MacBooks in 2024: the big launches we’ve seen so far and what’s coming next
We’re now almost exactly halfway through 2024—and rather than look back at the charred remains of our New Year’s resolutions, we’d rather look back at what’s happened in the world of Apple’s MacBooks. And what might happen in the next six months.
If you’re in the market for a new laptop, you might be wondering whether now’s a good time to buy a new MacBook Air, or if you’re better off waiting for a potential M4 refresh. We’ve put together this guide to help you answer these questions and decide which MacBook is best for you.
Read on to find out what Apple has already launched in 2024 and what the rumor mill predicts we can expect before the end of the year. For Mac fans, it looks like there’s plenty to look forward to…
MacBooks in 2024: What’s been launched so far this year?
This year has been pretty quiet (so far) when it comes to MacBook launches. We only saw two new models hit the main stage: the 13-inch MacBook Air and its 15-inch brother.
Both were released simultaneously in March and came with Apple’s latest M3 chip inside. These were very minor updates, with the new chip being pretty much the only change of note.
However, that doesn’t mean either of these laptops are worth it; on the contrary. Our Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3) review 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.
If you’ve been waiting for a brand new MacBook Pro this year, you’re out of luck. Apple hasn’t launched any pro-level laptops until 2024, but as we’ll soon see, that’s expected to change in the coming months.
MacBooks in 2024: what launches can we expect for the rest of the year?
While Apple sometimes launches new MacBook Air models early in the year (such as in 2024), that’s usually not the case with the MacBook Pro. Instead, Apple typically releases new MacBook Pro models late in the year, often in the fall.
There is a good chance that this pattern will repeat itself in 2024. According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, Apple plans to launch new MacBook Pro models “between late 2024 and early 2025.” While we’re not sure if they’ll be released before the end of December, Apple has a habit of updating the MacBook Pro late in the year, so we think there’s a good chance that will happen.
What can we expect from these new MacBook Pros? The key point is the addition of the new M4 chip, which has already landed in the iPad Pro. We also think there will be some minor tweaks to the connectivity options, perhaps with faster speeds or more Thunderbolt ports. But beyond that, we don’t expect to see much more, as almost all the attention is focused on the M4 chip.
Last year, Apple launched all the mainstream variants of the M3 chip (i.e. the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max) at the same time, and it’s possible the same could happen again in 2024. However, don’t be surprised if we only see the entry-level M4 MacBook Pro models released this year and have to wait until 2025 for the M4 Pro and M4 Max editions, returning to the phased plan we’ve seen in the past.
Either way, it’s a quick turnaround time for a device that isn’t due to be upgraded until 2023, but it makes sense. Apple’s upcoming macOS Sequoia operating system is betting heavily on artificial intelligence (AI) features, and the new M4 chip is thought to help power those new tools when it comes to the MacBook Pro. That could be a key selling point, and something the M3 versions aren’t said to be as adept at by comparison.
MacBooks in 2024: What’s Not Coming This Year?
Looking beyond 2024, there are a few more MacBooks on the horizon. Primarily, we expect updates to both sizes of the MacBook Air, most likely in early to mid 2025.
That’s because certain leakers and analysts – such as Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman – have claimed that Apple is planning to get its entire Mac range on the M4 chip. Gurman also claims that the company is considering annual upgrades 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.
Additionally, a MacBook Pro refresh later in 2025 is possible, but we can’t yet say whether that’s likely. While we can understand the MacBook Air getting a quick upgrade, that move would be intended to bring it in line with other MacBooks that had previously moved to the M4. In the case of the MacBook Pro, it would pack a new chip – the M5 – rather than play catch-up. That means there’s some uncertainty surrounding whether the MacBook Pro will get a refresh in 2025.
Then again, if Apple continues with this apparent plan to upgrade 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 Mac plans?
MacBooks aren’t the only computers Apple is planning to update this year. According to Mark Gurman, the company wants its entire Mac line to come with the M4 chip, including the iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio and Mac Pro. This will be the first time that a new chip will be coming to any Apple Mac. Previously, products like the iMac and Mac Pro were occasionally absent.
Looking further ahead, there are reportedly plans for an OLED MacBook Pro, 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 thinner MacBook Pro probably won’t hit the market before 2026.