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Apple
- The newest MacBook Air from Apple has been announced and made available for order starting at $999 — the same price as before.
- This version of the laptop contains Apple’s first-ever main processor for a computer: the M1, a complete system-on-a-chip (SoC) design very similar to (but more powerful than) the chips inside iPhones and iPads.
- Apple’s new silicon brings with it more power, more efficiency, and longer battery life into the same MacBook Air frame as before.
- However, we would suggest waiting for full reviews of the latest MacBook Air before buying, as much of the upgrades rely on brand-new, unproven technology.
- In addition to the new MacBook Air, Apple also recently detailed its new MacBook Pro with M1.
Table of Contents: Masthead Sticky
Apple has officially pulled the curtain back on the M1, the company’s first main processor for Mac computers, and with it the first MacBook laptops that are powered by it. The most exciting of those models is the most approachable in terms of price: the newest MacBook Air.
Using Apple’s new M1 processor, the company says that this MacBook Air is up to 3.5 times faster overall and produces five times faster graphics than before. The company also promises seamless app support for Mac apps developed for Intel-based Mac computers, as well as support for all iPhone and iPad apps — again, seamlessly.
This is the next phase for Apple computers in more ways than one, so here’s how you can get in on that.
MacBook Air 2020 price
Apple has set the starting price for its latest MacBook Air at $999, which is exactly what the current model sells for. Upgraders aren’t paying any extra for this change in technology, which is a welcome bit of news.
Education customers will only pay $899, just like the current model as well. This is a considerable upgrade in terms of performance and features for the same pricing.
MacBook Air 2020 release date
Apple
The latest MacBook Air with the M1 processor inside is available for purchase right now at the time of writing, and orders will begin delivering to homes on November 17.
Apple also gives itself some leeway, mentioning in the fine print that your order could be delivered on November 18. However, at least Apple offers free shipping, especially since Apple Store Pickup is not currently available at most, if not all, Apple Store locations.
MacBook Air 2020 specs and features
The newest 2020 MacBook Air is another 13-inch laptop that looks practically identical to the previous generation model that was released earlier this year. That’s because, short of the major changes going on inside, that is largely the case.
- Display: 13.3-inch, 2,560 x 1,600 LED screen with IPS
- Processor: Apple M1 processor (8-core CPU; 7~8-core GPU)
- Memory: 8GB ~ 16GB unified memory
- Storage: 256GB ~ 2TB SSD
- Camera: 720p FaceTime HD webcam
- Size: 11.97 x 8.36 x 0.63 inches (W x D x H)
- Weight: 2.8 pounds
This latest MacBook Air uses Apple’s silicon to — as Apple claims — vastly improve the MacBook experience. For one, the processor is far more power efficient than previous Intel-based MacBooks, making this MacBook Air the longest lasting yet at 18 hours on a single charge.
The laptop’s webcam also uses the new processor’s Neural Engine for improved visualization and optics, much like an iPhone does. Also like the iPhone, the new processor allows for the laptop to instantly turn on and back to what you’re doing upon opening its lid.
Finally, Apple claims that all iPhone and iPad apps are compatible with Macs running on the M1 processor, and that apps still tailored to Intel-based Macs will work seamlessly through an emulation tool.
Why you shouldn’t buy a MacBook Air 2020 right away
Apple
However, regardless of how exciting some of these enhancements and features are, we strongly recommend that you wait for reviews of the MacBook Air before you buy. This is especially important for this generation during which Apple is transitioning processor platforms.
There are bound to be hiccups along the way in this transition, if Microsoft’s experience with Windows on ARM processors has been any indication. And, Apple is by no means immune to fumbles and stumbles – just look at its Butterfly keyboards.
We expect to be publishing our review of the newest MacBook Air shortly, so stay tuned for our in-depth insights before you drop this considerable amount of cash on an untested product.
source https://www.businessinsider.com/macbook-air-2020-m1-price-release-date
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