A refreshed MacBook Pro may be unveiled this fall along with a new MacBook Air 2021. Previous rumors have predicted that both laptops would feature either the Apple M2 chip or the M1X chipset.

However, iOS developer dylandkt claims on Twitter that he has information that the M2 chip will actually be in 2022 and will be in the next MacBook Air, while the M1X chip will be in the "Pro Mac" device, which is expected to arrive this year

The company is currently working with the MacBook Air and the MacBook Air.

We currently have no way to confirm this information, but if it is legitimate, it would indicate that the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro distinction will grow in the coming months. [At this time, the MacBook Air M1 and MacBook Pro M1 use essentially the same chip, so the difference is not significant.

We once thought that the M2 and M1X were the same chip but with different rumored names, but now it appears that they are separate silicon slices.

According to dylandkt, the M1X is an extension of the Apple M1 chip, with more CPU and GPU cores, more Thunderbolt channels, and consumes more power. It is said to be featured in the higher-end Mac mini, the MacBook Pro 2021 14-inch, and the redesigned MacBook Pro 2021 16-inch.

Other leaked information claims that the M1X will have 10 CPU cores, consisting of eight high-performance cores and two power-efficient cores. Earlier rumors suggested that the M2 will have 12 CPU cores and 16 GPU cores, but this information is somewhat sketchy and should not be trusted too much.

Meanwhile, the latest M2 leaks indicate that Apple Silicon's second-generation slice will have eight processor cores, like the M1, but likely pushed to higher clock speeds. There are also plans for a significant graphics upgrade, with the GPU going from 8 cores to 10 or more.

In other words, the M1X appears to be a chipset designed for power users. This means that the M2 chip will be the second generation of the M1 with improved performance and efficiency, but it is not intended to handle the demanding workloads of creative professionals.

Of course, these are all unconfirmed leaks and rumors, and sound speculation. However, they may indicate a possible split in the Mac and MacBook lineups.

As it stands, the performance of the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac 2021 with the M1 chip is about the same across the board; the M1 has impressed us so far, but that has not stopped us from buying a MacBook Pro instead of an Air or a full desktop with the new iMac.

However, if the next MacBook Air really does have the M2 chip, offers better performance than its predecessor, and a new design (we expect at least a slimmer display bezel), then the rumored next-generation MacBook Pro could be a clear departure from the rumored next-generation MacBook Pro.

The 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros are currently expected to debut in the fall, but it is unclear at this time when. Previous rumors suggest a late October or early November release, or even a late September reveal.

However, the new MacBook Pro model is rumored to offer a new design, with an HDMI port and SD card slot, and possibly a mini LED display. If this is combined with a significant performance boost, the next MacBook Pro could become a full-fledged Apple Silicon device targeted at professionals who need the power and flexibility to handle demanding tasks such as CAD work and 4K video rendering.

Then the MacBook Air will become a more commonplace macOS laptop. And by not having to appeal to professional users, Apple may be able to price the next MacBook Air more aggressively and keep Windows ultra-portable laptops in check.

As ever, time will tell which of these rumors and leaks will materialize. However, it appears that a shakeup is coming to the MacBook lineup, which could be very good news.