Introduction, design, and features
At long last, an all-new MacBook Air
New MacBook Air – It’s Finally Here!
Only Apple can explain why the MacBook Air got a full makeover after such a long pause. But I’m convinced that the 2020 launch of the M1 chip was the perfect moment to roll out a major redesign. Guess what? The wait has been over.
First Glimpse Post‑WWDC 2022
Right after the reveal at WWDC 2022, I got hands on the fresh Air and my initial thoughts were pretty solid. Apple really nailed the basics: slim profile, ultrafast performance, and that signature Mac polish.
Putting the Air to the Test
- Worked on heavy editing tasks – the GPU took the heat like a champ.
- Python scripting, video rendering, and office work all ran smoother than ever.
- Battery life stays rock‑solid; my 12‑hour run time matches the promise.
After testing the updated Pro with the brand‑new M2 chip, I’m even more confident that this latest Air won’t flounder.
Does It Hold Up?
The performance, the sleek design, and the day‑to‑day reliability all checked out during the past couple of days of intensive use. No hiccups, no overheating, just pure, unfiltered Mac magic.
Who Should Grab This Air?
If you’re looking for a high‑performance laptop that still feels like a feather‑light companion, the new MacBook Air is a top pick. It’s great for students, creative pros, and anyone who just wants a reliable, stylish device that doesn’t break the bank.
Bottom line? The new Air delivers the wow factor without the weight of extra cost. Your next Mac? Definitely the updated Air.
Design & features
The New MacBook Air: Slab‑Style Shock!
Hey tech lovers, grab a seat—Apple just dropped a MacBook Air that’s got everyone talking. Forget the old fan‑fare wedge; this one is sleek, slab‑ish, and flat‑lined. Think of it as the Grand Canyon of laptops, but instead of a canyon, it’s a cutting‑edge sporting jersey.
What Makes It Stand Out?
- Wedge No More: Gone is that classic bowed shape. Instead, we’re looking at a clean‑cut, side‑flat beast of a machine.
- Thinner Than a T-shirt: At 11.3 mm thick, you might picture two iPad Pros neatly stacked. Believe it or not, that’s still slimmer than a 14‑inch MacBook Pro.
- Flat as a Cake: The sides are straight, giving it a modern “two‑iPads‑in‑one” vibe that’s bold and unapologetic.
Why You’ll Love It
If you’re part of the “Air” fan‑club, you’ll see why this design screams lightness and portability. It’s like a feather you can carry around—or a curtain that’s really light.
So, whether you’re a graphic designer, a student, or just a casual wanderer, this new MacBook Air lets you keep the sleekness you expect but with a brand‑new form factor. Apple just gave us a laptop that’s almost as thin as a phone but still huge enough for your living room. Isn’t that a win?
<img alt="" data-caption="The ports are on the left side. Note also how thin the MacBook Air is.
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Is the MacBook Air Still Lightweight?
When you see “1.24 kg” mentioned, you might raise an eyebrow. In a world where laptops keep getting thinner, 1.24 kg now feels more like a feather than a feather‑light device.
What’s the Real Deal?
- Weight Check: 1.24 kg is what Apple calls the current Air’s heft.
- First‑Time Feel: Lift it up and you’ll almost do a “hoo‑hey” moment—no surprise canvas at all.
- Long‑Term Fans: As someone who’s carried Macs around for years, that “just light” vibe is a bit of a let‑down.
Why the Air’s Name Said “Light”
The Air used to be celebrated as one of the lightest notebooks on the market. That lightweight reputation was basically the brand’s secret sauce. Now, it feels less like a “spry little machine” and more like a “standard‑sized laptop.”
Putting It Into Perspective
- If you compare it to a Dell XPS, the difference is hardly noticeable.
- In the era when 2‑kg laptops were the norm, 1.24 kg would have been the bright, shining standout.
- Today, that same number quietly slides into the middle of the field.
Bottom line: the Air isn’t “cumbersome,” but the grin you once got when picking it up has faded to a modest “okay.” It’s still sleek and portable, just not the feather‑light icon it once promised.
<img alt="" data-caption="The ports are on the left side. Note also how thin the MacBook Air is.
PHOTO: Hardware Zone” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”c3dab55e-1555-427f-bd66-747c46a3a66f” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/m4_0.jpg”/>
Why the New MacBook Air Has a Little Extra Weight – and Why That Matters
In a world where the race to make laptops as feather‑light as a bird is practically a sprint, the Apple MacBook Air defies the trend. Instead of chasing the ultra‑light lifestyle of the latest magnesium‑carbon‑fibre PCs, Apple’s decision to cling to the sturdy alley of recycled aluminium pays off in a way that’s hard to ignore.
1⃣ The Weight Showdown
- Other laptops are mixing magnesium and carbon fibre to feel like a helium balloon.
- Apple keeps the heavier, more solid feel of aluminium (yes, recycled), which means the MacBook Air sits a bit more heavily than some of its rivals.
At first glance, you might think “ugh, heavier is bad.” Nope. That extra heft gives the Air a solid, premium vibe. It feels like you’re holding a piece of fine craftsmanship, a far cry from flimsy, “just a shell” ultralights that wobble under a ti‑rig.
2⃣ Colors That Make You Feel Like a Trendsetter
- Midnight – A midnight‑star vibe that mostly looks black but flashes a subtle hint of blue under the right light. The go‑to choice for almost everyone.
- Starlight – Champagne or pale gold—more subdued but still chic.
- Space Grey & Silver – The classic safe bet.
Heads up: Midnight is a fingerprint magnet. If you paint your fingerprints on it, it’s practically forever. If you’re all about the pristine look, choose Starlight, Space Grey, or Silver.
3⃣ One‑Hand Open and a 13.6‑inch Delight
Open the lid with just one hand and you’re greeted by a 13.6‑inch Liquid Retina display. The big talk in the world of PCs now is about OLED panels, but the MacBook Air sticks to a reliable LCD. While it may not have OLED’s deep blacks, it still shines bright:
- 500 nits of brightness – less glare, more easy‑on‑the-eyes.
- 2560 × 1664 resolution – as sharp as a crystal.
- P3 color support – giving you colors that pop like a rainbow after a drizzle.
4⃣ Bottom Line
Apple’s move to keep a bit more weight on the MacBook Air isn’t about being bulky; it’s about making the laptop feel like a high‑end, well‑built companion. The look, feel, and modest color choices give it a touch of class that the ultra‑light PCs are still chasing. If you appreciate a solid, premium feel and a vivid display, the Air is definitely worth carrying in that heavier suitcase—minus the extra miles!
<img alt="" data-caption="The display might not be as visually impressive as an OLED one, but it's still pretty good.
PHOTO: Hardware Zone” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”3f761fa1-a4df-4cbc-8032-b75e1fe4684e” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/m5_0.jpg”/>
Notch on the MacBook Pro: Does It Really Drive You Crazy?
Ever notice that little cut in the middle of the MacBook Pro’s display? I’ve already tackled this in my 14‑inch review, so I won’t waste time re‑explaining. The good news? Most folks won’t let it bug them, and if you’re one of those who love menu bar apps like iStat Menu or Music Bar (yes, if you’re a fan of those), you might find it slightly annoying at first. I felt the same way, but trust me—after a few days, it’s just another feature you get used to.
Heads‑up: The New 1080p Camera
- The webcam is a brand‑new 1080p model, just like the one in the 14‑ and 16‑inch Pro lines.
- Thanks to the M2 chip’s advanced image‑signal processor (ISP) it captures shots that are noticeably sharper than the old MacBook Air’s camera.
- It won’t blow your mind, but it’s more than enough for Zoom calls, FaceTime, or any video chat that matters.
<img alt="" data-caption="Within the notch resides a 1080 web camera. The quality won't blow your mind but it'll suffice for online meetings.
PHOTO: Hardware Zone” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”5e02d419-85fb-44ce-ac28-0deaeb80af43″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/m6_0.jpg”/>
Why the MacBook Air Wins on Ports
*The newest MacBook Air comes packed with two USB‑C ports that support Thunderbolt 3 and USB4, plus a heavyweight hero – the MagSafe charger.
Real Talk:
Keyboard: The (Slight) Twist
*The Air gets a brand‑new keyboard that mimics the elegant layout of the 14‑ and 16‑inch Pro models, complete with a full‑height row of function keys and a spot‑on Touch ID button.
What I love & What I’m not so happy about
*- Got a full‑height function row? – Think of it as having a spliff page from the Pro‑world.
- No Touch Bar! – Unlike the Pro, the Air sticks to the classic keys. It’s preferable for those who hate swapping icon‑bars.
- Touch ID button? – Even better, it sits right in the top‑right corner for quick, secure log‑ins.
- Keyboard feel. – While it’s not as plush as the Pro version, it feels solid for stress‑testing your finger strokes.
The Soft Touch of the Trackpad
*Apple’s trackpads never disappoint. The Air’s top‑grade trackpad is:
All in all: this Apple machine keeps the screen‑blazing performance, advanced connectivity, and the tactile feel that you can’t put a price on. And who doesn’t want a laptop that’s both a tech juggernaut and a casual buddy for those long, text‑bursts?
<img alt="" data-caption="The keyboard has traditional scissors=style switches and a full-height row of function keys. Touch ID in the top right corner makes for quick and easy log-ins.
PHOTO: Hardware Zone” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”a6b562f4-5ef8-44c8-a85b-28abb6d17c4f” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/m7.jpg”/>
MacBook Air’s Quiet Powerhouse
*Even the slimest MacBook Air surprises you with a four‑speaker set that doesn’t cut corners—no visible grill or cut‑out, yet the audio deck hits the ground running. When you hit a Spatial Audio track, the sound spreads out wide, giving you an almost cinematic feel. Play Charlie Puth’s “Left and Right” or Jung Kook’s “Left and Right” and you’ll hear how the stage is so large and vivid that you almost forget you’re in a tiny laptop.
Key Takeaways
*- Sound volume is solid—no whiny edges.
- High‑volume play doesn’t bring a noticeable distortion.
- Only a touch of haziness remains, with bass that could use a little lift.
In short, Apple’s speakers are a little victory in thin‑laptop audio. They’re loud enough, the spatial field pops, and the lowest tones stay clean. What’s missing is that extra punch in the bass—a tiny boost would make the whole mix shine even brighter.
Powered by M2
<img alt="" data-caption="M2 is the first of Apple's second-generation M-series chips.
PHOTO: Apple” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”c9e2ac34-19d3-426c-87e1-f3b8f4d3d394″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/m8.jpg”/>
Meet the New M2‑Powered MacBook Air
The latest MacBook Air isn’t just a pretty face—it’s now powered by Apple’s shiny M2 chip. If you’re already a fan of the M2 13‑inch MacBook Pro review, you’ll remember all those nerdy details. But let’s skip the long technical rundown and dive into the big wins.
Core Strengths of the M2
- Built on the sleek 5 nm process—smaller, faster, greener.
- Over 20 billion transistors—that’s 25 % more than the M1, so expect “boom” over any thin‑and‑light task.
- Memory speed? Think 100 GB/s—the unified subsystem is basically a speed‑torpedo.
- Memory capacity doubled: up to 24 GB (versus 16 GB with M1).
- Multi‑thread performance up by 18 % without burning extra juice.
- Graphics leap: 35 % faster thanks to a 10‑core GPU (was just 8 before).
- Neural Engine gets a makeover: 15.8 TOPS vs the older 11 TOPS.
- ProRes encoding/decoding live in the media engine—so video work feels as smooth as butter.
Two Flavor Options
Apple rolled out two variants:
- 8‑core GPU version.
- 10‑core GPU version (the one I’m testing). Both share the same 8‑core CPU.
My Test Build (10‑core GPU)
With 16 GB of memory and a roomy 1 TB SSD, this model ticks the “premium” box—costing SGD 2,749. Talk about saying “yikes” in your wallet.
The Chocolate‑Covered Chargers
Depending on which GPU you pick, you’ll get:
- 8‑core GPU: a standard 30W USB‑C charger.
- 10‑core GPU: choose between a 35W dual USB‑C charger or a juggernaut 67W USB‑C charger.
The dual charger lets you juice two gadgets at once—think of it as a power‑sharing snack break. The 67W beast, however, can bring the Air from 0 % to 50 % in just a 30‑minute sprint. For the ultimate “fast‑charge” fan, third‑party options like Belkin’s 108W GaN charger can go even faster—just remember it’s still a charger, not a secret portal.
Bottom Line
The M2 MacBook Air packs a serious performance punch without compromising on the sleek, thin‑and‑light feel you expect. Whether you’re a power user or a casual developer, the added GPU cores, memory, and the blazing-fast charging options make it a compelling upgrade—though it might make your accountant take a second look at their spreadsheet.
CPU performance analysis
<img alt="" data-caption="One of the reasons why Apple was able to make the MacBook Air so thin is because it has no fans.
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Air vs. Pro: The Silent (and sometimes Toon‑ish) Showdown
What’s the real deal? The MacBook Air packs a fan‑less chassis, so it’s quieter than a library at midnight. But that silent charm can bite back when the CPU gets too fired up.
Heat‑tasting without the fan army
- Even the fan‑less Air stays surprisingly cool.
- Only in marathon sessions with heavy apps does it feel a bit toasty.
- Touch‑test: It’s never uncomfortable—you won’t feel the heat biting down on your palm.
Kind of the same with PC laptops?
PC notebooks, in contrast, come with fans, yet they often hit real throttling holes during sustained loads. But don’t sweat it for daily tasks like checking emails, binge‑watching, or juggling spreadsheets. Those activities only flash a burst of power once in a while.
Benchmark showdown
Take a look at the numbers below. The Air hangs toe‑to‑toe with the M2 13‑inch Pro in most tests. Geekbench, a quick sprint test, has no surprises—scores line up perfectly.
Cinebench runs a marathon, and the Air continues to stand strong, matching the Pro. Push it longer, and the score slowly slides down toward 5,500—still a solid figure.
When the Air hits a wall
Only one test really laid bare the Air’s throttling: video transcoding a full‑hour, 1080p clip. In that race, the Air lagged about 35 % behind the Pro—showing we’re looking at a weakening performance. Even so, it finished in just under 22 minutes, which pales compared to an M1 13‑inch Pro or a PC with a Core i7‑1260P Alder Lake.
Bottom line? The MacBook Air is great for everyday relaxed use, but if you throw it into the deep‑sea of heavy bear‑heavy tasks, you might feel the heat and the slowdown.
GPU performance analysis
So, the MacBook Air’s GPU? Not a Bad Idea!
With 10 GPU cores, the MacBook Air is packing in a performance punch that’s almost in the same league as the heavier‑handed M2 13‑inch MacBook Pro. I use the word “potential” because, let’s be real, graphics work can be pretty demanding.
Geekbench & GFXBench: 1‑to‑1 Showdown
- Geekbench Compute – The scores line up side‑by‑side against the M2 Pro.
- GFXBench – Same story: the Air holds its own, proving it’s no one‑armed bandit.
When the Stress Test Comes On
The plot thickens when you drop a longer, crazier benchmark into the mix – Unigine’s Valley. Here’s what happened:
- The Air was about 9% slower than the M2 Pro.
- Still bragging wins against an M1 13‑inch Pro and a Mid‑range PC with a Core i7‑1260P.
Bottom Line
For the everyday user who’s juggling creative projects, gaming, or just chilling with some heavy graphics, the Air still keeps you in the race. It’s a solid choice if you’re chasing a blend of lightness, power, and a dash of humor in your workflow.
Gaming performance
MacBook Air vs. 13‑inch M2 Pro – Gaming Showdown
When it comes to gaming, most of us love to push our laptops to the limit. We strap on the latest titles, crank up the graphics, and hope our machines stay happy. The latest tests show that the MacBook Air can survive the onslaught – at least for a short while – with an ease that, honestly, rivals the 13‑inch M2 MacBook Pro.
But here’s the kicker: once you keep going, the Air starts to sputter. Within about 15 minutes of non‑stop play, its performance sinks to roughly 60 % of the first‑run peak. That loss is pretty steep and can make gaming feel a bit like a downhill rollercoaster.
What Does That Mean in Real‑World Terms?
- Equivalent to a PC – The Air’s numbers after the drop line up with a typical PC notebook running a Core i7‑1260P processor.
- Game‑specific limits – While it will launch most games – especially those geared toward PCs – the real test is how long it can keep up without overheating.
- Use it wisely – If you’re planning marathon sessions or chasing the latest graphically intense titles, consider cooling solutions or longer breaks.
Bottom Line: Don’t Expect Endless Stamina
The MacBook Air will play the games you throw at it, but it’s not built for endless, tear‑jerking sessions. Think of it more like a quick sprint than a marathon runner. For prolonged gaming, you’ll want something that can keep the engine roaring without the performance fade‑out.
Real-world user experience
Why the M2 MacBook Air Still Ranks Superstar—Even Against the 14‑inch Pro
When I gave the M2 13‑inch MacBook Pro a spin, I was floored by how smooth that little powerhouse ran. And guess what? The new M2 MacBook Air pulls through just as well—no fancy fan needed. Sure, I don’t use it for heavy-duty tasks, but that’s the big takeaway: the Air never seemed like a step‑down.
Is the 14‑inch Laptop faster?
Absolutely, it clocks higher speeds. But if your day is mostly surfing the web and binge‑watching Netflix or Disney+, the difference feels more like a subtle nudge than a game‑changer.
Portability Pays Off
- That 14‑inch Pro? I carried it to WWDC 2022 and kept wishing I had a lighter buddy.
- Want an easy taxi? The Air’s sleek weight wins.
Battery Life That Keeps You Going
Apple boasts 18+ hours of video playback. In practice, 12 flowing hours is a breeze. After a typical “work‑day” (10 hours, 12+ apps, Apple Music on, 60% screen brightness) I still had about 20% left.
No Need to Fear Lag
Even when the Air’s heat is turned up—yes, that “heat‑soaked” moment—it still does the job. You’re good to browse, email, and even edit a video or two.
When to Choose the Pro
- If you’re a pro gamer or run demanding software for stretches, the Pro is your best bet.
- For everyday folks craving a lightweight, all‑purpose machine, the Air is top tier.
Bottom line: the M2 MacBook Air strikes the perfect balance—powerful, portable, and ready for email, video, and light editing. Just don’t bring it to a marathon of intensive games.
Buying advice
Why the New MacBook Air Is the Ultimate Power Move
Picture this: you’re still rocking an Intel‑based MacBook Air, and you’ve been itching to upgrade. The answer? Absolutely—go for the brand‑new MacBook Air. It’s way more powerful, faster, and there’s a whole bunch of improvements that’ll leave your old laptop looking like a relic.
What You’ll Get
- Lightning‑fast M2 chip (yes, it’s fanless, so you’ll never hear a whirring noise again)
- Longer battery life—just keep doing your thing and forget about re‑charging.
- Higher‑resolution webcam in case you’re video‑conferencing with that tiny business persona.
- Sleek speakers that actually sound good.
- A keyboard that feels smoother than a fresh‑baked pizza slice.
For the Switch‑Haters (Windows Apple)
Zenith is telling you: if you’re exhausted by Windows and the random short‑sprint stalls, the M2 MacBook Air is your new best friend. Benchmark papers only show half the picture, but the M2 is no slouch—often outpacing even the latest Intel Core i7‑1260P in the real‑world.
The experience is snappy, fluid, and as forgiving as an old grandma’s hug. You’ll feel the difference in the way apps launch as if they’re being served from a super‑fast buffet. And because there are no fans, the machine stays cool and silent like a ninja.
Should You Stick with the Model M1 (Cheaper)?
It might be tempting to buy the only remaining M1 MacBook Air because it’s cheaper. But the honest truth is: the new model’s added performance trumps any “budget” label. With the upgrade, you’re walking into the future of laptops.
The Final Verdict
Premium pricing is incredibly justified thanks to the fresh design and awesome features. Even if your wallet is a bit tight, consider setting aside a few extra dollars or finding creative ways to earn those extra bucks—you’ll be glad you did.
Is the New MacBook Air Right for You?
Hey there, tech‑savvy folks! If you’re eyeing the latest MacBook Air, you’ve probably spotted the 8‑core GPU option. It’s tempting, but let’s break it down.
Why the 8‑Core GPU Might Not Be Your Best Bet
Think about heavy graphics work—think endless video editing, 3D rendering, or gaming on the go. Those tasks push a machine to its limits. In that scenario, the MacBook Pro will serve you better. It builds performance, stays warm, and handles workloads that would otherwise make the Air sweat.
Custom‑Upgrading the Air: It Comes With a Price Tag
The base model starts at $1,699 and comes with:
- 8 GB of RAM
- 256 GB of storage
That’s fine for casual users—especially if you’re hooked onto iCloud for extra space. But remember: like all handheld MacBooks, the Air can’t be upgraded later. So if you think you’ll need more memory or storage as time goes on, you’ll be stuck doing a rescan on the purchase day.
The Sweet Spot for Most People
If you want a sweet spot that balances cost and power, go for:
- 16 GB of RAM
- 512 GB of storage
Each upgrade costs an extra $300. Pick the 8-core GPU version, and you’ll be looking at a final price of $2,299. That’s a solid upgrade if you’re not a hardcore iMac‑type user.
Bottom Line
In short, the 8‑core GPU Air is great for light‑to‑medium use and gives you a modest performance bump. If heavy graphics or future upgrades are on your radar, the Pro will be the smarter choice.
Final thoughts
<img alt="" data-caption="There's no question that for most people, the new MacBook Air is the MacBook to get.
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Why the New MacBook Air Might Just Be Your New Best Friend
Let’s cut to the chase: the macOS MacBook Air is a rock‑solid choice, but it isn’t a perfect little machine. Let’s dive into the quirks and the sweet spots.
Minor Nuisances
- Twilight‑Tarnish Trouble – The Midnight finish loves smudges. Group together at a coffee shop or shelf and say “Hey, wipe it!”
- Port‑Panic – You’ll find only two USB‑C ports and no SD card reader. U‑uh, sure. But if you’re okay with a tiny adapter, you’re fine.
- No OLED Booking – The display isn’t OLED, so the punchy colours are a bit subdued.
- Memory Foison – The standard configuration hands out just 8 GB of RAM. Add a few more GBs if you plan on multitasking like a caffeinated squirrel.
Why The Air Wins
Those little annoyances? They’re just tiny dots on the big picture. The details that really matter rock its popularity bar.
- Ultra‑Light – Drops to … how many grams? … in your backpack. Like a feather, but with better tech.
- Sturdy‑Sleek Build – Nothing rattles or bends, even after a pile‑up of weekend trips.
- Lightning‑Fast Screen – Crisp visuals that make your videos feel like a spa day for your eyes.
- Speed – Works like a well‑oiled machine, with no lag in the lane.
- Battery Life – Keeps you powered for a full day, or longer, without a frantic search for an outlet.
- Zero‑Noise, Zero‑Heat – Roasts like a quiet whisper; no fans. The only stretch is the effortless cooling thanks to the metal finish.
- Pricing – If you keep the options light, you’ll be saving a few bucks while still getting a great machine.
Should Windows Users Consider One?
Yes! Head into an Apple Store, try it out, and open that front door to the Apple experience. The MacBook Air has a high chance of changing your mind and convincing you that the macOS ecosystem can be more than just a pretty interface.
Bottom Line
The newest MacBook Air is a home run for anyone looking for an everyday laptop that balances performance and portability without breaking the bank or over‑engineering the experience. Apple has delivered something that covers all the essentials, and yes—well done, Apple.
Reminder: This review was first published in HardwareZone.
