MacBook Air#M2
{{Short description|Line of ultraportable notebook computers by Apple}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2016}}
{{Use American English|date=October 2020}}
{{Infobox Computer
| name = MacBook Air
| type = Laptop
| logo = File:MacBook Air.svg
| image = Macbook Air 15 inch - 2 (blurred).jpg
| releasedate = {{Start date and age|2008|01|29}}{{Cite web |date=January 30, 2009 |title=Press Info – MacBook Air Now Shipping |url=https://www.apple.com/pr/library/2008/01/30MacBook-Air-Now-Shipping.html |access-date=April 29, 2014 |publisher=Apple |archive-date=December 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221020020/http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2008/01/30MacBook-Air-Now-Shipping.html |url-status=live }}
| caption = MacBook Air (15-inch, M2, 2023)
| os = macOS
| developer = Apple
| family = MacBook
| related = MacBook, MacBook Pro
| website = [https://apple.com/macbook-air/ apple.com/macbook-air]
| soc = {{plainlist|
| cpu = {{plainlist|
- Intel Core 2 Duo, i5, i7 (discontinued, 2008–2020) }}
}}
{{MacBook models}}
The MacBook Air is a line of Mac laptop computers developed and manufactured by Apple since 2008. It features a thin, light structure in a machined aluminum case and currently either a 13-inch or 15-inch screen. The MacBook Air's lower prices relative to the larger, higher performance MacBook Pro have made it Apple's entry-level notebook since the discontinuation of the original MacBook line in 2012.{{Cite web |date=October 30, 2013 |title=13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display review (2013) |url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/10/30/5044874/13-inch-macbook-pro-with-retina-display-review-2013 |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=September 4, 2017 |archive-date=December 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204055717/https://www.theverge.com/2013/10/30/5044874/13-inch-macbook-pro-with-retina-display-review-2013 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Dan Ackerman |date=January 25, 2008 |title=Apple MacBook Air review – CNET |url=https://www.cnet.com/laptops/apple-macbook-air-11/4505-3121_7-34850077.html |website=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=March 26, 2021 |archive-date=December 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228110842/http://www.cnet.com/laptops/apple-macbook-air-11/4505-3121_7-34850077.html |url-status=live }}
Intel-based
{{Main|MacBook Air (Intel-based)}}The MacBook Air was introduced in January 2008 as a premium ultraportable with a 13.3-inch screen and a full-size keyboard, and was promoted as the world's thinnest notebook, opening a laptop category known as the ultrabook family. With its slim design, it attracted attention for not including an optical disc drive, and having fewer ports than was typical for laptops at the time.
= Unibody (2008–2009){{anchor|First generation (Unibody)|Unibody|1st gen (Unibody)|2008}} =
File:SteveJobsMacbookAir.JPG showing the first MacBook Air at an Apple 2008 keynote address]]
Steve Jobs introduced the MacBook Air during Apple’s keynote address at the 2008 Macworld conference on January 15, 2008.{{Cite web |date=January 15, 2008 |title=Macworld 2008 Steve Jobs Apple Keynote Highlights |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmoDqPyofok |access-date=April 15, 2012 |website=Inside MacTV |archive-date=April 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403025218/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmoDqPyofok |url-status=live }} The first MacBook Air was a 13.3-inch model, initially promoted as the world's thinnest notebook at {{Cvt|1.9|cm}} (a previous record holder, 2005's Toshiba Portege R200, was {{Cvt|1.98|cm}} high).{{Cite press release |title=Apple Introduces MacBook Air—The World's Thinnest Notebook |date=January 15, 2008 |publisher=Apple Inc. |url=https://www.apple.com/pr/library/2008/01/15Apple-Introduces-MacBook-Air-The-Worlds-Thinnest-Notebook.html |access-date=January 16, 2008 |archive-date=October 6, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006174236/http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2008/01/15Apple-Introduces-MacBook-Air-The-Worlds-Thinnest-Notebook.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Toshiba discontinued products – Portege R200 |url=https://www.toshiba.co.uk/discontinued-products/portege-r200-110/ |website=Toshiba official specifications |access-date=March 26, 2021 |archive-date=October 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181014053100/http://www.toshiba.co.uk/discontinued-products/portege-r200-110/ |url-status=live }} It featured a custom{{Cite web |title=The MacBook Air CPU Mystery: More Details Revealed |url=https://www.anandtech.com/show/2422 |publisher=AnandTech |access-date=March 26, 2021 |archive-date=March 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325172502/https://www.anandtech.com/show/2422 |url-status=live }} Intel Merom CPU and Intel GMA GPU which were 40% smaller than the standard chip package.{{Cite web |last=Cohen |first=Peter |date=January 15, 2008 |title=Apple introduces MacBook Air |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/131583/2008/01/macbookair.html |access-date=January 21, 2008 |website=Macworld |archive-date=January 19, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080119132200/http://www.macworld.com/article/131583/2008/01/macbookair.html |url-status=live }} It also featured an anti-glare LED backlit TN 6-bit color panel display, a full-size keyboard, and a large trackpad that responded to multi-touch gestures such as pinching, swiping, and rotating.
The MacBook Air was the first subcompact notebook offered by Apple after the 12" PowerBook G4 discontinued in 2006. It was also Apple's first computer with an optional solid-state drive.{{Cite web |last=Choney |first=Suzanne |date=January 24, 2008 |title=Lighter laptops move to flash-based drives |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/22805558 |access-date=January 24, 2008 |website=NBCNews.com |publisher=NBCUniversal |archive-date=October 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020082528/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/22805558 |url-status=dead }} It was the last Mac to use a PATA storage drive, and the only one with an Intel CPU. To conserve on space, it uses the 1.8 inch drive used in the iPod Classic instead of the typical 2.5-inch drive. It was Apple's first notebook since the PowerBook 2400c without a built-in removable media drive.{{Cite web |title=Apple Macintosh 2400c/180 specs |url=https://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/powerbook/stats/mac_powerbook2400c_180.html |access-date=June 8, 2010 |publisher=EveryMac |archive-date=August 18, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090818032223/http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/powerbook/stats/mac_powerbook2400c_180.html |url-status=live }} To read optical disks, users could either purchase an external USB drive such as Apple's SuperDrive or use the bundled Remote Disc software to access the drive of another computer wirelessly{{Cite news |last=Mossberg |first=Walter S |author-link=Walter Mossberg |date=January 24, 2008 |title=Apple's MacBook Air Is Beautiful and Thin, But Omits Features |work=The Wall Street Journal |publisher=Dow Jones & Company |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB120113632301711881 |access-date=January 24, 2008 |archive-date=January 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121165448/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB120113632301711881 |url-status=live }} that has the program installed.{{Cite web |last=Yager |first=Tom |title=MacBook Air, a detailed preview |url=https://weblog.infoworld.com/enterprisemac/archives/2008/01/macbook_air_a_d.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080617005333/https://weblog.infoworld.com/enterprisemac/archives/2008/01/macbook_air_a_d.html |archive-date=June 17, 2008 |access-date=May 25, 2010 |website=InfoWorld}}{{Cite web |title=MacBook Air |url=https://www.apple.com/macbookair/wireless.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725015540/https://www.apple.com/macbookair/wireless.html |archive-date=July 25, 2008 |access-date=January 15, 2008 |publisher=Apple}} The MacBook Air also did not include a FireWire port, Ethernet port, line-in, nor a Kensington Security Slot.{{Cite web |title=MacBook Air's tradeoffs |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/131624/2008/01/macbook_air_tradeoffs.html |access-date=June 10, 2010 |publisher=Macworld |archive-date=June 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100609075526/http://www.macworld.com/article/131624/2008/01/macbook_air_tradeoffs.html |url-status=live }}
On October 14, 2008, a new model was announced with a low-voltage Penryn processor and Nvidia GeForce graphics.{{Cite web |title=Intel comments on chips in new MacBook |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/intel-comments-on-chips-in-new-macbook-nvidia-win/ |access-date=April 5, 2019 |website=CNET |archive-date=June 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607044157/https://www.cnet.com/news/intel-comments-on-chips-in-new-macbook-nvidia-win/ |url-status=live }} Storage capacity was increased to a 128 GB SSD or a 120 GB HDD,1 GB = one billion bytes and the micro-DVI video port was replaced by the Mini DisplayPort.{{cite mac|model=MB543LL/A|appleNumber=SP501|everyURL=macbook-air/stats/macbook-air-core-2-duo-1.6-13-nvidia-late-2008-specs.html|accessdate=June 8, 2010}} The disk drive was also changed from a PATA drive to the faster SATA drive.
The mid-2009 revision featured slightly higher battery capacity and a faster Penryn CPU.{{Cite press release |title=Apple Updates MacBook Pro Family with New Models & Innovative Built-in Battery for Up to 40% Longer Battery Life |date=June 8, 2009 |publisher=Apple |url=https://www.apple.com/pr/library/2009/06/08mbp.html |access-date=May 22, 2010 |archive-date=January 4, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104175321/http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2009/06/08mbp.html |url-status=live }}
= Tapered Unibody (2010–2017){{anchor|Second generation (Tapered Unibody)|2nd gen (Tapered Unibody)|Tapered Unibody|2010}} =
File:MacBook Air Mid 2012.png power connector, USB port, headphone jack and built-in microphone.]]
{{nowrap|On October 20, 2010}}, Apple released a redesigned 13.3-inch model with a tapered enclosure, higher screen resolution, improved battery, a second USB port, stereo speakers, and standard solid state storage. An 11.6-inch model was introduced, offering reduced cost, weight, battery life, and performance relative to the 13.3-inch model, but better performance than typical netbooks of the time. Both 11-inch and 13-inch models had an analog audio output/headphone minijack supporting Apple earbuds with a microphone. The 13-inch model received a SDXC-capable SD Card slot.{{Cite web |date=October 28, 2010 |title=Apple's new 11.6-in. MacBook Air: Don't call it a netbook |url=https://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9193382/Apple_s_new_11.6_in._MacBook_Air_Don_t_call_it_a_netbook |website=Computer World |access-date=March 26, 2021 |archive-date=April 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421160355/http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9193382/Apple_s_new_11.6_in._MacBook_Air_Don_t_call_it_a_netbook |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=October 2010 |title=Special Event October 2010 |url=https://www.apple.com/apple-events/october-2010/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505084603/https://www.apple.com/apple-events/october-2010/ |archive-date=May 5, 2012 |publisher=Apple Inc. |df=mdy-all}}{{Cite press release |title=Apple Reinvents Notebooks With New MacBook Air |date=October 20, 2010 |publisher=Apple Inc. |url=https://www.apple.com/pr/library/2010/10/20mba.html |access-date=August 6, 2012 |archive-date=June 6, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606165503/http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2010/10/20mba.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=October 20, 2010 |title=Apple Unveils New MacBook Air, Lion Operating System |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-10-20/apple-s-steve-jobs-to-introduce-updated-macintosh-line-operating-system.html |publisher=Bloomberg |access-date=March 8, 2017 |archive-date=November 5, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105063635/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-10-20/apple-s-steve-jobs-to-introduce-updated-macintosh-line-operating-system.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=MacBook Air features |url=https://www.apple.com/macbookair/features.html |access-date=November 26, 2010 |publisher=Apple Inc. |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919181540/https://www.apple.com/macbook-air/ |url-status=live }} Solid-state storage was made standard, and later revisions added Intel Core i5 or i7 processors and Thunderbolt.{{Cite web |title=MacBook Air |url=https://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_mac/family/macbook_air |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130319083225/http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_mac/family/macbook_air |archive-date=March 19, 2013 |access-date=March 16, 2013}}
On July 20, 2011, Apple released updated models, which also became Apple's entry-level notebooks due to lowered prices and the discontinuation of the white MacBook around the same time. The mid-2011 models were upgraded with Sandy Bridge dual-core Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, Intel HD Graphics 3000, backlit keyboards, Thunderbolt, and Bluetooth was upgraded to v4.0.{{Cite press release |title=Apple Updates MacBook Air With Next Generation Processors, Thunderbolt I/O & Backlit Keyboard |date=July 20, 2011 |publisher=Apple Inc. |url=https://www.apple.com/pr/library/2011/07/20Apple-Updates-MacBook-Air-With-Next-Generation-Processors-Thunderbolt-I-O-Backlit-Keyboard.html |access-date=August 28, 2019 |archive-date=June 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602123808/http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2011/07/20Apple-Updates-MacBook-Air-With-Next-Generation-Processors-Thunderbolt-I-O-Backlit-Keyboard.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Dana Wollman |date=July 20, 2011 |title=Apple refreshes MacBook Air with Sandy Bridge, Thunderbolt, and backlit keyboards |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/07/20/dnp-stub-apple-refreshes-macbook-air-with-sandy-bridge-thunderb/ |website=Engadget |access-date=August 28, 2019 |archive-date=April 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417180344/https://www.engadget.com/2011/07/20/dnp-stub-apple-refreshes-macbook-air-with-sandy-bridge-thunderb/ |url-status=live }} Maximum storage options were increased up to 256 GB. This revision also replaced the Expose (F3) key with a Mission Control key, and the Dashboard (F4) key with a Launchpad key.
On June 11, 2012, Apple updated the line with Intel Ivy Bridge dual-core Core i5 and i7 processors, HD Graphics 4000, faster memory and flash storage speeds, USB 3.0, an upgraded 720p FaceTime camera, and a thinner MagSafe 2 charging port.{{Cite web |title=MacBook Air – Technical Specifications |url=https://www.apple.com/macbookair/specs.html |access-date=June 10, 2013 |publisher=Apple |archive-date=October 1, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091001014416/http://www.apple.com/macbookair/specs.html |url-status=live }} The standard memory was upgraded to 4 GB, with a maximum configuration of 8 GB.{{Cite web |date=December 2012 |title=MacBook Air Tech Specs |url=http://www.apple.com/macbookair/specs.html |archive-date=December 28, 2012 |access-date=May 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121228080400/http://www.apple.com/macbookair/specs.html |url-status=bot: unknown }}
On June 10, 2013, Apple updated the line with Haswell processors, Intel HD Graphics 5000, and 802.11ac Wi-Fi. Storage started at 128 GB SSD, with options for 256 GB and 512 GB. The Haswell processors considerably improved battery life from the previous generation, and the models were capable of 9 hours on the 11-inch model and 12 hours on the 13-inch model; a team of reviewers exceeded expected battery life ratings during their test.{{Cite web |last=Tim Stevens |date=June 2013 |title=MacBook Air review (13-inch, mid-2013) |url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/06/13/macbook-air-review/ |access-date=December 27, 2013 |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL Inc. |archive-date=December 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227055103/http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/13/macbook-air-review/ |url-status=live }}
In March 2015, the models were refreshed with Broadwell processors, Intel HD Graphics 6000, Thunderbolt 2, and faster storage and memory.{{Cite web |title=MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2015) – Technical Specifications |url=https://support.apple.com/kb/SP714?locale=en_US |access-date=2021-03-26 |website=support.apple.com |archive-date=November 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125124623/https://support.apple.com/kb/SP714?locale=en_US |url-status=live }}
The 11-inch model was discontinued in October 2016. In 2017, the 13-inch model received a processor speed increase from 1.6 GHz to 1.8 GHz. The 2017 model remained available for sale after Apple launched the next generation in 2018. It was discontinued in July 2019. Before its discontinuation it was Apple's last notebook with USB Type-A ports, a non-Retina display (TN 6-bit color panel), a user-upgradable SSD, and a backlit rear Apple logo.[https://9to5mac.com/2019/07/09/apple-stops-selling-macbook-mackbook-air/ Apple stops selling 12-inch MacBook and previous generation MacBook Air] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125124623/https://9to5mac.com/2019/07/09/apple-stops-selling-macbook-mackbook-air/ |date=November 25, 2021 }}. Apple Inside. 9 July 2019.
= Retina (2018–2020){{anchor|Third generation (Retina)|3rd generation (Retina)|Retina}} =
File:MacBook Air (3rd generation, space gray).png
{{nowrap|On October 30, 2018,}} Apple released a new MacBook Air with Amber Lake processors, a 13.3-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2560×1600 pixels, Touch ID, and two combination USB-C 3.1 Gen 2/Thunderbolt 3 ports plus one audio jack. The screen displays 48% more color, and the bezels are 50% narrower than the previous generation and occupies 17% less volume. Thickness was reduced to {{Cvt|15.6|mm}} and weight to {{Convert|1.25|kg|4=2|abbr=off}}. It was available in three finishes, silver, space gray, and gold. Unlike the previous generation, this model could not be configured with an Intel Core i7 processor.
The base 2018 model came with 8 GB of 2133 MHz LPDDR3 RAM, 128 GB SSD, Intel Core i5 processor (1.6 GHz base clock, with Turbo up to 3.6 GHz) with Intel UHD Graphics 617.{{Cite web |last=Wiliam |first=Martin |title=Apple MacBook Air 2018 Review: Everything You Need To Know |url=https://www.bestbuyninja.com/apple-macbook-air-2018-review/ |access-date=1 December 2018 |website=Best Buy Ninja |archive-date=December 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201181059/https://www.bestbuyninja.com/apple-macbook-air-2018-review/ |url-status=usurped }}
Apple released updated models in July 2019 with True Tone display technology and an updated butterfly keyboard using the same components as the 2019 MacBook Pro.[https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2019/7/9/20687402/apple-macbook-pro-air-updates-true-tone-processor-touch-bar Apple adds True Tone display to the MacBook Air and Touch Bar to the entry-level MacBook Pro] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125070708/https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2019/7/9/20687402/apple-macbook-pro-air-updates-true-tone-processor-touch-bar |date=November 25, 2021 }}. The Verge. 9 July 2019.[https://www.macrumors.com/2019/07/09/all-2019-macbooks-have-new-material-keyboard/ New MacBook Air and Base 13-Inch MacBook Pro Have Same Keyboard as Higher-End 2019 MacBook Pros] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125124623/https://www.macrumors.com/2019/07/09/all-2019-macbooks-have-new-material-keyboard/ |date=November 25, 2021 }}. Mac Rumors. 9 July 2019. A test found that the 256 GB SSD in the 2019 model has a 35% lower read speed than the 256 GB SSD in the 2018 model, though the write speed is slightly faster.[https://www.imore.com/new-2019-macbook-air-features-slower-ssd-2018-model The new 2019 MacBook Air features a slower SSD than 2018 model] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125124622/https://www.imore.com/new-2019-macbook-air-features-slower-ssd-2018-model |date=November 25, 2021 }}. iMore. 15 July 2019.
Updated models were released in March 2020 with Ice Lake Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors, updated graphics, support for 6K output to run the Pro Display XDR and other 6K monitors, and replaced the butterfly keyboard with a Magic Keyboard design similar to that initially found in the 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro.{{Cite web |last=Welch |first=Chris |date=March 18, 2020 |title=Apple announces new MacBook Air with improved keyboard, faster performance, and more storage |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/18/21179157/apple-macbook-air-2020-announced-specs-features-keyboard |access-date=18 March 2020 |website=The Verge |archive-date=November 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125124624/https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/18/21179157/apple-macbook-air-2020-announced-specs-features-keyboard |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Pro Display XDR – Technical Specifications |url=https://www.apple.com/pro-display-xdr/specs/ |access-date=2020-03-18 |website=Apple |language=en-US |archive-date=March 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309205511/https://www.apple.com/pro-display-xdr/specs/ |url-status=live }}
Apple silicon
{{Main|MacBook Air (Apple silicon)}}
= M1 (2020–2024) =
{{anchor|Third generation (Retina with Apple silicon)|Retina with Apple silicon|M1}}
File:Macbook Air M1 Silver PNG.png
On November 10, 2020, Apple announced the MacBook Air with an Apple-designed M1 processor, launched alongside an updated Mac Mini and 13-inch MacBook Pro as the first Macs with Apple's new line of custom ARM-based Apple silicon processors.{{Cite web |title=Apple Announces New 13-inch MacBook Pro With M1 Apple Silicon |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2020/11/10/new-13-inch-macbook-pro-apple-silicon-unveild/ |access-date=2020-11-10 |website=MacRumors |date=November 10, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=November 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125202350/https://www.macrumors.com/2020/11/10/new-13-inch-macbook-pro-apple-silicon-unveild/ |url-status=live }} The device incorporates a fanless design, the first ever on any MacBook Air.{{Cite web |last=Hollister |first=Sean |date=2020-11-10 |title=The biggest difference between the new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro is a fan |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/11/10/21559228/apple-new-macbook-air-pro-difference-arm-m1-fan-thermal-performance |access-date=2020-11-11 |website=The Verge |language=en |archive-date=November 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110232048/https://www.theverge.com/2020/11/10/21559228/apple-new-macbook-air-pro-difference-arm-m1-fan-thermal-performance |url-status=live }} It also adds support for Wi-Fi 6, USB4 / Thunderbolt 3 and Wide color (P3).{{Cite web |title=Buy MacBook Air site |url=https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-mac/macbook-air |access-date=10 November 2020 |website=Apple |archive-date=November 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110195255/https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-mac/macbook-air |url-status=live }} The M1 MacBook Air can only run one external display, unlike the previous Intel-based model that was capable of running two 4K displays.{{Cite web |title=How Apple Silicon on a M1 Mac changes monitor support and what you can connect |url=https://appleinsider.com/articles/20/11/11/how-apple-silicon-on-a-m1-mac-changes-monitor-support-and-what-you-can-connect |access-date=2020-11-14 |website=AppleInsider |date=November 11, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=November 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113013511/https://appleinsider.com/articles/20/11/11/how-apple-silicon-on-a-m1-mac-changes-monitor-support-and-what-you-can-connect |url-status=live }} The FaceTime camera remains 720p but Apple advertises an improved image signal processor for higher quality video.{{Cite web |last=Potuck |first=Michael |date=2020-11-10 |title=Apple Silicon M1 MacBook Air and Pro get improved cameras but still stuck at 720p |url=https://9to5mac.com/2020/11/10/apple-silicon-m1-macbook-air-and-pro-get-improved-cameras-but-still-stuck-at-720p/ |access-date=2020-11-20 |website=9to5Mac |language=en-US |archive-date=November 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118000429/https://9to5mac.com/2020/11/10/apple-silicon-m1-macbook-air-and-pro-get-improved-cameras-but-still-stuck-at-720p/ |url-status=live }}
The M1 MacBook Air received widespread positive reviews, with reviewers praising the fast performance and long battery life.{{Cite web |first=Henry T. |last=Casey |date=2022-09-30 |title=MacBook Air with M1 review: A great value |url=https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/macbook-air-2020-m1 |website=Tom's Guide |language=en}}
= M2 and later (2022–present) =
File:Macbook Air 15 inch - 2 (blurred).jpg
On June 6, 2022, during the 2022 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple announced their second-generation processor, called M2, with an improved performance versus the previous M1 processor. The first computer to receive this new chip was a radically redesigned MacBook Air.
The latest MacBook Air was redesigned away from the tapered body in 2022 to match the latest MacBook Pro models and upgraded to the M2 processor. The new model was given a larger 13.6-inch screen and brought back MagSafe, now the third iteration of Apple's magnetic laptop charger ports.
This complete redesign features a dramatically thinner, flat design, doing away with the familiar wedge shape chassis that MacBook Air was most known for having. The new MacBook Air takes on hardware design cues from the 14" and 16" MacBook Pro notebooks released on October 26, 2021, such as a thinner, lighter, flat chassis with 20% less volume than the previous MacBook Air. Other features include MagSafe 3, which also supports fast charging up to 50% in 30 minutes with a 67W or greater power adapter, a taller 13.6" Liquid Retina display with 500 nits max brightness (25% brighter than the previous MacBook Air), a 1080p FaceTime Camera, a three-mic array with advanced beam-forming algorithms, a high-impedance headphone jack, four-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio, full height function keys, and four finishes (Silver, Space Gray, Starlight, and Midnight). The Gold color has been discontinued and replaced by the Starlight color found with the introduction of the iPhone 13 in 2021.
On June 5, 2023, during the 2023 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple announced the new 15-inch display size option for the M2 MacBook Air lineup, with the advanced six-speaker sound system along with the major technical features such as 1080p FaceTime camera and MagSafe charging. Ordering the 15-inch MacBook Air started on June 5, with the general availability having started on June 13.{{Cite web |title=Apple introduces the 15-inch MacBook Air |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2023/06/apple-introduces-the-15-inch-macbook-air/ |access-date=2023-06-06 |website=Apple Newsroom |language=en-US}}
On March 4, 2024, Apple announced a refreshed M3 MacBook Air in both 13-inch and 15-inch sizes. This model retains the same design as the M2 MacBook Air but adds support for two external displays when the lid is closed.{{cite web | url=https://www.theverge.com/24092910/apple-macbook-air-m3-first-impressions | title=The M3 MacBook Air has a familiar look | date=March 7, 2024 }}
On March 5, 2025, Apple announced an updated MacBook Air, now with the M4 chip. This model retains the same design as the M2 and M3 MacBook Air but adds support for two external displays with the internal display on, a new color (Sky Blue, which replaces the Space Gray color from previous models), a new 12MP Center Stage camera, and a lower starting price.
{{cite web | url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/03/apple-introduces-the-new-macbook-air-with-the-m4-chip-and-a-sky-blue-color/ | title=Apple introduces the new MacBook Air with the soaring performance of the M4 chip, a gorgeous new sky blue color, and a lower starting price of $999 | date=March 5, 2025 }} The M4 MacBook Air can reach up to 20 hours operating time on a single charge, making it the longest-lasting Air battery to date.{{Cite web |last=Barr |first=Kyle |date=2025-03-05 |title=Apple’s MacBook Air M4 Is Here, and It Finally Supports 3 Screens at Once |url=https://gizmodo.com/apples-macbook-air-m4-is-here-and-it-finally-supports-3-screens-at-once-2000570736 |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=Gizmodo |language=en-US}}
The M4 MacBook Air was positively received by critics, with Brenda Stolyar of Wired praising its great performance, bright display, updated webcam, long battery life, and double the base memory.{{Cite news |last=Stolyar |first=Brenda |date=11 March 2025 |title=Review: Apple MacBook Air (13-Inch, M4) |url=https://www.wired.com/review/macbook-air-13-inch-2025/ |url-status=live |access-date=12 March 2025 |work=Wired}} Mark Spoonauer of Tom's Guide called it "the best MacBook for most people and for me the top laptop for most people, period.{{Cite news |last=Spoonauer |first=Mark |date=11 March 2025 |title=Apple MacBook Air M4 review: the best gets (slightly) better and cheaper |url=https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/laptops/macbook-air-m4-review |url-status=live |access-date=12 March 2025 |work=Tom's Guide}}
Supported operating systems
= macOS =
macOS Sequoia, the current release of macOS, will work with Wi-Fi and graphics acceleration on unsupported MacBook Air computers (except for the 2018 and 2019 models) with a compatible third-party patch utility.{{Cite web |title=Supported Models {{!}} OpenCore Legacy Patcher |url=https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/MODELS.html#macbook-air |access-date=2021-06-14 |website=dortania.github.io |archive-date=February 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201094731/https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/MODELS.html#macbook-air |url-status=live }}
The MacBook Air 2018 and 2019 models cannot currently be patched due to an issue with the T2 Security Chip that prevents them from running macOS Sequoia.{{Cite web |title=macOS Sequoia and OpenCore Legacy Patcher Support · Issue #1136 · dortania/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher |url=https://github.com/dortania/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/issues/1136 |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=GitHub |language=en}}
class="wikitable mw-collapsible"
|+ Supported macOS releases on MacBook Air |
rowspan="3" | OS release
! colspan="13" | Intel-based ! colspan="5" | Apple silicon |
---|
colspan="3" | Unibody
! colspan="7" | Tapered Unibody ! colspan="3" | Retina ! colspan="1" | M1 ! colspan="4" | M2 and later |
Original
! Late ! Mid ! Late ! Mid ! Mid ! Mid ! Early ! Early ! 2017 ! 2018 ! 2019 ! 2020 ! M1, ! M2, ! M2, ! M3, ! M4, |
10.4 Tiger
| {{Free|Partial{{R|group=Note|MacBookAir1,1}}}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |
10.5 Leopard
| {{Ya|text=10.5.1}} | {{Ya|text=10.5.5}} | {{Ya|text=10.5.6}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |
10.6 Snow Leopard
| {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya|text=10.6.4}} | {{Free|Partial}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |
10.7 Lion
| {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya|text=10.7.4}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |
10.8 Mountain Lion
| {{Partial|Patch}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya|text=10.8.4}} | {{Free|Unofficial}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |
10.9 Mavericks
| rowspan="3" {{Partial|Patch{{R|group=Note|X3100}}}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya|text=10.9.2}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |
10.10 Yosemite
| {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya|text=10.10.2}} | rowspan="2" {{Free|Unofficial}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |
10.11 El Capitan
| {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |
10.12 Sierra
| {{Na}} | colspan="2" {{Partial|Patch}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya|text=10.12.4}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |
10.13 High Sierra
| {{Na}} | colspan="2" {{Partial|Patch}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |
10.14 Mojave
| {{Na}} | colspan="4" {{Partial|Patch}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya|text=10.14.1}} | {{Ya|text=10.14.5}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |
10.15 Catalina
| {{Na}} | colspan="4" {{Partial|Patch}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya|text=10.15.3}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |
11 Big Sur
| {{Na}} | colspan="5" {{Partial|Patch}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |
12 Monterey
| {{Na}} | colspan="7" {{Partial|Patch}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya|text=12.4}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |
13 Ventura
| {{Na}} | colspan="9" {{Partial|Patch}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya|text=13.4}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |
14 Sonoma
| {{Na}} | colspan="4" {{Partial|Patch{{R|group=Note|Sonoma}}}} | colspan="5" {{Partial|Patch}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya|text=14.3}} | {{N/a}} |
15 Sequoia
| {{Na}} | colspan="2" {{Nonfree|Patch{{R|group=Note|MacBookAir2,1}}}} | colspan="2" {{Partial|Patch{{R|group=Note|MacBookAir3,x-4,x}}}} | colspan="5" {{Partial|Patch}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya|text=15.3}} |
{{Reflist|group=Note|refs=
There are no graphics drivers available for the GMA X3100 after OS X Mountain Lion.
}}
= Windows through Boot Camp (Intel only) =
{{See also|Boot Camp (software)}}
Boot Camp Assistant allows Intel Macs to dual-boot Windows. Apple silicon Macs do not support Boot Camp, even with ARM-based version of Windows 10 and 11.{{Cite web |date=June 24, 2020 |title=Apple's new ARM-based Macs won't support Windows through Boot Camp |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/24/21302213/apple-silicon-mac-arm-windows-support-boot-camp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207065245/https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/24/21302213/apple-silicon-mac-arm-windows-support-boot-camp |archive-date=February 7, 2021 |access-date=November 11, 2020 |website=The Verge}}
Current lineup
class="wikitable sortable" style="width:60%; text-align: center;"
!Release date !Model !Processor | ||
rowspan="2" |March 12, 2025 | MacBook Air (13-inch, 2025) | rowspan="2" | Apple M4 |
MacBook Air (15-inch, 2025) |
Timeline
{{Timeline of portable Macintoshes}}
See also
Notes
{{Reflist|group=Note|refs=
Only 64-bit versions of Windows are supported for Windows 8 and later.
}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons}}
{{Wikinews|Apple unveils new MacBook Air laptops, iLife '11 software suite}}
- {{Official website|https://www.apple.com/macbook-air|MacBook Air}} – official site
{{Apple hardware since 1998}}
{{Apple hardware}}
{{Apple Inc.}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Computer-related introductions in 2008