MacBook Air (Apple silicon) facts for kids
 |
|
| Developer | Apple |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Foxconn Pegatron |
| Product family | MacBook |
| Type | Subnotebook |
| Release date | November 17, 2020 |
| Operating system | macOS |
| Power | Up to 66.5 Wh battery and 70 W GaN power adapter |
| System-on-chip used | Apple M series |
| Memory | 8–32 GB unified memory (on-package LPDDR4X, LPDDR5, LPDDR5X) |
| Storage | Soldered solid-state drive: 256 GB – 2 TB storage |
| Display | Previous: Retina Display (13.3") Current: Liquid Retina Display (13.6" and 15.3") |
| Graphics | Apple-designed integrated graphics |
| Camera | FaceTime 720p or 1080p |
| Touchpad | Force touch trackpad |
| Online services | Optional on online configurations: Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro |
| Backward compatibility |
Supports x86 software with Rosetta 2 |
| Predecessor | MacBook Air (Intel-based) 12-inch MacBook (indirect, fanless) |
| Related articles |
|
The MacBook Air is a popular line of lightweight laptop computers made by Apple. These laptops are known for being thin and easy to carry. In 2020, Apple made a big change. They stopped using Intel processors and started using their own powerful chips called M-series chips.
Today, the MacBook Air is Apple's most affordable laptop. It's a great choice for students and everyday use. You can buy it with either a 13-inch or a 15-inch screen. Apple first launched the MacBook Air with the Apple M1 chip in November 2020. Later, a new design with the Apple M2 chip came out in July 2022. The first 15-inch MacBook Air arrived in June 2023. Most recently, in March 2024, Apple released MacBook Airs with the even faster M3 chip. In March 2025, Apple introduced the M4 MacBook Air, making it even more powerful.
Contents
MacBook Air with M1 Chip (2020)
On November 10, 2020, Apple introduced a new MacBook Air. This model featured the M1 chip, which was designed by Apple itself. It was one of the first Mac computers to use these new, custom-made chips. The M1 MacBook Air became available a week later, on November 17.
This laptop was special because it didn't have a fan to keep it cool. This made it very quiet! It also supported faster Wi-Fi 6 and modern Thunderbolt 3/USB4 ports. The screen offered vibrant colors. However, it could only connect to one extra display, unlike older models. The built-in FaceTime camera was 720p, but Apple improved the image quality with special processing. Apple stopped selling the M1 MacBook Air on March 4, 2024.
MacBook Air with M2, M3, and M4 Chips (2022–Present)
Apple announced a redesigned MacBook Air with the M2 chip on June 6, 2022. This new model looked more modern, with a flat design and a slightly larger screen that had rounded corners and a small notch for the camera. It also brought back MagSafe charging, which is a magnetic power connector. The M2 MacBook Air came in new colors like Starlight and Midnight.
The 13-inch M2 MacBook Air started shipping on July 15, 2022. Then, on June 5, 2023, Apple introduced the first-ever 15-inch MacBook Air. This larger model had similar features to the 13-inch M2 Air. The 13-inch M2 MacBook Air's price was lowered in June 2023 and again in March 2024. The 15-inch M2 MacBook Air was discontinued in March 2024.
On March 4, 2024, Apple launched the M3 MacBook Air in both 13-inch and 15-inch sizes. These models kept the same design as the M2 Airs. A cool new feature was the ability to connect two external displays when the laptop lid was closed. The 13-inch M2 MacBook Air's price was lowered again, and all M3 MacBook Air models were discontinued in March 2025.
The latest model, the M4 MacBook Air, was announced on March 5, 2025. It came with an even more powerful M4 chip. The starting prices for both sizes were reduced. This M4 model can support three displays (its own screen plus two external ones). It also came with more base memory and an upgraded 12MP Center Stage camera. A new Sky Blue color option replaced Space Gray.
Software and Operating Systems
All MacBook Air computers with Apple silicon chips come with the macOS operating system already installed. The first version of macOS that these computers used was macOS Big Sur. Each new MacBook Air model is designed to work best with the latest macOS versions. For example, the M4 MacBook Air launched with macOS Sequoia.
Timeline
| Timeline of portable Macintoshes |
|---|
 |
Images for kids
-
MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
-
15-inch MacBook Air M2 with the new design
.jpg)
 | Bayard Rustin |
 | Jeannette Carter |
 | Jeremiah A. Brown |
