Apple is developing a next-generation version of the M1 Apple silicon chip, which will tentatively be called the “M2.” The M2 is believed to be shipping in 2022, and current rumors suggest that it could be a replacement for the M1 that’s destined for next-generation MacBook Air models.
Apple in October 2021 unveiled the M1 Pro and the M1 Max, its newest Apple silicon chips that are used in the 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. The M1 Pro has up to 10 CPU cores and up to 16 GPU cores, while the M1 Max has a 10-core CPU and up to 32 GPU cores.
The M2 is the next-generation version of Apple silicon, and the first M2 chip will succeed the M1 chip. It will not be as powerful as the M1 Max and the M1 Pro, but it will be more powerful than the M1, the chip that it is designed to replace.
We know a limited amount about the M2 at this time, but rumors suggest it will be first used in the updated and redesigned MacBook Air that’s planned for somewhere around mid-to-late 2022.
The M2 is expected to have the same 8-core CPU as the M1, but there will be speed and efficiency improvements as it may be built on a smaller node.
It is expected to have additional GPU cores, with 9 and 10-core GPU options, up from the 7 and 8-core GPU options in the original M1 chip.
The M2 chip is likely to be included in the MacBook Air that’s coming in 2022, according to leaker Dylandkt.
Apple’s MacBook Air is expected to see a total design overhaul, with the new machine featuring slimmer off-white bezels, an off-white keyboard, a MacBook Pro-style design with a possible notch and no more wedge-shaped design.
The M2 could also be used in updated lower-end versions of future MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini models, but we have little information the products that will adopt the M2 at this point.
Apple is planning to transition all of its Mac products over to the M-series Apple silicon chips in the future, so we will likely continue to see iterations and improvements to the chip lineup. Apple has continually refreshed the A-series chips used in iPhones each year, and we’re expecting the same regular upgrades for the Apple silicon chips.
Apple will likely introduce M2 Pro and M2 Max chips for future versions of the MacBook Pro and other devices, if it sticks with the M1/M1 Pro/M1 Max naming scheme introduced across 2020 and 2021.
If you want to know more about Apple’s plans for its Apple silicon chips, or the M1 that’s used in the current MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac machines, we have dedicated Apple silicon and M1 chip guides. We also have a guides for the M1 Max and M1 Pro chips that are in the 2021 MacBook Pro models.
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