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The MacBook Air M2 slots in forward of the already very good MacBook Air M1, tempting would-be house owners with a extra elegant design, higher peak efficiency, and quality-of-life adjustments like a higher-res webcam, brighter display, and fuller audio system. The Air M1 is inarguably nonetheless a greater worth purchase, however the little additional touches make this the higher laptop computer — Apple’s greatest MacBook Air so far, no much less.
The preferred laptop computer on the planet is again, and with it comes a slew of design shifts marking the largest seen adjustments to the MacBook Air line in virtually half a decade. After all, it was the under-the-hood upgrades that set aside its direct predecessor — the game-changing MacBook Air M1. Can Apple’s newest compact laptop computer reside as much as such lofty expectations? Discover out in Android Authority’s Apple MacBook Air M2 evaluate.
About this Apple MacBook Air M2 evaluate: I examined the MacBook Air M2 (16GB/512GB/10-core GPU) for 3 weeks. It was operating macOS Monterey (model 12.4) throughout the evaluate interval. Android Authority bought the laptop computer for this evaluate.
What it is advisable to know concerning the Apple MacBook Air M2

Oliver Cragg / Android Authority
- Apple MacBook Air M2 (8GB/256GB/8-core GPU): $1,199 / £1,249 / €1,499
- Apple MacBook Air M2 (8GB/512GB/10-core GPU): $1,499 / £1,549 / €1,849
Let’s begin with an vital clarification earlier than we dig into Apple’s 2022 machine: the MacBook Air M2 doesn’t substitute the MacBook Air M1. The Air M2 is available in at the next price ticket, creeping above the latter’s comforting three-digit MSRP of $999 by including an additional $200 onto the equal base mannequin. Whether or not or not that value delta is resolved by the next worth is a tricky query to reply, however one we’ll completely be tackling all through this evaluate.
The Macbook Air M2 additionally follows sizzling on the heels of the 13-inch MacBook Professional, a… unusual laptop computer, to say the least. Each are powered by the second-gen entry-tier Apple Silicon — the M2 — although the smallest MacBook Professional is in any other case an odd throwback to options Apple has in any other case exorcized — Contact Bar, anybody?
The M2 seems to be to grab the mantle of Apple’s greatest MacBook Air from the indomitable M1 mannequin.
The headline improve for the Air M2 is the titular processor. Apple claims the chip has an 18% quicker CPU and affords as much as a 35% GPU enhance, in addition to a 40% quicker neural engine for ambient and AI-specific duties. As we’ll see, these numbers don’t paint a full image however, spoilers: it is a extremely performant and environment friendly fanless laptop computer.
Maybe the extra thrilling adjustments are these to the general look and have set, with the Macbook Air M2 borrowing some components and design cues from the revamped 2021 Macbook Professional line. This features a flatter kind issue, the oft-maligned notch that homes the next decision 1080p webcam, the return of MagSafe charging, and another minor Professional-like tweaks. Throw in a barely bigger and brighter show with help for extra colours, plus retooled audio system, and also you’ve acquired a transparent contender for the title of the very best compact laptop computer.
The Macbook Air M2 begins at $1,199, however there are many inside improve choices to customized suit your workload, with the top-spec mannequin maxing out at an eye-watering $2,499. Try the bullets beneath for a breakdown:
GPU
- 8-core GPU: Base
- 10-core GPU: +$100
RAM
- 8GB: Base
- 16GB: +$200
- 24GB: +$400
Storage (SSD)
- 256GB: Base
- 512GB: +$200
- 1TB: +$400
- 2TB: +$800
The MacBook Air M2 comes with a single port 30W USB-C charger as customary (together with a flowery braided and color-matched MagSafe cable), although you possibly can go for a 35W twin USB-C charger or a 67W USB-C charger for an additional $20. Alternatively, should you’re shopping for a MacBook Air M2 configured with the 10-core GPU and a 512GB SSD or above, you possibly can snag one of many latter two chargers totally free. The ultimate choice earlier than parting along with your money is the colour. It is available in House Grey, Silver, or the brand new Starlight or Midnight (pictured) colorways.
The Macbook Air M2 was launched in mid-July 2022 after an preliminary launch at WWDC 2022. It’s that can be purchased on-line from Apple’s web site, Amazon, and chosen retailers together with Greatest Purchase, Walmart, B&H, and Adorama.
How is the brand new design?

Oliver Cragg / Android Authority
The wedge is not any extra! The MacBook Air M2 ditches the sloped design of its direct predecessors for a unibody chassis that sits flat when closed. It’s additionally a tiny bit longer to accommodate the bigger show. The result’s a machine that sits far nearer in aesthetics to the redesigned MacBook Professional collection relatively than its personal beast, although it nonetheless greater than lives as much as its “Air” moniker.
In reality, the M2 MacBook Air drops in total quantity by 20%. It’s not as slim at its thinnest level, however at 11.3mm it’s slimmer than the big finish of the wedge on the M1 mannequin. Furthermore, the burden distribution is impeccable — even after hours of use on my lap (scripting this evaluate, no much less) I didn’t ever turn out to be uncomfortable. The hinge is equally nicely measured, with simply sufficient pressure to snap shut with a satisfying thud whereas additionally being exact sufficient to elevate open with a single finger.
The MacBook Air M2 falls delicately into place behind the revamped MacBook Execs via its shared visible design language.
Not like many light-weight laptops that go for cheaper supplies, Apple sticks with anodized aluminum, providing each a premium really feel and shine that accentuates every colour alternative. The draw back, nonetheless, is that the colour coating will be simply scratched. This presents a little bit of a difficulty for the Midnight mannequin because it’ll be left with silver gashes that conflict with the alluring deep blue hues. We’ve already seen loads of Midnight Air M2 house owners reporting micro-scratches across the USB-C ports regardless of being extraordinarily delicate when utilizing equipment. I’ve personally managed to keep away from any ugly grooves (thus far), however I’m very conscious that I’m being additional cautious.
To make issues worse, the Midnight end can also be an entire fingerprint magnet. Personally, I might nonetheless get this mannequin if I used to be given the selection once more; I’m a sucker for a way unassuming but refined it seems to be and my utilization is usually round the home. Nonetheless, should you assume you’ll be lugging it round an workplace or faculty all day, I’d counsel going for a extra sensible end the place any minor injury and greasy finger marks received’t stand out fairly a lot.

Oliver Cragg / Android Authority
When you do wish to reside dangerously and danger these blemishes, you possibly can at the least keep away from overusing the USB-C ports for charging due to the return of MagSafe. It’s been an extended street to get again right here, however welcome house, previous (s)port. Similar to the equal on the 2021 MacBook Professional line, the MagSafe connector affords that little peace of thoughts that if somebody (let’s be actual, it’ll be you) journeys over the cable, at the least your costly laptop computer received’t go flying alongside along with your dignity.
It’s additionally straightforward to be pleased about MagSafe for a barely much less fascinating cause: charging the laptop computer received’t occupy one of many MacBook Air M2’s miserly whole of two USB-C ports. Stingy port presence is nothing new for the MacBook Air line (or Apple merchandise normally), nevertheless it’s much more irritating due to its newly uniform peak. The 2 USB-C ports on the left facet are fantastic, however the appropriate facet accommodates a 3.5mm headphone jack and… that’s it. Whereas HDMI and/or an SD card slot might have at all times been a pipe dream, there’s a copious quantity of actual property on that proper facet for at the least one additional USB-C port. Sadly, that is one space the place the trickle-down impact from the retooled MacBook Professional line doesn’t apply — should you want extra ports, you gotta go Professional.

Oliver Cragg / Android Authority
The same mantra is true of the show should you’ve acquired a hankering for some mini-LED, “ProMotion” goodness. As an alternative, we’re an IPS “Liquid Retina” panel right here with a capped 60Hz refresh fee. That’s to not say it is a unhealthy display. In reality, it’s a modest step up from the MacBook Air M1’s show, with the newer era rising the utmost brightness to 500 nits (was 400 nits) and boosting the variety of colours it helps from the thousands and thousands to at least one billion. Regardless of a minor drop in pixels-per-inch (227 on the M1 Air to 224) that’s imperceptible to the bare eye, the MacBook Air M2’s brighter panel, mixed with glorious viewing angles, is much extra suited to make use of exterior or in strongly-lit environments. When you’ve ever solid your eyes over an XDR MacBook Professional display or perhaps a mini-LED-equipped iPad Professional — each of which ship smoother 120Hz refresh charges — this may be a sore level, however that doesn’t imply the MacBook Air M2’s show isn’t sharp, colour correct, or typically a pleasure to make use of.

Oliver Cragg / Android Authority
One factor that does transition from the new-style MacBook Execs to the 2022 MacBook Air is the dreaded notch. Preliminary impressions of the small black bar aren’t nice, however give it a couple of days and should you’re something like me, you’ll neglect it’s there utterly. Just like the equal on Apple’s telephones, it stays an inelegant resolution to an ever-growing demand for bigger shows — and that’s one thing you do get right here, albeit by solely a fraction of an inch (13.6 inches vs 13.3 inches on the M1 Air). The additional vertical house is a good trade-off, and it usually blends in with the toolbar whereas working or will get hidden in letterbox bars whereas watching films or reveals. However, it’s fully potential to lose your mouse cursor behind it and, when you’ve got a ton energetic abruptly, some toolbar icons as nicely. You’ll be able to repair the latter with third-party software program, however you actually shouldn’t should. Come on, Apple.
If you need the next refresh fee display or extra ports, you’ve got nonetheless gotta go Professional.
The shortage of Face ID appears perplexing contemplating the notch’s comparatively sizable stature, although the laptop computer’s thinness possible means the required sensors received’t fairly match. It’s a disgrace, and maybe extra of a questionable omission on the pricier Professional line, however instead you do get Contact ID, a.ok.a. Apple’s fancy branding for a fingerprint reader. Embedded throughout the energy button and situated on the high proper of the keyboard, Contact ID on the MacBook Air M2 is each quick and correct. That stated, Apple stays extraordinarily hesitant to allow you to use it repeatedly for what looks as if any cheap stretch of time with out demanding password authentication first.

Oliver Cragg / Android Authority
In the meantime, the keyboard is implausible. Not like the bigger MacBook Execs, the keyboard tray mirrors the remainder of the laptop computer’s end, although it does inherit its bigger siblings’ full-size perform keys — a right away upside to the deck’s elevated size. Like all MacBooks, the keys are vulnerable to some shiny finger grease, however the clicky 1mm journey and stable key pitch make typing a dream. Apple’s pedigree for world-class trackpads continues right here too. The “Power Contact” haptics are pleasingly tactile and the sheer measurement of the trackpad makes it a way more nice expertise than a lot of the competitors. Throw in near-perfect palm rejection and dependable gestures and also you’ve acquired an elite trackpad.
Earlier than we transfer on, I do need to point out an amusing design quirk: this MacBook Air doesn’t even have the phrases MacBook Air on it. The acquainted white San Francisco typeface beforehand nestled on the base of recent MacBook shows had already been exorcized from the MacBook Professional in 2021, however the M2 MacBook Air doesn’t even have the previous’s minimal underside branding both. Apple thinks you and everybody else will simply understand it’s an Air — and let’s be sincere, they’re most likely proper.
Is the M2 MacBook Air extra highly effective than the M1 Air?
How do you enhance on a chip basis that proved monumental within the historical past of client pc processing? With the M2, Apple’s reply is: very subtly. Whereas Apple’s first stab at Arm-based, in-house silicon with the M1 was a huge leap forward of virtually each earlier Intel Mac, the M2 takes the identical blueprint and ekes out slightly extra uncooked compute energy. That it does all this on a fanless machine that continues to be whisper quiet all through any process is greater than spectacular, although there’s loads to unpack right here past Apple’s claimed efficiency boosts.
The M2 follows the identical unified reminiscence structure because the M1 with 4 performance-high cores and 4 high-efficiency cores, although it now clocks in at 3.49GHz in comparison with 3.2GHz for the M1. This stays the identical irrespective of which MacBook Air M2 mannequin you choose, although there’s an choice to swap out the 8-core GPU for a 10-core cluster for an additional $100. The latter will present a modicum of additional sustainability in GPU-intensive duties, however primarily based alone testing (and those that have examined each), it’s primarily an added luxurious.
You can too max the M2 Air out with as much as 24GB of RAM, although doing so can be overkill within the excessive contemplating the constraints of a fanless system. For me, 16GB was the candy spot for RAW picture edits and heavy multitasking, however should you’re not meaning to do a lot past phrase processing, video streaming, or internet looking (even 50+ Chrome tabs can’t dent this factor), the bottom 8GB RAM is completely cheap — simply remember you possibly can’t improve it after the actual fact because it’s built-in with the M2 chip itself.
Apple additional claims its neural engine is 40% quicker than the M1’s equal, however that’s nigh on unimaginable to truly quantify in testing. It additionally makes use of Apple’s Media Engine for 4K “ProRes” video modifying, although, as we’ll see, should you’re something greater than a hobbyist you’ll nonetheless need to go for an M1 Professional or M1 Max machine should you want a number of edit streams going abruptly.
As for benchmarks, the MacBook Air M2 presently averages a rating of 1,884 for single-core and eight,719 for multi-core within the Geekbench 5 — a decent improve on the 1,690 and seven,304 respective scores on the MacBook Air M1, and in keeping with CPU scores for the M2-powered MacBook Professional 13-inch. Whereas the single-core outcomes are aggressive with what you possibly can largely anticipate from rival Home windows laptops with comparable Intel Alder Lake chips, the multi-core rating lags slightly behind. For a extra real-world instance, a single-core Cinebench R23 run posted a rating of 1,578 whereas the multi-core take a look at got here in at 8,104 — once more, behind equal twelfth gen Intel processors when positioned below stress.
The place the MacBook Air M2 excels, nonetheless, is GPU efficiency, and never simply in benchmarks — although it aces these too, with a peak rating of 6,243 in a Wild Life Excessive stress take a look at on the 10-core GPU mannequin we examined. Sure, we see a dramatic dip after the fifth run, however even after 20 loops the MacBook Air M2 nonetheless posts greater than respectable numbers. Moreover, there are many opinions for the bottom mannequin with the 8-core GPU that present equally spectacular numbers.

What actually issues, although, are the real-world advantages, and people are most tangible when utilizing Apple Silicon-native artistic apps like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom Traditional, and even primary Last Reduce Professional initiatives. 4K video transcoding, particularly, is much quicker than it has any proper to be on a fanless laptop computer, and whereas it does get sizzling, the warmth is distributed nicely sufficient to not burn your legs should you relaxation it in your lap. Once more, you possibly can’t anticipate MacBook Professional-tier efficiency right here both; throttling is rarely too far-off, however for informal creatives, the MacBook Air M2 is a dream machine.
It’s possible you’ll be considering that GPU benefit makes the M2 Air an honest gaming system, however let’s be frank: gaming will not be what you come to a MacBook for. Can it play video games? Sure, undoubtedly. Every little thing on Apple Arcade, particularly, will run completely at an affordable clip. Much more superior video games I grabbed from Steam ran via Apple’s Rosetta 2 compatibility layer at low settings at a not-particularly-pleasant-but-playable sub-30fps. Regardless, lengthy play classes are ill-advised as Apple’s fanless system can’t minimize it. Apple could also be cameoing native ports of AAA video games at its conferences, however the M2 MacBook Air received’t ever be the very best showcase for them.
The MacBook Air M2’s increased efficiency peaks are perfect for workflows that require brief bursts of intensive processing energy.
Placing apart all of the benchmarks and stress checks, the MacBook Air M2 actually shines for on a regular basis use whereas additionally having the latent potential for fast bursts of intensive processing energy. Nonetheless, this was additionally true of the MacBook Air M1. Sure, the peaks are slightly increased, and it will possibly maintain heavier workloads for a fraction longer, however the M2 mannequin is an iterative enchancment, not an enormous development, and one which comes at a slight value to total effectivity. Put merely, the M2 will not be sufficient of a cause to drop $1,200 or extra should you’re already the proud proprietor of an M1 MacBook Air.
After all, should you’ve learn something in any element concerning the efficiency of the MacBook Air M2, you’ll know there’s an elephant within the room we haven’t addressed: the 256GB base storage controversy. Earlier than we get into the weeds, I’ll begin by saying that this whole concern may’ve been averted by having 512GB be the bottom storage — I don’t assume that’d be unreasonable contemplating Apple is already asking for a further $200 over its predecessor.
The gigabyte whole will not be the problem, nonetheless. Not like the bottom M1 mannequin and each different storage improve possibility on the M2 model, the bottom 256GB SSD on the MacBook Air M2 is saved on a single NAND chip (the others get two). This poses two considerations, considered one of which is able to have an effect on everybody, and one other that will solely be a fear for these trying to push the system so far as it will possibly go.

The core concern is that switch charges by way of the 256GB drive take a major dip. We don’t have this mannequin available to confirm this ourselves, however in depth testing has proven that write speeds drop by virtually 1 / 4, whereas learn speeds can plummet by as a lot as half in comparison with all different configurations. We should always observe, although, that even the 512GB mannequin we examined delivers mediocre learn/write speeds. Blackmagicdesign’s 5GB disk pace take a look at delivers ~2,100-2,300MB/s for write speeds and ~2,700-2,900MB/s learn speeds. Anticipate to attend a good whereas when copying bigger information.
The much less urgent, however probably deal-breaking concern for some, is that the system will fall again on the SSD as non permanent reminiscence at any time when the RAM is maxed out. With the usual 8GB RAM, this can possible occur throughout in depth multitasking, when working with big video information, or when you’ve got a number of non-native apps operating concurrently via Rosetta 2. With quicker drives, that is completely acceptable, however the result’s a extreme efficiency drop when mixed with the slower single-NAND 256GB SSD.
The 2 points mixed shine an embarrassing gentle on the 256GB base MacBook Air M2, which represents a stark regression from the entry-level MacBook Air M1. I don’t assume everybody ought to rule out going for the bottom unit, as these with a light-weight workload (e.g. internet looking, docs, and video streaming) that simply need the prettiest and most transportable MacBook received’t essentially be closely impacted. However for many who need the scope to stretch the system slightly additional, the 512GB mannequin that begins at $1,499 is a safer start line.
How good is the MacBook Air M2’s battery life?

Oliver Cragg / Android Authority
The MacBook Air M2’s unibody chassis homes a bigger battery than the MacBook Air M1 (52.6Wh up from 49.9Wh). The M1 MacBook Air was already a battery life monster, and the MacBook Air M2 continues that legacy, albeit with none noticeable enhancements.
Apple makes staggering guarantees of as much as 18 hours of Apple TV film playback or 15 hours of internet looking — notably the identical claims it made for the MacBook Air M1. In my testing with adaptive brightness and True Tone (Apple’s adaptable-contrast function) turned on, I averaged between 10-12 hours on a single cost when following my standard workflow in my capability right here at Android Authority. This sometimes contains an innumerable amount of Chrome tabs, checking emails, Slack chats, video calls, picture modifying, and some cheeky video games of Soccer Supervisor (throughout breaks!). I additionally discovered that the standby battery drain is within the low single digits.
The M1 MacBook Air was already a battery life monster, and the MacBook Air M2 continues that legacy.
Contemplating the MacBook Air M2 is rocking a bigger, brighter display than its predecessor, it’s forgivable that battery life is actually 1:1 regardless of the bigger cell. Furthermore, it’s nonetheless leaps and bounds forward of any rival Home windows laptops. Sure, you possibly can drive down the overall screen-on time with x86 apps and video games or any workload that causes extreme warmth, however the effectivity on show for on a regular basis use is exemplary.
As customary, the MacBook Air M2 comes with a 30W USB-C charger, however to get the quickest cost occasions you’ll want at the least a 67W plug with help for Energy Supply requirements — one thing Apple is eager to upsell to you for an additional $20. We opted for the 67W brick and would counsel anybody shopping for the MacBook Air M2 ought to do the identical, or on the very least purchase a Energy Supply-compatible adapter with sufficient grunt to refill a laptop computer. There may be another choice on the similar value for a two-port 35W USB-C charger, however should you hook that as much as a second system for a recharge it’s going to drastically scale back the draw heading in direction of the MacBook Air.
Apple’s official 67W charger topped up the MacBook Air M2 in just below an hour and a half from zero, and 50% in half an hour, give or take a couple of minutes for variance. As a welcome contact, you possibly can cost via MagSafe or both of the 2 USB-C ports and it received’t make a distinction to the recharge speeds.
The rest?

Oliver Cragg / Android Authority
- Audio: Appearances are actually deceiving with the MacBook Air M2’s audio setup, which jettisons the normal keyboard-flanking, upward-facing audio system discovered on different MacBooks. As an alternative, the M2 MacBook Air has a dual-tweeter and dual-woofer association pointing up at and alongside the display, hidden from view adjoining to the hinges. In some way, it really works, and works very nicely, with wealthy lows and mids, although it does lack on the bass entrance when pushed to increased volumes. Whereas not a patch on the MacBook Professional’s six-speaker array, it’ll simply suffice for binge-watching your favourite reveals. Throw in help for Apple’s Spatial Audio customary and a 3.5mm headphone jack and it’s exhausting to have any actual grumbles.
- Webcam: The MacBook Air M2’s 1080p FaceTime webcam will not be going to blow you away, nevertheless it received’t make you depressing just like the MacBook Air household’s low-res cams of previous, both. Photographs are extra detailed and ship extra correct distinction. Now not does Apple’s entry-level MacBook make its topics appear like the residing useless. Whereas it’ll greater than suffice for informal group chats and work meets, should you want a top-tier webcam you’ll nonetheless need an exterior one. Alternatively, should you’ve acquired a suitable iPhone, you would at all times await the Continuity Digicam function on the upcoming macOS Ventura which is able to flip your cellphone right into a high-res webcam.
- Software program: With Monterey on board and Ventura anticipated later this fall, there’s lots to love, and certainly love, about macOS. That’s doubly true for anybody already trapped inside Apple’s high-walled backyard as latest variations have solely elevated interoperability throughout the Cupertino firm’s huge product portfolio. Acquainted options like Common Clipboard, Handoff, and AirDrop are all nice, nevertheless it’s Monterey’s addition of Common Management that basically strikes the needle should you even have an iPad and/or iMac. Flicking between a number of screens with the identical keyboard and mouse is genuinely magical. You’ll nonetheless should emulate some older x86 apps, nevertheless it’s no shock that many devs have transitioned to native apps following the success of Apple Silicon. The poisoned chalice half is that there continues to be no help or substitute for Boot Camp, so if you wish to run Home windows, you’ll must depend on third-party software program. Although truthfully, should you’re concerned with superior stuff like partitioning drives and dual-booting, you have to be a MacBook Professional as an alternative.
- Connectivity: Apple continues to disregard the Wi-Fi 6E customary throughout its many merchandise, nevertheless it does at the least provide Wi-Fi 6 connectivity with suitable networks. In the meantime, Bluetooth help languishes on the just about six-year-old Bluetooth 5.0 spec. Apple additionally lists the USB-C ports as having Thunderbolt 3, not 4 just like the MacBook Professional collection. Whereas the vital specs are basically the identical, Apple’s reasoning for itemizing it as solely Thunderbolt 3 might have one thing to do with the exterior monitor help state of affairs. Talking of…
- Exterior monitor help: You’ll be able to solely hook up one exterior monitor to the MacBook Air M2 at as much as 6K decision at 60Hz. This may increasingly not matter to anybody solely shopping for one for transportable use, nevertheless it appears like an arbitrary restriction when most comparable Home windows laptops help three. When you want additional exterior screens, the MacBook Professional helps as much as 4.
Apple MacBook Air M2 specs
MacBook Air M2 | |
---|---|
Show |
13.6-inch Liquid Retina (IPS) |
CPU/GPU |
Apple M2 |
RAM |
8GB |
Storage |
256GB SSD |
Cameras |
1080p FaceTime HD digital camera |
Audio |
4-speaker sound system |
Battery |
52.6Wh lithium-polymer battery |
Community |
802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 |
Connectivity |
2x Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports with help for: |
Software program |
macOS Monterey |
Dimensions and weight |
1.13 x 30.41 x 21.5 cm (0.44 x 11.97 x 8.46 inches) |
Colours |
Silver |
Biometric safety |
Contact ID |
Worth and competitors

Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022)
Skinny and lightweight weight • As much as 18 hours battery life
Apple’s greatest MacBook Air so far.
The redesigned MacBook Air is extra transportable than ever at simply 2.7 kilos. It is next-generation 8-core CPU, as much as 10-core GPU, as much as 24GB of unified reminiscence, a 13.6-inch show and as much as 18 hours of battery life will preserve you working all day.
The MacBook Air M2 finds itself caught in a little bit of an identification disaster and with the unenviable process of convincing the world that the MacBook Air line is as soon as once more value spending over that candy $999 value level.
That is made even trickier by the continued existence of the MacBook Air M1 ($989 at Amazon), which is a tricky comparability level for any ~$1,000 laptop computer. When you’re a staunch notch hater, you’ve most likely already made your thoughts up, and, fairly frankly, you possibly can’t go improper with the notch-less M1 MacBook Air model — it stays a staggering achievement. But whereas there aren’t important enhancements in essential areas like efficiency or battery life, the MacBook Air M2 has simply sufficient polish to warrant the extra spend. That stated, should you’re counting each greenback, the price-to-performance ratio offered by the MacBook Air M1 is tough to disclaim.
Sticking near house, the MacBook Air M2 takes up residence proper subsequent to 2022’s 13-inch MacBook Professional ($1199 at Amazon). But regardless of seeming like an apparent improve with solely $100 between them, the MacBook Professional is a weird machine caught in a time warp. Sure, it unlocks the potential of the M2 chip by pairing the 10-core GPU variant with devoted cooling followers, nevertheless it doesn’t do loads else to earn its “Professional” moniker because of the restricted ports, lack of MagSafe, and the retention of Apple’s historical 720p webcam and the continued use of the controversial Contact Bar versus precise perform keys.

Oliver Cragg / Android Authority
No, the true MacBook Execs are the 2021 iterations, however Apple is asking a princely charge for its flagship laptops. It’ll value you a minimal additional $800 for the 14-inch MacBook Professional ($1999.99 at Amazon), although should you want extra ports, higher audio system, a fancier show with a silky 120Hz refresh fee, sustained top-grade efficiency for demanding artistic duties, or are simply craving the easiest MacBook cash should buy, the 2021 MacBook Execs are as tantalizing as they’re spectacular. Plus, that value disparity isn’t fairly as intimidating should you’re contemplating something however the base MacBook Air M2 — issues rapidly begin to add up with additional storage or RAM.
And that’s the true query: is that this truly a $1,199 laptop computer when you think about the problems with the bottom mannequin? The reply finally depends upon your supposed workflow. The only-NAND SSD is much from supreme, however except you completely know you’re going to check the machine’s limits, I don’t assume it must be an entire deterrent. That stated, upgrading to 512GB storage with its quicker drive is unquestionably one thing to think about for $200 extra. Doubling the RAM would additionally assist future-proof it, however then you definately’re stretching the worth to $1,599 — now solely $400 shy of the new-style MacBook Professional. Regardless, I’d advocate towards the 10-core GPU; there could also be area of interest eventualities the place it’s helpful, however we’ve but to seek out any.

Oliver Cragg / Android Authority
Remember, nonetheless, that the laptop computer panorama has reworked because the M1 MacBook Air hit the scene. Intel’s Evo program, enabled by its formidable twelfth gen Alder Lake chips, has resulted in a crop of Home windows laptops which have narrowed the hole with Apple Silicon machines.
On the high of the listing for design aficionados is the Dell XPS 13 Plus ($1,299) — an undeniably good-looking laptop computer that smashes any remnants of the stigma that Home windows ultrabooks are at all times boring to have a look at. With a stable, invisible trackpad, quad audio system, and hardware-based face unlock, the XPS Plus claims a couple of wins over Apple’s machine, although it has a low-res webcam, far weaker battery life and, controversially, it has Dell’s personal, equally controversial tackle a perform row contact bar. It additionally prices slightly extra and, if you would like the nicer OLED display, will begin to actually hit your pockets.
Apple’s greatest rival within the smartphone house can also be encroaching on its territory within the compact laptop computer market. The Samsung Galaxy E book 2 Professional ($1099.99 at Amazon) undercuts the Air M2 with its base mannequin and packs a beautiful AMOLED panel, a plethora of ports, and a 1080p webcam. The one actual downsides are the weak, bizarrely-placed audio system and a few pesky pre-installed bloatware. Creatives can also need to take into account the Galaxy E book 2 Professional 360 ($1,449) with its 2-in-1 kind issue and S Pen help (with an included stylus).
The laptop computer panorama has reworked since Apple Silicon hit the scene, however the M2 MacBook Air simply competes with the easiest ultraportables.
Whereas we’re ready on newer fashions, the Floor Laptop computer 4 ($799.99 at Amazon) continues to be a dependable alternative for a light-weight laptop computer due to Microsoft’s stellar ergonomics, although giant display bezels and 720p webcam are beginning to present their age. It does ship glorious battery life although, with even AMD’s older chips proving their effectivity chops.
That pedigree ought to carry via to what’s anticipated to be the very best MacBook Air M2 different, Asus’ Ryzen 7-powered Zenbook S13 OLED ($1,299). The ultraportable might fall behind on the webcam, however the remaining represents the very best of Home windows {hardware} and software program in a slim package deal, with a high-res 2.8K OLED panel, a trackpad that doubles as a numpad, built-in graphics efficiency that may rival laptops with entry-tier devoted GPUs, and battery life that may virtually rival the MacBook Air M2. It’s not that can be purchased on the time of this writing, however when it’s, you would possibly need to give it a glance earlier than committing your money.
There’s additionally the actually on the market possibility: the 12.9-inch iPad Professional ($999 at Amazon) should you pair it with a Magic Keyboard ($349). As a long-time iPad advocate who used this actual setup as a laptop computer substitute for a number of years, I can inform you it’s removed from supreme — iPadOS simply isn’t as versatile as macOS for day-to-day busywork. It’s, nonetheless, a media marvel, with a wide ranging, excessive refresh fee show which is ideal for digital artists. The pseudo-app dock Stage Supervisor in iPadOS 16 ought to assist bridge the hole between Apple’s tablets and its MacBooks, however for now, it is a wildcard different that may also value you greater than a MacBook Air M2 with a storage bump once you issue within the Magic Keyboard’s steep asking value.
Apple MacBook Air M2 evaluate: The decision

Oliver Cragg / Android Authority
Apple has turned the idea of product pricing technique into an artwork kind. Be it a cellphone, a watch, a pill, a pair of true wi-fi buds, a desktop pc, or, as on this case, a laptop computer, it doesn’t matter what system you’re eying up for buy, there’s virtually at all times a barely fancier mannequin with some bonus extras that’s so perilously shut in value {that a} voice in your head whispers to you: “…perhaps I ought to spend slightly bit extra.”
For any present potential MacBook Air consumers, the M2 mannequin is that system. It’s a contact extra elegant, it’s a shade extra highly effective, the audio system are a contact fuller, the display is a tinge bigger and brighter. Put merely, it’s simply that tiny bit nicer than the common-or-garden MacBook Air M1, which is ready to stay on sale because the entry-level MacBook Air for the foreseeable future. Are all these thrives value an additional $200?
The M1 Air is inarguably a greater deal, however the MacBook Air M2 is a greater laptop computer.
For me, that reply is sure. As is the case so usually with iterative client tech, it’s the little touches that make the distinction, and the MacBook Air M2’s quality-of-life adjustments enhance the standard of the general expertise (the slower SSD excluded).
Generally it’s okay simply to need the nicer product, not the one with the tightest worth equation. Instances are robust, cash is tight, and the M1 Air is inarguably a greater deal. However the MacBook Air M2 is a greater laptop computer — the very best transportable laptop computer that runs macOS, no much less, and should you’re nonetheless lugging round an Intel Air mannequin and are searching for an improve, you received’t be dissatisfied.
Prime Apple MacBook Air M2 questions and solutions
So long as you possibly can abdomen the marginally raised MSRP, the MacBook Air M2 is unquestionably value shopping for for its refined design and highly effective specs.
Whereas it has a powerful GPU setup, with out devoted followers and a restricted library of native video games for Apple Silicon, the MacBook Air M2 isn’t notably good for taking part in video games exterior of Apple Arcade titles and some light-weight Steam video games.
The MacBook Air M2 is a superb purchase for college students, particularly these with gentle workloads who want a transportable laptop computer. It isn’t low cost, although.
We’d advocate having at the least a carry case to your MacBook Air M2 to keep away from scratches whereas on the go.
Sadly, the MacBook Air M2 is restricted to at least one exterior monitor by way of USB-C as much as 6K/60Hz.
In our testing, we didn’t encounter any heating points with the MacBook Air M2, however it’s going to get fairly sizzling below stress because of the lack of followers.
The MacBook Air M2 battery lasted between 10-12 hours on a single cost in our testing, although endurance will range relying in your workload.
The MacBook Air M2 can be utilized for gentle video modifying, however should you want it for skilled use we’d advocate a MacBook Professional as its fan cooling will result in smoother efficiency for high-resolution/multi-stream video edits.
Whereas there’s nothing improper with shopping for the 24GB RAM MacBook Air M2, it’s overkill for a fanless system constructed for light-to-medium workloads and places the laptop computer in the identical value tier because the superior MacBook Professional line.
The MacBook Air M2 has two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3. It doesn’t have any USB-A ports.
No, you can’t improve MacBook Air M2’s SSD.
No, you can’t improve MacBook Air M2’s RAM as it’s built-in with the M2 chip itself.
Like all MacBooks, the MacBook Air M2 doesn’t have a touchscreen.
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