MacBook

2024 MacBook Air review roundup: Serious performance boost

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2024 MacBook Air M3 in use
One reviewer says the 2024 MacBook Air offers, "excellent performance, gorgeous screens and incredible battery life."
Photo: Apple

The highlight of the 2024 MacBook Air is the Apple M3 processor, and the first round of reviews show a 25% increase over the earlier M2-based models.

Otherwise, Apple didn’t tinker with the design of previous versions of its 13- and 15-inch consumer-oriented notebook.

MacBook with 20-inch folding screen still on track for release

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MacBook with 20-inch folding screen still on track for release
This concept could be an early glimpse of the MacBook of the future.
Concept: Atro HQ

Apple continues to work on a MacBook with a 20-inch folding screen, according to a reliable source of insider information. It could set a new pattern for notebooks for the coming decade.

The product has been on the drawing board for quite some time, but isn’t scheduled for release until 2027.

Early benchmarks show M3 chip gives MacBook Air hefty performance boost

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M3 chip gives 2024 MacBook Air hefty performance boost
Dropping the M3 into the 2024 MacBook Air significantly pumps up the performance.
Photo: Apple

The Apple M3 processor in the 2024 MacBook Air brings a 25% increase to the upgraded notebook’s performance, according to early benchmark results. And the increase over the M1-based version is even more spectacular.

The M3 is Apple’s latest processor family, and it’s made using a cutting-edge 3nm production process.

Get ready for new MacBooks and iPads at Apple March event [Updated]

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Get ready for new MacBook and iPad models at Apple March 2024 event
The Apple March 2024 event should be a busy one, with loads of new computers.
Graphic: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple is widely expected to hold a product launch event in March 2024 with a range of new iPad Pro, iPad Air and MacBook Air models on the agenda.

You don’t have to wait to find out what’s on Apple’s agenda. Many details about the upcoming notebooks and tablets already leaked out.

UPDATE: It appears there won’t be an actual event. Apple has begun unveiling the expected product via press release, starting with the M3-powered MacBook Air on Monday. The iPad announcements are likely to come soon. 

Apple adds M3 MacBooks and iMac to Self Service Repair program

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Apple's Self Service Repair Program includes M3 MacBook models as iPhone.
Apple's Self Service Repair Program now includes M3 MacBook models as iPhone and other products.
Photo: Apple

The Apple Self Service Repair program just expanded to include MacBooks and iMacs with the M3 processor released in 2023.

The program provides customers access to parts and tools they need to fix their own devices, and already includes many models of iPhone and iPad plus earlier Macs. But there are some big gaps.

Terrible Mac sales in 2023 help explain why Apple rushed out M3 processor

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New super-size MacBook Air is 'world's thinnest 15-inch laptop'
Even the launch of the first 15-inch MacBook Air wasn't enough to spur 2023 Mac shipments.
Screenshot: Apple

Shipments of Macs plunged 22.4% in 2023, according to a market research firm. While every PC maker also had a weak year, Apple did a bit worse than its rivals.

The drop in macOS demand probably explains why Apple launched the M3 family of processors in the fall, less than a year after the release of their predecessors.

No more confusion: Most MacBook Pro models do support multiple external displays

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Late-2023 MacBook Pro with M3
The 2023 MacBook Pro can handle up to four external displays.
Photo: Apple

I occasionally run across someone criticizing Apple because the MacBook Pro supports only a single external display. But that’s not a limitation of most MBP models — only the budget versions.

It was a drawback of the first professional-grade MacBook with Apple silicon, which is probably why people are still confused today. However, today there are multiple options for those who want two or more external screens.

Expect to wait longer for high-end M3 MacBook Pro and iMac

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Late-2023 MacBook Pro with M3
Whether you can get your hands on the latest MacBook Pro with M3 chip on launch day depends on which configuration you want.
Photo: Apple

Preorder some heavily loaded configurations of the newly announced M3 MacBook Pro models and you’ll be waiting until later in November to receive them. But Apple still has plenty of other configurations ready to go on launch day.

The same is true for the new M3-powered iMac — load it up and the result is a somewhat longer wait.

Don’t expect an OLED MacBook before 2026

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OLED MacBook is possible… and probably inevitable
An OLED MacBook will happen, but patience is required.
Photo: Cult of Mac

An authority on display technology said Wednesday that Apple will be unable to introduce a MacBook with an OLED screen for at least three years.

But iPads with OLED are expected much sooner.

Mac sales decline year-over-year for an odd reason

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iMac Pro and Mac mini
Macs shipments haven't dropped, despite the end of the pandemic.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple shipped 7.2 million Macs in the third quarter of 2023, according to a market analysis firm. That’s a whopping 23% decrease from the previous year, but Q3 2022 was one of the best quarters Apple has ever had for a bad reason.

Ignoring last year’s unusual quarter, Mac shipments are holding steady despite the end of the pandemic. Windows PC makers certainly can’t say that.

Top 7 Macs that Apple should make

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The Mac lineup has never looked better.
Apple makes a lot of Macs, but they still leave some stones unturned.
Photo: Apple

The transition from Intel processors to Apple silicon changed every Mac for the better … almost. But there are a few niches in the lineup that have yet to be filled.

While Apple’s computers are best-in-class, there are a few categories the company does not currently compete in. These are the top seven Macs that Apple doesn’t make.

New MacBook Pro models with mini-LED could launch this year

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2023 MacBook Pro in 16-inch and 14-inch versions
The MacBook Pro models from January 2023 could be replaced by newer ones coming soon.
Image: Apple

Apple will return to its habit of introducing new MacBook Pro models in Q4, according to an unconfirmed report. Supposedly, 14-inch and 16-inch models will hit the market before the end of 2023, both with mini-LED screens.

If true, these will be the second round of new MacBook Pros this year.

Extend your MacBook’s battery for years of use with Energiza Pro

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Energiza Pro battery health panel in the Mac menu bar
Energiza Pro gives you full control over your battery health.
Image: appgineers

How can you best save your MacBook battery life for many years of use? Your laptop’s battery is the most likely component to wear out, and one of the biggest problems is keeping it plugged in all the time. Apple offers some built-in controls, but they’re pretty basic and inflexible. Energiza Pro, on the other hand, gives you far more options, extending your MacBook’s battery life for years to come.

It’s the smart battery manager you need to keep your MacBook alive for longer.

Mac sits at the top of the chart for consumer satisfaction

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24-inch iMac
Mac users are very satisfied with their iMac.
Photo: Apple

Mac users are very satisfied with their computer. Even more so than last year, according to a survey of users of all types of desktops, laptops and tablets.

Apple computers beat Windows PCs from most rivals in user satisfaction. In fact, there’s only one company that can rival Apple.

M3 MacBooks might not debut this year

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Here are the M3-powered Macs expected in fall 2023
There might be no new M3-powered MacBooks this fall. But an iMac upgraded with the faster processor is still possible before 2024.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple might not launch M3-powered MacBooks this year. The claim comes from reputed Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

The TF International Securities analyst did not provide more reason behind this. But given his accurate track record, it’s possible M3 MacBooks might not debut in 2023.

Low-cost MacBook aimed at students supposedly in development

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Apple_new-macbook-air-new-magic-keyboard_03182020
A budget-price MacBook perhaps based on an older MacBook Air might be in the offing.
Photo: Apple

Apple is reportedly working on a MacBook with a price low enough to compete with Chromebooks in the education market.

If true, then the company may well be intending to follow the same strategy for macOS notebooks that it does for the iPhone SE and Apple Watch SE.

A pair of 2017 MacBook Pro models slide onto Apple’s vintage list

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MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017)
If this is your MacBook Pro, we have some kind of bad news for you.
Photo: Apple

Two of the MacBook Pros that launched back in 2017 just got a bit harder to get repaired. That’s because they’ve been added to Apple’s official list of vintage devices. This includes the 15-inch model introduced in 2017 and one of the two 13-inch MacBook Pros.

But it’ll be years before they’re listed as obsolete.

Apple hasn’t given up on Face ID for MacBooks

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No Face ID in MacBook Pro is a missed opportunity
There’d be far fewer complaints about the MacBook Pro notch if it included Face ID.
Graphic: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple just received a patent that covers building Face ID into a MacBook. The facial-recognition system is not a feature of any Mac … yet. But the new patent serves as evidence that Apple is still at least considering the idea of replacing Touch ID with Face ID in its notebook line.

College students, you don’t need a MacBook Air

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2022 iPad Pro gets speed boost from Apple M2 processor but no new ports
An iPad Pro or iPad Air with a Magic Keyboard is a better choice for most students than a MacBook Air.
Photo: Apple

Dear university students: While it’s tempting to buy the hot new MacBook Air, doing so would mean a huge loss of flexibility. You simply don’t need to pay hundreds of dollars more for a laptop that’s less versatile. An iPad Pro with a Magic Keyboard and Pencil fits your needs much better, especially now that it has the very same M2 chip inside.

And beyond the versatility, the whole iPad lineup can do just about everything you can expect a Mac to do every day.

To be clear, there are exceptions to this — some students really do need a Mac. But odds are you’re not one of them.

College students, you don’t need a MacBook Pro

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M2 MacBook Air comes i 13-inch and 15-inch versions
A MacBook Air with either a 13-inch or 15-inch display is a better choice for most students than a MacBook Pro.
Photo: Apple

Dear university students: While it’s tempting to buy the top-tier MacBook Pro, it would be a huge waste of money. You simply don’t need to pay an extra $1,000 or more for a notebook that powerful. A MacBook Air fits your needs much better, especially now that there’s a 15-inch version.

And beyond the higher price, the increased performance of the MacBook Pro comes with a drawback you’ll notice every day.

To be clear, there are exceptions for this — some students really do need a MacBook Pro. But odds are you’re not one of them.

Enter to win a leather MacBook folio from Harber London [Cult of Mac giveaway]

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This handmade full grain Leather Case will make a great companion for your Macbook.
This handmade full-grain leather case will make a great companion for your MacBook.
Photo: Harber London

We’ve got an exciting giveaway this week in partnership with Harber London! One lucky winner will have the chance to score a sleek leather laptop folio that’s perfect for a MacBook (or other laptop between 11 inches and 16 inches). How cool is that?

You’ll be spoiled for choice with four classic colors to choose from: tan, black, navy and deep brown. And trust us, this genuine full-grain leather folio ages beautifully over time, giving it a stylish and unique look no matter which color you go for. Plus, starting at just $132 and with free tracked delivery, it’s a steal. But it’s even better if you win!

Here are the M3-powered Macs expected in fall 2023

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Here are the M3-powered Macs expected in fall 2023
The Apple M3 is almost here, and it’s reportedly going into multiple Macs.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The next generation of Apple silicon is right around the corner, and the upcoming M3 processor is supposedly going into multiple new Macs before the end of 2023.

Here is what we know about the iMac and the two MacBooks we have to look forward to this autumn.

Sweet deals on Mac, iPad and Apple accessories linger on after Prime Day

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The new MacBook Air features a spacious, high-resolution 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display — 25 percent larger than the 13-inch MacBook Air with M2.
The 15-inch MacBook Air is new but you can still find a discount on it, and other Apple products, in after-Prime Day sales.
Photo: Apple

Although Amazon’s Prime Day is over, you have not missed your chance to save money on iPad, MacBook or AirPods. These Apple products are still on sale with enticing discounts.

But don’t wait — these deals could disappear at any time.