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Apple De-Prioritizes MacBook Updates As iPhone and New Products Take Focus

  • Apple reportedly cut MacBook Air orders due to slower sales amidst overall PC market decline
  • Next MacBooks likely delayed for M3 chip launch to attract upgrades from faithful and new users
  • iPhone 15 Pro has priority for 3nm chips over MacBooks as Apple's sales leader
  • Apple Vision AR headset may also get priority over new Macs for M2 chips
  • With Mac transition to Apple Silicon done, MacBooks now less of a focus vs iPhone, iPad, Vision
forbes.com
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Apple has announced its new mixed reality headset, called Apple Vision, which is set to be released in early 2024 with a price tag of $3,499. The author had the opportunity to try out the headset and found the experience to be extraordinary, exceeding their expectations. The Vision headset combines virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies, providing a high-resolution and immersive experience. The device utilizes Apple's R1 processor and real-time execution engine to deliver fast and seamless visuals. The author believes that the Vision headset has the potential to replace traditional computing devices like the Mac and iPad, particularly for productivity and consumption purposes. However, the author also raises concerns about the solitary nature of the device and its potential impact on social connectedness.
Apple is reportedly considering launching a line of low-cost MacBooks to rival Chromebooks, targeting buyers who find Apple's premium laptops too expensive.
According to supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is unlikely to release any new MacBook models with the M3 chip this year, ruling out the possibility of a October event featuring Macs with the new chip.
Apple may not include the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro in the launch of the next-generation Apple Silicon M3, potentially opting to release it with the iMac instead, due to possible manufacturing constraints.
Apple's recent product launch event focused on the new iPhone and other devices, leaving little information about the upcoming Vision Pro headsets, which are promised to be a leap forward in technology but won't be available until early next year.
Apple recently unveiled its newest hardware, including the iPhone 15, Apple Watch Series 9, and AirPods, featuring updated features, specs, and prices ahead of the holiday season.
Apple is unlikely to have any major product releases or events for the remainder of 2023, with no new MacBooks, iPads, or accessories expected, although there is a possibility of a new iMac with an M3 chip being announced.
Apple has reportedly canceled plans to produce a lower-cost version of the Apple Vision Pro headset, potentially affecting shipment growth in 2025, but a second-generation version is expected to go into production by the first half of 2027.
Apple plans to release new MacBooks and iPads with 3nm chips in 2024, but demand for the devices might be "below expectations" due to a "lack of growth drivers," according to research shared today by supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Apple announced its own mixed-reality headset, the Vision Pro, during the World Wide Developer Conference, featuring sleek aesthetics, a custom operating system, spatial software, and a high price tag of $3,499.
Get early discounts on Apple technology and home gear ahead of Amazon's Big Deal Days, with savings on popular products like Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds, Apple AirPods Pro, Apple Watch Series 8, and more.
Apple may release a new Mac model this month, potentially coinciding with the announcement of the M3 chip, according to information obtained by MacRumors.
Amazon is offering discounts on Apple products, including $250 off the 15-inch M2 MacBook Air, ahead of its fall sales event, "Prime Big Deal Days."
Apple's second-generation Vision Pro headset is focusing on reducing size and weight, as well as improving user experience for those who need prescription lenses, with considerations for simpler purchases and direct lens installation, but the product is not expected until 2025 to 2027.
Apple is already working on a next-generation version of its Vision Pro headset to address early complaints about the first-generation model, including reducing its weight and considering built-in prescription lenses.
Apple's first MacBook Pro models with OLED displays are expected to launch in 2026 or 2027, as it will take a few years for Apple's supply chain partners to establish OLED manufacturing lines for mass production, according to Display Supply Chain Consultants CEO Ross Young.
Apple will release its first MacBooks with TSMC's 3nm fabrication process in 2024, according to a notebook shipments forecast, contradicting rumors of a release this year.
Apple's rumored M3 MacBooks, based on TSMC's 3nm fabrication process, may not be released until 2024 according to a recent five-year global notebook shipments forecast, which also predicts a 4.7% growth in the notebook market following a decline, citing Apple's transition to CPUs built by a 3nm node at TSMC for performance upgrading in 2024.
Apple's delay in introducing OLED displays to the MacBook Pro models will disappoint consumers, as the new technology is not expected until 2026 or 2027.
Apple is not expected to release new iPad and MacBook models this month, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
Apple is rumored to announce updated versions of the base model iPad, iPad Air, and iPad Mini this week, with spec bumps and new chips.
Apple is considering releasing a cheaper version of its Vision Pro headset, which may have fewer external cameras, no EyeSight feature, and an iPhone chip instead of the current Mac chip, with the aim of reducing the cost to between $1,500 and $2,500.
Four new MacBook models featuring M3-series chips are set to launch next year, including MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
Apple's upcoming low-cost variant of the Vision Pro headset is expected to omit features like EyeSight and an M-series chip, while also reducing the number of cameras and sensors, in order to lower the price to around $1,500 to $2,500.
Apple's M3 MacBook Pro is expected to be released in early 2024, followed by the M3 MacBook Air a few months later, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
Apple's upcoming more affordable version of the Vision Pro AR/VR headset will omit the EyeSight functionality to bring down cost, aiming for a price tag of $1,500-2,500, while other upcoming Apple products such as MacBook Pros, MacBook Airs, and iPads with new features are in development.
MacBook sales are expected to decline by 30% in 2023 due to Apple's decision to not release any new Macs and a decrease in demand, according to Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
MacBook sales have significantly declined in 2023, indicating that the surge in interest and innovation that the MacBook experienced in previous years has subsided, possibly due to the natural slump in PC sales after the pandemic and less excitement surrounding recent Mac releases.
Apple is hosting a training event in early 2024 for select retail store employees to learn about the Vision Pro headset before its launch, with the attendees expected to provide training and support to their colleagues upon returning to their home stores.
Apple is set to announce several new Macs, including a new iMac and three new MacBook Pros, all featuring the Apple M3 chip.
Apple is reportedly planning a Mac-related launch event at the end of this month, possibly announcing a new 24-inch iMac and updated MacBook Pro models.
Apple is rumored to be preparing for a product launch at the end of October, potentially featuring new versions of the MacBook Pro and iMac, with a larger 32-inch iMac being the highlight of the release. However, it is unlikely that new iPads will be revealed, and there may also be new 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pros introduced. Additionally, Apple is said to be working on improving Siri with generative AI and exploring various AI integrations across its products.
Apple is rumored to be planning a product launch, potentially in October, with new Macs, including a new iMac and MacBook Pros, expected to be announced.
Apple has announced an online event on October 30th, where they are expected to refresh several Macs in their lineup, including the 24-inch iMac and the MacBook Pro models.
Apple has sent out invites for its upcoming virtual event on October 30, hinting at the possibility of new silicon, such as the M3 chip, and new Macs are expected to be announced, including a potential MacBook Pro and iMac refresh.
Apple is reportedly preparing to launch new Mac-centered products, including MacBook Pro models, at the end of October, with expectations of faster options powered by the M2 or M3 Apple Silicon technology.
An alleged image of the box for a new MacBook Pro has surfaced, suggesting that Apple may be releasing refreshed models at their upcoming "Scary Fast" event on October 30th, contrary to previous predictions.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that Apple may release a low-cost MacBook series next year to boost MacBook shipments, with a target of 8-10+ million units per year, and that the upcoming Mac event on October 30 may introduce new MacBook Pro models featuring M3 chips.
Apple is rumored to be considering the launch of a low-cost MacBook, possibly in the form of a 12-inch model and a 13-inch model aimed at the education market, though the credibility of the sources is uncertain.
Apple is hosting an event called "Scary Fast" on October 30, where they are expected to unveil new hardware, focusing on Macs and upgraded chipsets like the M3 series MacBook Pro and a refreshed 24-inch iMac. Additionally, there may be announcements regarding new MacBook Pro models and possibly a new iPad Pro.
Apple is expected to announce new Macs, including possibly a refreshed iMac desktop and updated MacBook Pro models with faster M3 processors, at its online-only "Scary Fast" event on October 30th.
Apple's "Scary Fast" event on October 30 will focus on the Mac lineup, including the expected updates to the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M3 Pro and M3 Max chips, as well as an update to the 24-inch iMac with an M3 chip and USB-C accessories replacing Lightning ports.
Apple is holding a standalone event called "Scary Fast" that is expected to include announcements of new chips, a new 24-inch iMac, a MacBook Pro refresh, and possibly updates to the iPad and other devices.
Apple's "Scary Fast" event on October 30 is expected to unveil new MacBook Pro models and a new iMac, but it is unlikely to announce the M3 13-inch MacBook Pro, M3 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air, Mac Pro, Mac Studio, Mac Mini, new iPads, iPhone SE 4, Vision Pro Headset, AirPods refresh, or HomePod updates, with most of these products anticipated to launch in 2024 or later.
Apple may be developing new low-cost MacBooks, including a 12-inch and 13-inch model, which can compete with Chromebooks in the education market and offer an affordable alternative to the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.