This means that the key labels can be altered almost instantly, depending on the need of the system or service currently in use. It is also estimated that the 2017 MacBook Air might arrive in the market with an E-ink keyboard. A longer battery life might be enough for Apple to choose a lower-power processor.
Reportedly, the chip will improve the battery life of the 2017 MacBook Air, as well update features like emails while the device is asleep. The chip is not well known, not by a long shot, but this might just be because Apple is opting for a custom ARM chip, much like the ones used in the iPhones. Another option that Apple might go for, however, is something called the Arm Hurricane. As intel has started to ship its Kaby Lake processors, this is a definite possibility and it offers support for USB 3.1, DisplayPort 1.2 and Thunderbolt 3. According to the publication, this will mean a stronger and more modern processor. That idea aside, the MacBook Air could go for a much-needed upgrade. As no official statements have been released, only time will tell at this point. But while the company might have presumed that market is not profitable anymore, there is no denying that the market does exist.
This is a definite possibility, but this means that the company would be removing its entry-level products from the market.įor those that want to use Apple products, but do not need the same power and price tags like the Pro units, this news is a little disappointing. The publication even reports that tech blogger Jack March, who claims to have spoken with individuals close to the project, has mentioned that all the Air lines will soon be discontinued, including the iPad Air. Could 2017 be the year for the Air?ĭuring Apple's October 2016 event, there was no mention of a new MacBook Air. The Cupertino tech giant is not one to make severe upgrades to each notebook line on an annual basis and it did focus its attention on the 2016 MacBook Pro with Touch Bar.
Apple included an optional RAM upgrade for its 13-inch model, but nothing happened with the 11-inch model. Nevertheless, there are still arguments to the contrary and a new lightweight laptop might still be in the mix.Īs MacWorld noted, the MacBook Air actually did receive an update last year, although it was generally disappointing. The theory is at large because of the latest 2016 MacBook Pro, its weight and dimensions, which slightly negate the need for an Air notebook completely. You will also be able to download it from the official Big Sur (Opens in a new window) page.For a while now, it has been speculated that the MacBook Air product line will be discontinued - or at the very least that Apple will no longer manufacture newer generations. If you wish to check for an update, click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your desktop and select System Preferences > Software Update.
All you have to do is click Install Now on the notification and macOS will do the rest. When the general release is out, your Mac should tell you there is an update available. Once everything is backed up, you are ready to proceed. A potential alternative is a dedicated backup service that will save your data remotely. Backups can also be housed on an external hard drive. If you have Time Machine set up (Opens in a new window), it will make hourly backups for the past 24 hours, daily backups for the past month, and weekly backups for all previous months. Here are the devices that will get the new operating system:īefore you upgrade your OS, it's always a good idea to back up your files first. Many current Macs will support Big Sur, though not all. While a new ARM-based fleet of Mac computers is coming, that doesn't mean you have to go out and get a whole new computer right away. If you want to jump in early, you can always sign up for the public beta the next time around just know that they can be unstable and mess with your existing apps. The Big Sur public beta launched in August, which hopefully gave Apple enough time to work out all the kinks before today's official release. Big Sur also gives Safari a customizable start page, more powerful tabs, new translation options, and a new Privacy Report. Expect changes to Safari, Messages, and Maps, along with an iPad-like Control Center and widgets feature. Big Sur replaces Catalina and introduces a significant redesign to go with the company's new ARM-based computers.īig Sur has a more stylized design than its predecessor that focuses on ease of navigation.