Apple MacBook Air M6 Expected in 2027 With 12-Core CPU but OLED Display Delayed

Apple is reportedly preparing its next-generation MacBook Air for 2027, with the upcoming lineup expected to feature the M6 chip. The current MacBook Air still offers a great blend of portability, performance, and battery efficiency, but the next iteration could bring another big boost in processing power. But those looking for a revamped MacBook Air with an OLED screen or a higher refresh rate may have to wait longer.

MacBook Air M5: Current Design and Pricing

Apple has kept the MacBook Air's overall design the same since 2022. The newest iteration has two Thunderbolt USB-C connections, MagSafe charging, and a lightweight build. It is sold in two sizes: a 13.6-inch display and a larger 15.3-inch display.

Earlier in 2026, Apple launched the M5 processor with 512GB of base storage and 16GB of RAM. However, it also came with an increased price tag. The prices rose toward June as RAM and NAND storage shortages hit manufacturers across the sector. Demand for AI servers is increasing, putting more pressure on memory and storage supply and prompting Apple to adjust pricing.

As such, the base MacBook Air with 512GB of storage jumped from $1,199 to $1,299. The 15-inch model is even pricier. Still hard to find anything brand new or reconditioned under that price. Prices can creep up a little above $1000 during large sales events.

MacBook Air M6 May Feature 12-Core CPU

The major update for the 2027 MacBook Air will likely be its processor. The MacBook Air is fanless; therefore, Apple will presumably ship the regular M6 CPU, not an M6 Pro or M6 Max version. The M6 is said to include 12 CPU cores: two super cores, four performance cores, and six efficiency cores.

But the configuration may depend on the model the consumers buy. Apple has historically shipped lower-end MacBook Air variants that disable some of the more powerful processing cores. For instance, the standard 13-inch device could eliminate one super core and one performance core. Or Apple may just trim the GPU arrangement.

The M6 is rumored to provide 12 CPU cores and dedicated AI advancements. Apple might also disable two GPU cores on the entry-level version, to further separate it from the pricier offerings. That means some customers who want the full M6 setup could be forced to settle for the MacBook Air with 24GB of RAM, 1TB of storage, or maybe the base 15-inch model.

No OLED Display or Major Design Changes in 2027

The 2027 MacBook Air likely won't get major design changes, even with the CPU boost. The current design is still rather modern, with a compact chassis, light weight, and useful connectivity options. Consumers shouldn't count on mini-LED, 120Hz ProMotion, or an OLED tandem display in the next iteration.

Past leaks have suggested Apple could bring OLED to the MacBook Air as soon as 2029. Before that, the company might release a Retina display with ProMotion technology, combined with a design upgrade, in 2028. But this information originates from previous leaks, and Apple's plans could change.

MacBook Air M6 Release Date and Expected Price

Apple usually releases new MacBook Air models in spring or summer. The M3, M4, and M5 models have followed a similar spring release. The M6 MacBook Air is also rumored to arrive at the same time, possibly being announced between late March and mid-2027. The processor upgrade is expected to come to both the 13-inch and 15-inch variants.

Price to be announced. If the CPU upgrade is Apple's biggest concern, the company might hold prices steady. However, further increases in RAM and NAND storage prices could prompt another revision. The M6 MacBook Air could cost at least that much at launch, given the current starting price of $1,299. If the demand for AI infrastructure keeps pushing up component prices, Apple might boost the starting price by $100 or more.

In general, the 2027 MacBook Air appears to be more of a processor-focused update than a dramatic overhaul. The M6 could offer more performance, but consumers looking for OLED, ProMotion,, or a total design revamp may have to wait until 2028 or 2029.

FAQ

Q. When is the Apple MacBook Air M6 expected to launch?

A. The Apple MacBook Air M6 is expected to launch in spring 2027, potentially between late March and mid-year.

Q. Will the 2027 MacBook Air M6 feature an OLED display?

A. No. The 2027 MacBook Air M6 is expected to retain the existing display technology. Previous leaks suggest that OLED could arrive around 2029 at the earliest.

Q. How many CPU cores will the M6 chip have?

A. The M6 chip is expected to feature 12 CPU cores, including two super cores, four performance cores, and six efficiency cores.

Q. How much will the MacBook Air M6 cost?

A. The MacBook Air M6 could start at $1,299, matching the current M5 model's starting price. However, rising RAM and NAND storage costs could push the price up by another $100 or more.