New iPad Air, MacBook Air & Budget iPad Expected Soon Here’s What We Know

Apple is getting ready to introduce a new wave of devices, including an updated iPad Air, MacBook Air, and entry-level iPad. According to a report from DigiTimes, the company’s supply chain has been ramping up production, hinting that an official launch may be just around the corner.

Expected Launch Timeline for Apple’s New Devices

Recent reports suggest that shipments for these upcoming products began in December, making an early 2024 release highly likely. While Apple hasn’t announced an exact date yet, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has hinted that the new MacBook Air and iPads could be revealed as soon as this month or by April at the latest.

In addition to these devices, Apple is also expected to unveil the iPhone SE 4 sometime this week, with the Mac and iPad models following soon after.

Apple’s Shift Toward Custom Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Chips

One of the most interesting aspects of this launch is Apple’s transition to in-house chips for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. While Macs and iPads already run on Apple’s own processors, a new Taiwanese supply chain report suggests that the company is working on replacing Broadcom’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips with its own custom solution.

That said, Gurman previously reported that Apple’s in-house Wi-Fi chip might not debut in Macs and iPads until 2026. If this is the case, the timeline for this transition remains uncertain, and Apple may still rely on Broadcom chips for now.

Will Apple’s Custom Wi-Fi Chip Offer Better Performance?

Apple’s in-house Wi-Fi chip is expected to support Wi-Fi 6E, which provides faster speeds, reduced network congestion, and improved connectivity in crowded areas. However, it’s still unclear if Apple’s version will outperform Broadcom’s current chips. One potential benefit could be better power efficiency, which may lead to longer battery life on MacBooks and iPads.

Performance Upgrades: M4 MacBook Air & M3 iPad Air

Apple’s next-generation devices are expected to deliver major performance improvements thanks to new Apple Silicon chips:

• MacBook Air (13-inch & 15-inch) → Likely to feature the M4 chip, bringing better speed, graphics, and energy efficiency.
  • iPad Air (2024) → Rumored to upgrade to the M3 chip, making it a great option for creative professionals and power users.
• Entry-Level iPad (11th Gen) → Expected to come with either the A16 Bionic chip or the A17 Pro chip, boosting performance for everyday tasks.

No Major Design Changes Expected

Aside from the internal upgrades, no significant design changes are expected for these devices. Apple seems to be focusing on performance enhancements rather than a hardware redesign.

With an official announcement expected soon, Apple fans won’t have to wait much longer to see what’s in store. Stay tuned for more updates on pricing, availability, and official specs!