
MacBook Air Falls Behind in Apple’s Silicon Evolution
Apple Air’s iconic MacBook, long defended as one of the best mobile phones for everyday consumers, is behind the company’s silicone roadmap. Recent developments have left much to be wondered why Apple’s most popular laptop is increasingly delayed in receiving its latest chipset advances, asking questions about the future direction of the MacBook Air.
The MacBook The air has taken the road
When Apple was transferred from Intel processors to its patented Apple silicone, the MacBook Air was one of the first to adopt the innovative Chipset M1. Launched in 2020, the M1 marked a significant jump in performance, setting a new standard for consumer laptops. This model continued with the M2, strengthening MacBook Air’s position as a leading edge of Apple’s portable innovation.
However, the introduction of the M3 chip in the fall of 2023 marked a change. Apple chose to launch its new silicon on the iMac and MacBook Pro, leaving the MacBook Air behind. This delay came as a surprise, given the huge popularity and the role of air as a consumer favourite.
Change of priorities
The trend towards alignment of the MacBook Air became more evident with the launch of the M4 Chipset in 2024. While the MacBook Pro received M4 Pro and M4 Max variants, the air was left waiting until March 2025 for its update. Until then, the Air M3 chip will have 18 months, a marked contrast to its previous position as a forward runner in the Apple product line.
This delay is particularly striking given the introduction of M4 on the iPad Pro in May 2024. Apple’s decision to prioritize the alignment of its tablet on its best-selling laptop increased the eyebrows between analysts and consumers. The MacBook Unipersonal Air now seems relegated to a secondary role in Apple’s silicone strategy.
The rise of the iPad Pro
The iPad Pro has become increasingly a window for Apple’s state-of-the-art technology. The seventh generation iPad Pro launched the M4 Chipset, solidifying its position as a flagship product. This movement reflects Apple’s growing focus on the iPad line, which has seen significant hardware and software improvements in recent years.
Analysts, including the famous Ming-Chi Kuo supply chain expert, expect the trend to continue. The next M5 chip, scheduled for the second quarter of 2025, would be launched on the iPad Pro instead of any Mac platform. This change highlights Apple’s changing priorities and its focus on diversifying its product portfolio.
Consumer disapproval
Delays in updating the MacBook Air led to frustration among loyal users. Air has always been a reliable option for students, professionals and casual users. Its combination of performance, portability and price has made it an option for millions of consumers worldwide.
With Apple moving to a 12-month product cycle for its silicone chips, the air is slow to adopt the latest technological risks alienating its central audience. When the MacBook Air comes with M4 in 2025, it will already feel out of date with iPad Pro and high performance MacBook Pro models.
Consequences for the apple
Apple’s decision to prioritize other devices on the MacBook Air reflects a broader strategy to diversify its alignment and push the boundaries of its professional tablets and laptops. However, this approach can reach the cost of air relevance in a competitive mobile market.
Competitors such as Dell, HP and Lenovo continue to innovate in the ultra-portable portable space, offering air rivals both in performance and value. If Apple does not tackle these delays, it risks giving ground to these rivals, especially among price-sensitive and performance-conscious buyers.
The position of MacBook Air as market leader is increasingly being questioned. Although still a popular option, its late updates and decreasing function in Apple’s Silicon narrative highlight a change in the company’s priorities. It remains to be seen whether this strategy will pay or lead to a decrease in the size of the air. For now, those looking for advanced technology may need to look beyond Apple’s most iconic laptop.