While the coronavirus could shut down Apple stores for now, the hardware product cycle continues, and it looks like we're in line for a MacBook Air update next week. The hack comes courtesy of a source speaking to MacRumors, a source that has been accurate in the past, so please take this as a possibility rather than a certainty at this point. Apple analysts have been busy forecasting MacBook upgrades for some time during 2020, which should switch to Apple-made processors instead of relying on Intel chipsets. It's also been speculated that the smaller MacBook Pro and MacBook Air would get a minor update before then, with the new keyboard seen on the latest 16-inch MacBook Pro. This update is scheduled for Q2020 XNUMX, which begins in April.
Mark your calendars
If MacRumors' source is correct, Apple could announce the MacBook Air update sometime next week, and then start shipping laptops in April. Whether the ongoing coronavirus epidemic would affect production remains to be seen. The latest MacBook Air design and specs were released in late 2018, with a minor update coming in July 2019. Another update would now be in the offing, but it's not entirely beyond the bounds of reason. Unfortunately, the anonymous whistleblower behind this new rumor doesn't tell us what to expect from the updated MacBook Air lineup, beyond a better keyboard. If the rumors are to be believed, Apple had planned an event in March to launch a sequel to the iPhone SE and the new iPad Pros, before the arrival of the coronavirus. The new and updated MacBook Air may also be introduced.