Carbon Neutral Mac Roadmap Speculation

[mectojic]

Apple has promised to become Carbon Neutral by 2030.

With the launch of the M4 Mac Mini today, the first carbon neutral Mac, I think we can speculate about the roadmap / timeline. My basic assumption is that larger products are harder to make carbon neutral. Over time there will be greater emphasis on smaller product sales, a general reduction in thickness and volume on all products, reducing use of raw materials (the most effective way to cut down emissions).

Here is my timeline for Macs:

• 2024: M4 Mac Mini
• 2026: thinner MacBook Pro (Pro/Max)
• 2027: thinner MacBook Pro (base model) and MacBook Air
• 2028: redesigned (slightly thinner) iMac.
• 2029: significantly smaller Mac Studio + thinner Studio Display
• 2030: Pro Display. Mac Pro quietly discontinued (lol).

Along the way I assume the normal chip upgrades as usual. However, all future product redesigns will trend to being smaller/thinner.

 

[Chuckeee]

I suspect there is a lot of Greenwashing with Apple's claim. The 100% carbon neutral is probably the assembly process, but that is not the most energy intensive element. The actual fabrication of the individual components requires large amounts of energy. Making chips is a very energy intensive task. And even recycling, requires significant energy resources. While what Apple is doing is a good thing, I strongly doubt it is as all encompassing as the "100% carbon neutral" claim would lead one to believe.

The best way to reduce carbon emissions is to keep using the same product longer.

 

[mectojic]

I suspect there is a lot of Greenwashing with Apple's claim. The 100% carbon neutral is probably the assembly process, but that is not the most energy intensive element. The actual fabrication of the individual components requires large amounts of energy. Making chips is a very energy intensive task. And even recycling, requires significant energy resources. While what Apple is doing is a good thing, I strongly doubt it is as all encompassing as the "100% carbon neutral" claim would lead one to believe.

The best way to reduce carbon emissions is to keep using the same product longer.

Long-term future: transistors reach a physical limit in size. Chips can no longer get faster, except through optimisations and finally, software. Apple transitions from selling physical Macs to selling subscription software. Mac hardware lasts decades and becomes truly carbon neutral.
Until then, products must continue to be updated.

 

[splifingate]

The best way to reduce carbon emissions is to keep using the same product longer.

Hear. Hear.