn't be as adept at in comparison.
MacBooks in 2024: what won't be released this year?
Looking ahead to 2024, there are a few more MacBooks on the horizon. We’re primarily expecting updates to both MacBook Air sizes, likely in early to mid-2025.
That’s because some leakers and analysts, such as Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, have claimed that Apple plans to have the M4 chip for its entire Mac lineup. Gurman also claims that the company is considering annual refreshes for its Macs. With those two pieces of information in hand, it suggests that the MacBook Air could get the M4 chip sooner rather than later.
Beyond that, a MacBook Pro refresh is possible later in 2025, but we can't say if that's likely yet. While we can understand the MacBook Air getting a quick update, that move would be bringing it in line with other MacBooks that had previously moved to the M4. In the case of the MacBook Pro, it would incorporate a new chip, the M5, instead of updating. That means there is some degree of uncertainty about whether the MacBook Pro will be renewed in 2025.
On the other hand, if Apple follows through with this apparent plan to update its Macs every year, a new MacBook Pro in 2025 is a distinct possibility. Only time will tell.
MacBooks in 2024: what are Apple's other plans for Mac?
MacBooks aren’t the only computers Apple plans to refresh this year. According to Mark Gurman, the company wants its entire Mac lineup to be on the M4 chip, including the iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro — marking the first time a new chip will come to every Mac Apple makes. Previously, products like the iMac and Mac Pro were occasionally left out.
Looking ahead, there are supposedly plans for a MacBook Pro with an OLED display, and Apple also wants to make its MacBook Pros even thinner (following the example of the iPad Pro). However, we shouldn't expect the first one until 2025 at the earliest, while the thinnest MacBook Pro is unlikely to arrive before 2026.
