Apple has already started testing the new M2 chip with a release imminent according to developer logs revealed to Bloomberg.
The models being tested include MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac Pro and Mac Mini some of which are expected to be released this year.
According to developer logs, which are often an indication of an impending release, the models being tested according to Bloomberg include:
- A MacBook Air with an M2 chip codenamed J413 which will have eight CPU cores and 10 cores for graphics
- A Mac mini with an M2 chip codenamed J473 which will have eight CPU cores and 10 cores for graphics. Bloomberg claims there’s also an “M2 Pro” variation codenamed J474 in testing although the recent release of the Mac Studio raises some doubts about how much further Apple will develop the Mac Mini line.
- An entry-level MacBook Pro with an M2 chip codenamed J493 which will have eight CPU cores and 10 cores for graphics.
- A 14-inch MacBook Pro with M2 Pro and “M2 Max” chips codenamed J414 with 12 CPU cores and 38 graphics cores and 64 GB of memory.
- A 16-inch MacBook Pro with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips codenamed J416 with 12 CPU cores and 38 graphics cores and 64 GB of memory.
- A Mac Pro codenamed J180 which will be an upgrade on the M1 Ultra chip used in the Mac Studio.
- A Mac Mini codenames J374 with the M1 Pro chip which is the same as used in the entry level 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros.
The biggest design change is expected to be in the MacBook Air which will be even thinner than the current model with MagSafe charging.
Bloomberg claims some of these models may be released shortly as developer log testing is often a prelude to a release announcement with the others announced at the WWDC in early June.
Those users that have already gone out and bought the recently released M1 MacBook Pros won’t be too impressed if Apple already releases an upgraded M2 version of the model this year.
However, with Apple no longer having to rely on Intel for chip upgrades, more rapid upgraded releases of the ARM generation of chips by Apple is likely to become more common.