Apple made history in November 2020 when it unveiled the now-famous M1 chip. The M1 MacBook Air was one of the first devices to get the new Apple silicon, delivering unprecedented efficiency in a small and light platform.
The laptop became one of the most popular portable computers due to this system on a chip. Apple has now revealed the next step in the process.
Cupertino finally released the second generation of Apple silicon, dubbed M2. The release is highlighted by a new MacBook Air model with the M2 processor.
This M2 MacBook Air comes with several new features that distinguish it from previous models. What you need to know is as follows.
M2 Silicon
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Only an 8-core CPU with a 7-core GPU is available on the previous generation MacBook Air. That model also comes with 8GB of unified RAM and 256GB of storage, both of which can be upgraded to 16GB and 2TB respectively.
The M2 MacBook Air, on the other hand, is available in two flavors: an 8-core version and a 10-core version. The new chip is said to improve CPU and GPU performance by 18% and 25%, respectively, over the previous design while using the same amount of power.
As a result of this advancement, the M2 MacBook Air should run faster than its predecessor while maintaining its longer battery life.
While the base model still comes with 8GB of unified RAM and 256GB of storage, the more powerful model comes with 512GB. You can also increase the unified memory up to 24GB and increase the storage up to 2TB.
These features make the M2 MacBook Air a compelling option for video editors who require more storage and RAM but still want a thin and light platform.
New display
The M2 MacBook Air has an improved 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display in addition to the new, more powerful SoC. The screen on the M1 MacBook Air is 0.3 inches larger diagonally and 100 nits brighter.
Reduced upper bezels and a notch for the 1080p FaceTime HD camera helped Apple achieve this slightly taller screen. While the notch isn’t for everyone, it does give the display more vertical space, which helps with productivity.
MagSafe
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MagSafe is finally back as the MagSafe 3 on the MacBook Air today.
You can keep using the two USB-C, Thunderbolt 3 ports while charging your laptop by adding a MagSafe port to the right side of the M2 MacBook Air. If you’re in a pinch and forgot your MagSafe 3 charger, you can still charge your MacBook Air using any of the USB-C ports.
Faster or dual charging
A 30W USB-C Power Adapter was your only option for charging the M1 MacBook Air. If you have an M2 MacBook Air, however, you now have three charging options. You still get a 30W Power Adapter with MagSafe 3 if you buy the base model device.
Those who choose the more powerful 10-core GPU with 512GB storage, on the other hand, will receive a 35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power Adapter, allowing you to charge your MacBook while charging other devices.
Lastly, you can upgrade to the 67W USB-C Power Adapter, which will allow you to charge your MacBook in much less time.
Sound and camera improvements
The M2 MacBook Air now has a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, an upgrade from the 720p webcam it had last year.
Apple also improved the M1 MacBook Air’s already fantastic stereo laptop speakers by adding two more to make the M2 MacBook a four-speaker system.
On the built-in speakers, the company also added Dolby Atmos support for Spatial Audio. If you have the third generation AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max, it also includes dynamic head tracking.
Design and form factor
Image credit: Krish Murjani !@ WWDC | Twitter: @appleforever18
The M2 MacBook Air is now even more compact than before. It dropped the previous design’s wedge shape in favor of a flatter profile, similar to the latest MacBook Pro models. Its height is reduced from 1.61cm to 1.13cm. Despite being 0.06cm taller than the M1 model, the screen is 50 grams lighter, making it easier to transport.
Apple also discontinued the Gold color option. You can still choose from Silver and Space Gray, but you can also choose from Starlight and Midnight.
Price
The M1 MacBook Air’s relatively low entry price of $999 for such a powerful chip has made it a consumer favorite. Despite the release of the new M2 MacBook, the M1 will not be discounted. Instead, it has been kept at its launch price, while the M2 MacBook Air has been raised.
The lower-end M2 is currently selling for $1199, while the 10-core GPU will set you back $300 more. These devices will be available in July 2022 if you’re eager to upgrade to the latest Apple silicon.
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