Apple may offer a larger version of the MacBook Air with a 15-inch screen, according to a recent report from well-connected Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman.
The report focuses on Apple's plans for the future of its popular MacBook Air line and reveals that a considerably larger MacBook Air model has been in the works, although it appears it may yet be a while until we see it:
The company considered building a larger version of the MacBook Air with a 15-inch screen, but Apple isn't moving forward with this for the next generation...
The current MacBook Air has a 13.3-inch display and there has never been a model larger than this, so a new 15-inch model would represent a major addition to the Mac lineup. Larger 15- and 16-inch screen sizes have historically been reserved for the more powerful, high-end MacBook Pros, while the MacBook Air has been limited to 13.3 inches and was even available in a smaller 11.6-inch size from 2010 to 2016.
Before the 15-inch model's potential release date in the future, however, it seems that Apple is planning to redesign the MacBook Air. The immediate next generation of MacBook Air models, expected to be released during the second half of this year at the earliest or in 2022, are said to be "thinner and lighter," sporting reduced bezels for a smaller overall footprint, and the return of the MagSafe charging connector. The upcoming 2021 MacBook Pro models are similarly expected to see a reduction in bezels and the return of MagSafe charging.
It will include Apple's MagSafe charging technology and a next-generation version of the company's in-house Mac processors. Apple has discussed making the laptop smaller by shrinking the border around the screen, which will remain 13-inches. The current model weighs 2.8 pounds and is just over half an inch at its thickest point.
The current MacBook Air, last upgraded in November with the M1 chip, is expected to remain in the company's lineup as an entry-level offering alongside the newer, redesigned models with MagSafe.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has previously said that Apple will introduce a new MacBook Air at some point in 2022, suggesting there may not be a refresh this year. According to Kuo, the MacBook Air coming in 2022 will feature a mini-LED display, a prediction also echoed by DigiTimes.
