Why I’m switching from the MacBook Air to the Pro–but not until next year

As a pure and hard fan and technological journalist, I try to refresh my equipment each year to follow the latest features. However, while my three -year macbook MacBook Air M2 could certainly use an upgrade – and I have my eye on a new MacBook Pro – it will have to last another year. Not only should the M5 MacBook should not understand many new features, but Apple should launch a new era with the M6 ​​MacBook Pro from next year. Here’s why I’m waiting to upgrade – so you have to.

An even thinner new design

With the introduction of the first MacBook Pro Apple Silicon, Apple adopted a more boxing design with flat edges, thin glasses and a notch. It has since become the default design of all its laptops, with the main differences between the MacBook Air and Pro designated by features rather than by form factor.

The next Apple Design chapter seems to be a question of slimming. We already have the models of iPad Pro ultra-thin, and the air of the iPhone 17 should adopt a similar formula later this year. Likewise, the MacBook Pro M6 could follow the plunge at the end of 2026 and boast of a more elegant body that makes it lighter and more mobile. Therefore, opting for a comparatively rude MacBook now does not look like a very wise decision.

A first screen of its kind

Another expected upgrade for the M6 ​​MacBook Pro is its improved display. For the first time on a MacBook, Apple should start an OLED panel, contributing to the real levels of black and more vibrant colors.

We have already seen the advantages of the OLED on the iPhone and the iPad Pro, but they will be even more visible on the largest screen of the MacBook. Compared to the MacBook Pro, the iPad Pro OLED screen has a greater HDR brightness supported with all the same pro-level level features that we already like: the 120 Hz refresh rates (promotional technology), Truetone and the nano-texture option. Compared to my MacBook aerial screen, it’s a brand new world – and you are worth it to be expected.

Foundry

Faster performance (with 5G?)

It goes without saying that the replacement of a MacBook Air M2 with a M4 MacBook Pro will remarkably increase performance, with at least my 8 GB of RAM and much faster speeds. However, the M6 ​​chip to come next year seems to be a huge upgrade of my M2 chip which provides substantial improvements to the CPU, the GPU and the neural engine which feeds the characteristics of the Apple intelligence.

Apple silicon macs seem to follow a four generation performance cycle. The reference results indicate that the transition from an M1 to an M4 chip can improve processor capacities of around 60% in unique and multi-core tasks. The M4 GPU performance is about 60% better than those in the M1, and its neural engine is about three times faster.

As such, at a time when the M5 processor makes its debut, progressive developments over the years will have stacked, guaranteeing an upgrade for M1 Mac users. Likewise, it is logical that M2 Mac users like me are waiting for a M6 to have the most for their upgrade dollars.

And perhaps perhaps, Apple will give us a long requested functionality in the M6 ​​MacBook Pro: Cell Log connectivity. With its new C1 modem in the iPhone 16th, Apple has a control over the cost, performance and efficiency of the wireless chip, so it is to be hoped to bring it to the MacBook Pro to unlock 5G connectivity and make work more possible.

Better battery life

Macbooks with m-fuel are renowned for their energy efficiency and their long battery life. The battery of my M2 MacBook Air, despite a maximum capacity of 82%, always manages to make me spend several hours of continuous navigation to the brightness of the complete display. However, its shortcomings surface each time I do a heavy job, forcing me to load it at least once a day.

According to Apple, the MacBook Air M2 can last up to 6 p.m. on a single load, while the M4 MacBook Pro stretches this at 24 hours. When the M6 ​​MacBook Pro would make its debut, it is sure to assume that the 24 -hour limit has been maintained or improved thanks to improvements in efficiency, OLED display and cooling. Even if it is only an hour or two, it could mean that the M6 ​​MacBook Pro will pass comfortably through several days of work at no cost.

Foundry

The end of the notch

One of Apple’s most unknown features is the front of the stage. When facetiming my friends, the camera framework adapts to my movements and guarantees that I remain centered at all times. The current MacBook models have already carried this function, as well as the 12MP front camera of the iPhone and the iPad. However, they also still have a unsightly notch.

There was a time when the notch of the MacBook reflected the design of the iPhone, but with a single iPhone with a notch (the 16th), it’s time to move on. In addition to the OLED screen, the MacBook Pro models of next year could also remove the controversial notch in favor of a holes design. This would release the space in the menu and would be much better with the new MacOS invisible menu bar design.

The best things come to those waiting

Now that traditional consumption devices have generally matured, there are two main ways to make new versions. We improve each year and complain about how the differences are insignificant, we are ignorant for a few years and take advantage of the greater cumulative impact when a replacement is due.

A jump from my M2 MacBook Air M2 to an M3 or M4 MacBook Pro would be a nice upgrade, but waiting for the M6 ​​MacBook Pro will not only be a huge upgrade for me, but a full refreshment of the high -end Apple laptop with a new design, a faster processor, a longer battery life and the most advanced MacBook screen to date. The wait will not be easy, but it will be worth it.