An update to the MacBook Air could arrive later this year with MagSafe charging, a thinner bezel, and the next Apple silicon chip.

The company's popular and lightweight laptop is slated for a significant refresh, said Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Gurman, an Apple informant, cited his sources as people familiar with the company's plans for the upcoming MacBook Air. They believe the new laptop will be a "high-end version" of the MacBook Air M1 launched in November.

Unlike the M1 model, which boasts MacBook Pro-like power and excellent battery life, the rumored top-of-the-line model will feature Apple's yesteryear magnetic charging system; the MagSafe port has prevented many MacBook drop accidents, but Apple's universal USB-C port, the more detachable charging system has disappeared.

Sources added that the new MacBook Air will have four USB ports for connecting external devices; the MacBook Air M1 already has dual Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, so there will be no noticeable upgrade to the port array. It is unclear if there will be any noticeable upgrades to the port array.

The next MacBook Air could also be lighter than its predecessor; Gurman's sources say that Apple is considering further shrinking the Air's design. Making the 2.8-pound laptop lighter is an impressive feat, but instead Apple may adopt optics and eventually narrow the MacBook Air's bezels.

Apparently, the company also considered making a new 15-inch MacBook Air. However, according to Gurman's sources, these plans have stalled.

For now, we can expect a refreshed 13-inch MacBook Air with a next-generation chip "as soon as" this year, but 2022 may be a more realistic launch target Since the M1 impressed Apple's latest MacBook lineup, the up We are itching to see how the upgraded computer powerhouse will benefit performance.