Apple unveils MacBook Air 2022 with M2 chip

Source: Apple WWDC22— MacBook Air with M2 chip

At WWDC 2022 keynote, Apple announced not just new software such as iOS 16, macOS Ventura, watchOS 9, but also new hardware such as the completely new redesigned MacBook Air.

A notched display, MagSafe support, strikingly thin design, and next generation of Apple Silicon M2 chip are now included in the 2022 MacBook Air.

So without further any delay, let’s have a look at what new MacBook Air has to offer.

MacBook Air 2022 — What’s new?

• Apple overhauled the design of the MacBook Air in 2022, marking the first major design update to the MacBook Air line since 2010.
• The updated MacBook Air does away with the tapered chassis that the MacBook Air has used for years, instead introducing a flat MacBook Pro-style body that’s the same width from front to back.
• New MacBook Air also comes with a silent, fan-less design — so it stays completely silent no matter how intense the task.

Source: Apple — Design top midnight

Design

• The new MacBook Air comes with a larger 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display with tinier black bezels on all sides.
• It supports 1 billion colors and features 500 nits brightness, making it 25% brighter than before.
• It measures in at 11.3mm thick, making it a bit thinner than the prior-generation MacBook Air (16.1mm is thickest point of the prior model). It weighs 2.7 pounds (1.24 kg). It is just about the same size as the prior-generation model at 11.97 inches wide and 8.46 inches tall.
• Two USB-C ports are available on the MacBook Air along with a MagSafe port for charging purposes and a 3.5mm headphone jack with support for high-impedance headphones.

Source: Apple WWDC22— MacBook Air with MagSafe and USB-C ports

Source: Apple WWDC22— MacBook Air with 3.5 mm headphone jack port

• The notch on the new 2022 MacBook Air also holds a 1080p FaceTime HD webcam now and Apple has also thrown in new microphones and Dolby Atmos-supporting speakers in the design now.

Source: Apple WWDC22— MacBook Air camera

Colors

The MacBook Air is available in Silver, Space Grey, Starlight (a shade of gold), and Midnight, a new dark blue color.

Source: Apple WWDC22— MacBook Air 4up colors hero

Battery

• The battery in the MacBook Air lasts for up to 18 hours when watching movies or TV, and up to 15 hours when browsing the web. It supports fast-charging with an optional 67W USB-C power adapter.

Battery life varies by use and configuration. See apple.com/in/batteries for more information.

Source: Apple WWDC22 — First time, MacBook Air supports fast charge with 67W adapter.

Performance

• Apple said the M2 chip has up to an 18% faster CPU, 35% faster GPU, and 40% faster Neural Engine compared to the M1 chip.

Source: Apple WWDC22— M2 chip CPU performance vs. power

Source: Apple WWDC22 — M2 chip GPU performance vs. power

Pricing

• MacBook Air with M2 chip starts at $1,199(₹1,19,900) for the version with an 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 256GB SSD, and 30W USB-C Power Adapter.
• Higher-end model with 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 512GB SSD, and 35W Dual USB-C Port Power Adapter is available for $1,499(₹1,49,900).
• Apple is continuing to sell the M1 MacBook Air for $999 (₹99,900)

Availability

• Apple will begin selling the new MacBook Air 2022 in India starting next month.

Source: Apple — MacBook Air 2022 with M2 chip Availability

Environment

• Lastly, MacBook Air features 100% recycled aluminium in its compact enclosure.

For more information, View the 2022 Environmental Progress Report (PDF)

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