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MacBook Air (Apple silicon)

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MacBook Air (Apple silicon)
NameMacBook Air (Apple silicon)
DeveloperApple Inc.
ManufacturerFoxconn
FamilyMacBook Air
TypeLaptop
Release dateNovember 2020
OsmacOS
SocApple M-series
MemoryUnified Memory
StorageSSD
DisplayRetina display
GraphicsIntegrated GPU
InputMagic Keyboard, Force Touch trackpad
ConnectivityThunderbolt / USB4, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0
PredecessorMacBook Air (Intel-based)
RelatedMacBook Pro, iMac (Apple silicon)

MacBook Air (Apple silicon). The MacBook Air (Apple silicon) is a line of ultrabook laptops designed, developed, and marketed by Apple Inc. It represents a fundamental architectural shift for the platform, transitioning from Intel x86-64 processors to Apple silicon systems on a chip, beginning with the Apple M1 in late 2020. This transition, a key part of Apple's transition to Apple silicon, delivered significant gains in performance and energy efficiency, redefining the capabilities of the company's consumer notebook line.

Overview

The introduction of the Apple silicon MacBook Air in November 2020 marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Macintosh platform. Announced during a virtual Apple Special Event and spearheaded by executives like Tim Cook and Greg Joswiak, it was the first MacBook Air to move away from Intel Core processors. This shift, following the earlier success of custom silicon in the iPhone and iPad Pro, allowed Apple to tightly integrate hardware and software, offering transformative battery life and performance in a fanless design. The launch was strategically timed to capitalize on increased demand for remote work and distance learning tools during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design and features

The initial Apple silicon model retained the iconic wedge-shaped design language and aluminum unibody chassis established by its Intel-based predecessor. Key features include a Retina display with support for the P3 color space, a scissor mechanism Magic Keyboard (replacing the problematic butterfly mechanism), a Force Touch trackpad, and a Touch ID sensor integrated into the power button. The design was significantly revised in mid-2022 with the introduction of the Apple M2 model, which adopted a flat, uniform thickness form factor reminiscent of the MacBook Pro and iMac, and added a larger Liquid Retina display with a notch housing a 1080p FaceTime camera.

Technical specifications

At its core, the MacBook Air utilizes Apple silicon SoCs, starting with the Apple M1 and progressing to the Apple M2 and Apple M3. These chips integrate the CPU, GPU, Neural Engine, media engine, and Unified Memory onto a single piece of silicon fabricated using TSMC's advanced 5 nanometer and later 3 nanometer processes. Connectivity is provided by two or more Thunderbolt / USB4 ports, Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax), and Bluetooth 5.0. Storage is handled by high-speed NVMe SSDs, and the devices operate without an active cooling fan.

Models and timeline

The timeline of Apple silicon MacBook Air models began with the November 2020 release of the M1-based model, which was offered in Gold, Silver, and Space Gray finishes. A major redesign accompanied the launch of the M2 model in July 2022, adding Midnight and Starlight color options. This was followed by the March 2024 release of the Apple M3-powered MacBook Air, available in both 13-inch and 15-inch display sizes. Each generation has been supported by concurrent releases of the macOS operating system, such as macOS Big Sur, macOS Monterey, and macOS Sonoma.

Software and operating system

The MacBook Air (Apple silicon) ships with and runs macOS, Apple's desktop operating system. The transition to Apple silicon required a new version of macOS, macOS Big Sur, which introduced Rosetta 2, a dynamic binary translation process that allows most Intel-based Mac applications to run seamlessly. Furthermore, the shared architecture with the iPhone and iPad enables the MacBook Air to natively run a vast library of iOS and iPadOS applications obtained through the App Store. This integration is further deepened by features like Universal Control and Continuity.

Reception and impact

Upon release, the MacBook Air (Apple silicon) received widespread critical acclaim from publications like The Verge, CNET, and Ars Technica, with reviewers praising its exceptional performance-per-watt, silent operation, and industry-leading battery life. It is widely credited with solidifying the success of Apple's transition to Apple silicon and increasing competitive pressure on rivals using x86 processors from Intel and AMD. The laptop's success significantly boosted Mac sales and market share, influencing the broader personal computer industry's focus on ARM-based designs and energy efficiency.

Category:MacBook Air Category:Apple Inc. hardware Category:Apple silicon computers Category:Laptops Category:2020 introductions