With the two-year transition from Intel to Apple Silicon winding down, Apple’s attention has turned toward the next generation of computer products. Consequently, 2022 is rumored to be the year that the M2 platform will again supercharge Apple‘s product line.

Citing a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Mashable reports that Apple is deep in development for the second generation of M2 Apple Silicon processors. It seems that the development cycle is getting shorter with refreshed Macs rumored to be launched in the new year, starting with a new Mac Mini. Then will come the Mac Pro and a higher-end iMac. I think we’ll see the 29” or larger retina screens since 21" and 24" models are already being sold.

Moreover, since professionals are still stuck with the Intel-Based Mac Pro, it’s likely that a refresh of the MacPro would need to happen sooner rather than later.

This leads to the question—will Apple announce an M1 Mac Pro or an M2? It makes sense that before Cupertino moves toward the M2, that the higher-end iMacs and Mac Pro would get the Apple Silicon treatment first.

Enter the worldwide computer chip shortage. Many tech companies and car manufacturers have had to cancel models because they don’t have the computer chips to make them.  Even though Apple has managed to skirt the effects of the processor shortfall by buying its own chip maker, the delay on preorders is starting to get longer and longer as demand refuses to wane.

Consequently, if Apple is already designing and testing the M2 architecture, Tim Cook could decide to scuttle any plans to launch an M1 Pro iMac or Mac Pro and just go straight to the M2. I rather doubt we’ll see new MacBook Pros so soon after the M1 Max and Pro models were announced last October, but there are only two models left to get to Silicon upgrade and professionals are jonesing for them. A refreshed Mac Pro is likely in 2022, but whether it’s an M1 or M2, is the only question.

Of course, 2022 will also bring new iPhones and iPads, with wireless Qi charging finally coming to Apple’s tablets. And with a “one more thing” flare, Apple is also developing its own augmented reality glasses. But will these catch on? So far, VR and AR have been akin to 3D, something that manufacturers stubbornly hang on to, but which has barely made a dent into any serious market share. So if they do come, I would imagine the second half of the year is likely, or at least after WWDC.

Regardless, Apple doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon, and the bank account is bound to sweep while our wallets shrink.

And don’t get me started on that Apple car.

Edited, Dec. 7, 1 p.m.: A previous version of this article incorrectly identified which Mac has the M1 chip.

Source: Mashable

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