There has been much talk about new Macs possibly making their debut in 2023. But now, another clue has appeared: two mysterious and unannounced Apple computers appear as entries in Steam’s hardware database.
The database records computers and software used to access Steam games. One eagle-eyed user can also be logged (via MacRumors (opens in a new tab)) has noticed that in amongst all the regular records we have mentions of a “Mac14,6” and a “Mac15,4”.
These are the only details we have right now on these computers, but there have been many rumors about new 14-inch MacBook Pros and 16-inch MacBook Pros sporting M2 Pro or M2 Max chips appearing in late 2022 and early 2023.
Now, in testing
It’s worth nothing that both of the identified Mac models in the Steam database appear with 0% usage – it would appear that these aren’t computers that are actually out in the world, but rather being tested in Apple’s labs.
If you get the feeling that you’ve heard the “Mac 14,6” name before, you are absolutely correct. Benchmarking scores for that computer were leaked a few days back, showing how much performance the switch to the M2 chip series could bring.
We know how impressive and powerful the M2 version on the 13-inch MacBook Pro, so we’re excited for the 14-inch model to be equal. Based on the Steam database, it seems like we won’t have long to wait.
Analysis: 2023 for Macs
We are not only waiting for the new 14-inch and 16 inch MacBook Pros, but also the M2 chip, which is expected to be in updated Mac Studio, Mac Pro and possibly the Mac mini, before 2023 ends.
The 14-inch and 16 inch MacBook Pros look the most likely to get refreshed first. We’ve been waiting for them since 2022, and the most reliable sources in business have confirmed that they will be arriving in early 2023.
We are also awaiting upgraded versions the Apple M2 chips that have already been found in the MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro. Apple will unveil new versions of the silicon, just like the M1 before it.
Indeed, almost any Mac that wasn’t updated in 2022 could now be due for a new edition with upgraded processors and memory inside – and of course we will keep you up to date with all the rumors and the official announcements over the next 12 months.
