MacBook Air with 15.5-inch display tipped for spring 2023 launch

MacBook Air M2 2022
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Spring next year could see the launch of a 15.5-inch MacBook Air, likely with an Apple M2 chip, offering Mac fans a larger version of the critically acclaimed MacBook Air M2

That’s according to display analyst Ross Young, who claims that panel production for a 15.5-inch MacBook Air will start in the first quarter of 2023, and thus Young assumes a spring launch is in the cards.  

Young is reasonably accurate when it comes to such information, and a 15.5-inch MacBook Air makes a good bit of sense. That’s because the Dell XPS comes in 13-inch and 15-inch versions, as does the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5, with its 13.5-inch and 15-inch models. 

Dell's larger XPS tends to fit in more powerful specs, while Microsoft Surface Laptops keep the same specs but add in a larger screen. Both have their places in the laptop world, and a MacBook Air M2 with a larger screen is likely to have its place in the Mac line up. 

While I find the MacBook Air M2’s 13.6-inch display is excellent, even with the notch, a larger screen would be welcome to many users. If Apple could deliver the power of the current Air and offer a larger screen without cranking up the weight by a significant amount, it could have another excellent and relatively affordable MacBook on its hands. 

Furthermore, with a larger chassis, this rumored MacBook Air could sport a larger battery, which could result in even longer battery life. The current Air M2 lasted for 14 hours and 6 minutes in the Tom's Guide battery test, so we see longer endurance from the 15.5-inch model. 

And while I love the current MacBook Air’s screen, there are times when I have to lean into the display to peer at small details on a webpage. A larger display could be the antidote to this, yet also not radically change the MacBook Air’s core design. 

My only concern would be the price, The iPhone 14 Plus is $100 more than the standard iPhone 14, so if Young’s MacBook predictions come to fruition, I’d hope a 15-inch MacBook Air is only $100 to $150 more expensive than the current model. 

We'll likely find out more come Spring 2023. But if you need a great laptop now, checkout these MacBook deals and our list of the best laptops you can buy right now.  

TOPICS
Roland Moore-Colyer

Roland Moore-Colyer a Managing Editor at Tom’s Guide with a focus on news, features and opinion articles. He often writes about gaming, phones, laptops and other bits of hardware; he’s also got an interest in cars. When not at his desk Roland can be found wandering around London, often with a look of curiosity on his face. 

Read more
MacBook Air 13-inch M3
MacBook Air M4 tipped for imminent arrival — here's when it could launch
MacBook Air 15-inch M3
M4 MacBook Air reportedly 'deep' in manufacturing — here's when it could go on sale
MacBook Air M3
Apple’s M4 MacBook Air could launch in the next few weeks — what we know
MacBook Air 15-inch M3
MacBook Air M4 benchmark leak stuns with near-MacBook Pro performance — what we know
M3 MacBook Air
MacBook Air M4 expected to launch this week — here's what to expect
MacBook Pro M4 on desk
Epic Apple MacBook sale is live — shop the best deals from $629 right now
Latest in MacBooks
MacBook Air M3 15-inch in hand with Tom's Guide Lowest Price badge
Hurry! MacBook Air M3 just crashed to lowest price ever on Amazon
MacBook Air 15-inch M4
I used Apple's 15-inch M4 MacBook Air for a week — it's like last year's model, but with an extra shot of espresso
MacBook Air M4
MacBook Air M4 benchmarks are here — here's how it compares to the MacBook Pro, Windows laptops and more
MacBook Air M4
MacBook Air M4 just finally solved a keyboard problem after 25 years — here's what's fixed
MacBook Air M4 vs. MacBook Air M1
MacBook Air M4 vs MacBook Air M1: 7 biggest upgrades
MacBook Air M3
Holy smokes! The MacBook Air M3 just fell to its lowest ever price at Amazon
Latest in News
Gemini logo on smartphone
Google is giving away Gemini's best paid features for free — here's the tools you can try now
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Older Samsung phones are finally getting One UI 7 — here's all the devices
A photo of Apple CarPly in use
Apple CarPlay just got a welcome upgrade in iOS 18.4 — what you need to know
the Orbea Denna on a gravel track
Orbea's new e-bike is designed to tackle both road and gravel — and you can build your own
An off-white pillow opened up halfway with the latex and fiber filling spilling outside
Coop Sleep Goods launches new Adjustable Latex Pillow — and it's 20% off for Sleep Week
Try Galaxy home screen on iPhone 16 Pro Max
You can now try Samsung's latest One UI 7 software on your iPhone — here's how