Apple is preparing to launch new Mac computers equipped with next-generation M2 chips

Apple has reportedly begun extensive internal testing of several new Mac computers equipped with the next-generation M2 chip, according to developer logs. Apple is committed to developing more powerful computer products equipped with its own processor chips.

According to developer logs and people familiar with the matter, Apple is testing at least nine new Mac computers equipped with four different specifications of processor chips based on M2. Third-party applications from the App Store are used in the testing. This move is a key step in the product development process and indicates that new computer products may be released in the next few months.

The M2 is Apple's latest attempt at computer processing chips after it parted ways with Intel chips. Apple is gradually replacing Intel chips with its own processor chips, and now hopes to gain further advantages through more advanced product lines.

After years of slow growth, Apple's Mac computer business has recovered in the past two years, thanks in part to corporate employees buying new devices as they work from home. The business generated $35.2 billion in revenue in Apple's last fiscal year, accounting for about 10% of Apple's total revenue.

Even if the testing of these new Macs goes well, there is no guarantee that all models will eventually be released. An Apple spokesman declined to comment on product release plans.

New computers being tested include:

　　- A MacBook Air codenamed J413, equipped with an M2 chip, including 8 CPU cores and 10 graphics cores. In comparison, the current MacBook Air has 8 graphics cores.

　　- A Mac mini codenamed J473, equipped with an M2 chip, with the same chip parameters as the above MacBook Air. In addition, there is a Mac mini under testing equipped with an M2 Pro chip, codenamed J474.

　　- An entry-level MacBook Pro codenamed J493, equipped with an M2 chip, and the chip parameters are the same as the above MacBook Air.

　　- A 14-inch MacBook Pro codenamed J414, equipped with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips. The M2 Max chip has 12 CPU cores and 38 graphics cores, compared to the current model with 10 CPU cores and 32 graphics cores. In addition, this computer is equipped with 64GB of memory.

　　- A 16-inch MacBook Pro codenamed J416, equipped with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips. The M2 Max chip parameters of this MacBook Pro are the same as those of the 14-inch MacBook Pro.

　　- A Mac Pro codenamed J180, which is equipped with an upgraded chip from the M1 Ultra used in Mac Studio.

Apple is also testing a Mac mini with an M1 Pro chip, the same processor found in the entry-level 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros. That computer is codenamed J374. Apple is also testing an M1 Max version of the Mac mini, but the new Mac Studio could make those products redundant.

According to previous media reports, the new MacBook Air, entry-level MacBook Pro and new Mac mini are scheduled to be released as early as this year, and at least two Mac computers are scheduled to be launched around the middle of this year. The new MacBook Air is likely to bring the most significant redesign in the history of the product line, with narrower borders and the addition of MagSafe charging function.

The developer log has accurately predicted the hardware parameters of upcoming Mac computers in the past. Last year, the developer log showed that the chips equipped in the new MacBook Pro will be M1 Pro and M1 Max.

Apple has not upgraded the MacBook Air, Mac mini, or entry-level MacBook Pro since the launch of the first-generation M1 chip in November 2020. However, last October, Apple launched new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.