Apple's recently introduced M2 MacBook Air is a lightweight notebook that uses Apple's M2 processors. It supplements the previous generation M1 MacBook Air, which remains in production.

This revised system looks different than the previous MacBook Air systems, and it is—the first new case design in five years. The most distinctive new feature is a camera notch in the display, which allows a thinner bezel. Also notable is the return of the MagSafe 3 connector. Finally, the M2 processor allows a maximum of 24 MB RAM—50% more than the M1's maximum.

This past Monday, September 12, 2022, Apple released version 16 of iOS, along with upgraded versions of tvOS and watch OS. Unusually, an accompanying version of iPadOS will not be released until some time in October.

At the time of release, Information Systems & Computing (ISC) suggested that all University users considering upgrading their devices to iOS 16 adopt a “wait and see” approach and continue to use earlier versions of iOS. This short wait allowed for any initial bugs and compatibility issues in iOS 16 to be identified and either fixed or avoided.

Today, June 6th, 2022, Apple made three hardware announcements at their software-oriented Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). These hardware announcements included an updated version of Apple's low-end to medium range microprocessor (the M2), a substantially revised version of the MacBook Air, and a "speeds and feeds" update to the MacBook Pro 13-inch.

Windows 11 was released on October 5, 2021. This latest version of Windows includes a modernized user interface, widened application availability in the Microsoft Store, and improved support for the few ARM-based Windows systems available. Windows 11 is a no-cost upgrade for current licensed users of Windows 10.

Apple's newly introduced MacBook Pro 14-inch and 16-inch are upper-midrange notebooks that use Apple Silicon processors. They replace the previous higher-end of the MacBook Pro 13-inch line (those with four Thunderbolt ports), along with the MacBook Pro 16-inch systems—both of which were based on Intel processors. The introduction of these two systems completes the transition of Apple's notebook model line to its own processors.

A Model Line In Transition

Apple released its newest version of the Macintosh operating system, macOS 12 Monterey, on October 26th, 2021. Monterey is compatible with most Macs made in 2015 or later with a few notable exceptions: Early 2015 iMacs and 2015 MacBooks (not MacBook Pros) are not compatible. 2013 or later Mac Pros, and 2014 and later Mac Minis are also compatible with Monterey. Monterey is currently pre-installed on most newly purchased Macintoshes and is required on the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro systems announced in mid-October 2021.

Windows 11 was released today, October 5, 2021. This latest version of Windows includes a modernized user interface, widened application availability in the Microsoft Store, and improved support for the few ARM-based Windows systems available. Windows 11 is a no-cost upgrade for current licensed users of Windows 10.

Today, September 20, 2021, Apple released version 15 of both iOS and iPadOS, along with upgraded versions of tvOS (15) and watch OS (8).

With the turn of the fiscal year, macOS version 11.x Big Sur transitions from supported status (since December 2020 for Intel-based systems and January 2021 for Apple Silicon-based systems) to supported and recommended. It replaces macOS version 10.15.x Catalina as the recommended version of macOS. As of July 1st, 2021 the current version of Big Sur is 11.4.

Updated May 12, 2021

Following extensive testing by many Penn constituents, Information Systems & Computing (ISC) is approving Apple's M1-based Macs for general use. The current Mac mini (M1), iMac (M1), MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1) are now considered appropriate choices for the University's Mac users who are buying in those product classes.