A Strategy to Boost Slumping Laptop Sales
Apple plans to release a 15-inch MacBook Air with a sharper screen to rejuvenate its declining laptop sales, as reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The upcoming device is expected to feature the same M2 chip used in last year’s MacBook Air models, rather than the anticipated M3 chip. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the 15-inch MacBook Air’s display, performance, and Apple’s strategy behind the new device.
A Sharper Screen for the 15-inch MacBook Air
The 15-inch MacBook Air is likely to have the same 3024 x 1964 resolution as the 14-inch MacBook Pro. However, the display may be slightly less sharp, as the resolution will be stretched to fill the larger screen. Apple is currently testing the laptop with macOS 14, which is set to be unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June.
Performance: M2 Chip, Not M3
Contrary to previous expectations, the 15-inch MacBook Air will likely come with the same M2 chip found in the previous MacBook Air models. This means that the performance of the new device will be similar to its predecessors, despite the larger display.
Apple’s Strategy: Reviving Laptop Sales
Apple‘s laptop sales have been steadily declining, with Mac revenues dropping by 10% last summer and falling even further in the first quarter of 2023. According to IDC, Apple’s laptop shipments for Q1 2023 saw a 40% decline due to weak demand, excess inventory, and a worsening economic climate. The company is hoping that the larger MacBook Air will help boost sales and counteract this downward trend.
Other Upcoming Mac Devices
In addition to the 15-inch MacBook Air, Apple is testing several other Mac devices to address its sales slump. These include a 13-inch MacBook Air, 24-inch iMac, and 13-inch MacBook Pro, all expected to be equipped with the more efficient M3 chip based on a 3nm process. Furthermore, Gurman reports that refreshed 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros are planned for 2024.
Apple’s decision to launch a 15-inch MacBook Air with a sharper screen but similar performance aims to revive its laptop sales. While the device may not feature the M3 chip as initially thought, Apple is counting on the larger display to entice customers. As the company explores new strategies and products to reverse its recent decline in sales, the 15-inch MacBook Air’s reception will be a critical test of its approach.
