A tipster has asserted that the next-generation M2 Apple Silicon will make an appearance alongside the 2022 MacBook Air. The same source offered up some details about both the Apple M2 chip and the refreshed MacBook Air laptop. Apparently, the M2 will be based on the same foundation as the A15 that is headed for 2021's iPhone.
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Next-generation-M2-Apple-Silicon-with-A15-like-performance-expected-to-turn-up-for-colorful-2022-MacBook-Air-release.549263.0.html