Apple has rapidly updated its product lineup, refreshing nearly all devices since September. Key releases include the iPhone 16, updated iPads, and new MacBook Air and Mac Studio models featuring the M4 and M3 Ultra chips, respectively. The MacBook Air has seen price reductions, while the Mac Studio targets creators with high-performance capabilities. Although most hardware has been updated, future releases like the Mac Pro and HomePods remain uncertain, with major announcements expected in September.
Apple’s Rapid Product Renewals: A Closer Look
Has there ever been such a flurry of updates from Apple in such a brief period? Since September, the tech giant has refreshed nearly its entire lineup. Initially, we saw updates to the iPhones, Apple Watch, and AirPods in September, followed by new releases of the iMac, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iPad mini as the year came to a close. In February, Apple introduced the iPhone 16, and just recently, on March 4, new iPad Air and iPad models hit the market. A key factor behind this rapid succession of renewals is Apple’s push for enhanced intelligence, necessitating the allocation of more resources.
Introducing the MacBook Air and Mac Studio Updates
Just a day after unveiling the new iPads, Apple made headlines with three press releases announcing the refresh of its flagship laptop: the MacBook Air. This update coincides with the first refresh of the Mac Studio desktop, specifically designed for creators, since 2023. The Mac Studio 2025 now features an upgraded M3 Ultra chip.
What can users expect from the MacBook Air 2025? It remains available in two sizes, 13.6 inches and 15.2 inches, and transitions from the M3 chip to the M4 chip. This update is a standard progression for the product, ensuring it leverages the latest technology. Notably, every MacBook Air has been equipped with a minimum of 16 GB of RAM since late 2024.
In addition to the chip upgrade, the MacBook Air M4 brings several exciting enhancements. However, it’s worth mentioning that the new model lacks an additional USB-C port, a feature present in the MacBook Pro equipped with the same chip. This decision appears to be a strategic move to encourage users to opt for the pricier MacBook Pro, even though the M4 chip has the capability to support three ports.
On a positive note, Apple has lowered the prices. The M2 and M3 versions of the MacBook Air have been phased out, leaving only the M4 models in the catalog. The 13-inch model is now priced at €1,199, down from €1,299, while the 15-inch version sees a reduction from €1,599 to €1,499. This pricing adjustment makes the MacBook Air more accessible compared to the M4 MacBook Pro, which retails at €1,899.
As for the Mac Studio, it transitions from the M2 Max to the M4 Max chip, which is a logical upgrade. Surprisingly, the M2 Ultra, comprised of two M2 Max chips, has been upgraded to the M3 Ultra, a chip that Apple had not previously showcased. This raises questions about the decision to skip the M4 Ultra, possibly reserving it for a future Mac Pro release.
The M3 Ultra chip is Apple’s most robust system on a chip (SoC) to date, combining two M3 Max chips into one via UltraFusion technology. With an impressive 184 billion transistors, its top-tier configuration includes a 32-core CPU (24 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores), a maximum 80-core GPU, a 32-core NPU, and at least 96 GB of RAM (expandable to 512 GB). The bandwidth reaches 800 GB/s, with Thunderbolt 5 support for the first time, offering speeds of 120 GB/s. Apple positions the Mac Studio 2025 as the ultimate machine for running large language models (LLMs) locally.
Beyond these updates, there isn’t much else to report on the Mac Studio, as it continues to cater to creatives seeking high performance. The compact Mac mini M4 is more than adequate for most users’ needs. The Mac Studio starts at €2,499, whereas the MacBook Air is priced from €699. It is essential for potential buyers to understand that the M4 Max is not necessarily superior to the M3 Ultra.
With this plethora of new releases, Apple’s roadmap for the upcoming months appears somewhat ambiguous. While the Mac Pro, AirTags, and HomePods remain unaddressed, virtually all other hardware has been refreshed. Anticipated major announcements are likely to occur in September with the iPhone 17, along with software updates expected in June during WWDC.