Earlier this week, we learned that Apple’snext batch of Macsloaded withM3 chipscould be set to launch in the fall. Today, a fresh report claims they could arrive ahead of schedule — but there are reasons to be doubtful.
The idea comes from apaywalled DigiTimes report(viaMacRumors), which cites “industry sources” to claim that Apple will introduce a new MacBook Pro — complete with a 3-nanometer Apple silicon chip that will boastimproved performance and efficiency— as soon as the third quarter of 2023. That quarter runs from July 1 until September 30.
The MacBook Pro that DigiTimes refers to is presumably the13-inch MacBook Pro, as this hasn’t been tweaked since 2022, whereas the 16-inch and14-inch MacBook Prolaptops received a fresh upgrade as recently as January 2023. That makes them unlikely candidates for another update this year.
Aside from the 13-inch MacBook Pro, M3 upgrades could also be coming to the24-inch iMacand the13-inch MacBook Airlater in 2023. That’s according toa reportfrom journalist Mark Gurman, although DigiTimes apparently makes no mention of these devices.
An unusual release date
There is a potential problem with DigiTimes’ timeline, however. Given the Apple events that are expected this year — and the company’s longstanding custom of launching new Macs after new iPhones in the fall — a third-quarter launch for the MacBook Pro seems unlikely.
Apple is widely expected to launch itsiPhone 15andApple Watch Series 9lineup at a September event, as is the company’s tradition. Macs usually follow behind that, either in October or November. It’s very unusual for new MacBooks to launch in the third quarter, suggesting you should take DigiTimes’ claim with a dose of skepticism.
Yet it’s nottotallyunknown for Apple to unveil a new MacBook in the third quarter. After all, the M2 MacBook Air was revealed in July 2022, while both the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro were updated in July 2019. That means we can’t quite rule out the DigiTimes report entirely.
Whatever the case, it would be worth keeping an eye on the moves Apple makes during this year’s third quarter. You never know, the next generation of MacBook Pro laptops may be here before you know it.
