MacBook Air M2 (16GB) 2024: Release Date, Price & Specs

Air M2 2024: Release Date, Price & Full Specs – The updated MacBook Air features a potent new M2 chip, an improved display, and a sharper webcam. The new MacBook Air M2 (2024) looks so good that you’ll wonder why you ever paid for a MacBook Pro. In comparison to the previous MacBook Air M1, you get a more powerful M2 chip, a larger and brighter 13.6-inch display, and an improved 1080p webcam in an extremely portable design that is 20% smaller.

What’s the catch? The new MacBook Air starts at $1,199 / AU$1,899, which is $200 / AU$400 more than the previous MacBook Air M1 and only $100 / AU$100 more than the new 13-inch MacBook Pro 2022 with the same M2 chip. I recently got my hands on the new MacBook Air 2023, and I was impressed by its display, sound, and sleek redesign (especially the new Midnight blue color). However, given that people are used to paying $999 / AU$1,499 for a laptop in this class, the price for a MacBook Air is exorbitant.

MacBook Air M2 2024 Specifications

• Price: Starts at $1,199 / AU$1,899, Educational $1,099 (US only)
• CPU: Apple M2
• Display: 13.6‑inch Liquid Retina (2560 x 1664), up to 500 nits brightness
• Battery life: 18 hours of video playback (rated)
• Charging: MagSafe/Thunderbolt, up to 67W
• Memory: 8 to 24GB
• Storage: 256GB to 2TB
• Webcam: 1080p
• Dimensions: 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches
• Weight: 2.7 pounds

MacBook Air M2 2024 Release Date

The MacBook Air 2022 available for purchase on July 15, with pre-orders beginning on July 8. Pre-orders for the MacBook Air 2022 (opens in a new tab are now available, so find out where to buy the new Air.

MacBook Air M2 2024 Price

The starting price is $1,199 / AU$1,899, which is the most we’ve seen for an Air in a long time. The MacBook Air M1 is still available for $999 / AU$1,499 from Apple. The $1,199 / AU$1,899 MacBook Air M2 configuration includes an 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 8GB of unified memory (RAM), and 256GB of SSD storage. The $1,499 / AU$2,349 model adds a 10-core GPU for more graphics power and a 512GB SSD.

Upgrades to 16GB of unified memory will cost $200 / AU$300, and 24GB will cost $400 / AU$600. Storage options start at 500GB ($200 / AU$300) and go all the way up to 2TB ($800 / AU$1,200). Unfortunately, the fast-charging 67W power adapter costs an additional $20 / AU$30.

MacBook Air M2 Color & Size

The weight has only been reduced slightly (from 2.8 pounds to 2.7 pounds), but the overall design is 20% smaller in volume than the MacBook Air M1. It’s also thinner, measuring 0.4 inches versus 0.6 inches for the previous model.

At the same time, the MacBook Air M2 does not feel as light as some magnesium-based systems. This is still a very sturdy aluminum unibody design. With the MacBook Air 2023, Apple offers four color options: Midnight (blue), Starlight (pale gold), Space Gray, and Silver. I like the Midnight option because it changes from dark blue to bright blue depending on how the light hits it. The Midnight MacBook Air exudes personality without being overbearing.

Ports

The MacBook Air 2023’s ports are kept to a minimum, with only two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports on the left side. On the left, there’s also a charging MagSafe connector. For those who still use wired headphones, the right side has a headphone jack.

I appreciate the inclusion of an SD card slot in the MacBook Pro 14-inch, which also has an HDMI port. But I understand why Apple would want to save these ports for the more expensive Pro model. Even so, an additional USB port on the right side of the MacBook Air chassis would have been welcome.

Display & Speakers

The new MacBook Air has the most Pro-level display yet, thanks to a 500-nit increase in brightness. This is a vibrant and colorful display, and it’s now slightly larger at 13.6 inches (up from 13.3 inches) as a result of Apple’s shrinking of the borders. When I watched some Prehistoric Planet footage from Apple TV Plus, the 2560 x 1664-pixel display looked vibrant. And I could see fine details on the snout of one particularly threatening-looking dino.

This is one of the best displays for the money on this side of an OLED panel, with support for 1 billion colors, wide color support (P3), and True Tone built-in. While I could do without the notch at the top, it’s not overly distracting. The new Air is the best-sounding laptop in the line, thanks to a four-speaker sound system located between the display and the keyboard. During a demo, I was blown away by the volume and clarity. However, in comparison to the Pro, the bass is noticeably lacking.

MacBook Air M2 Specs & Performance

The M2 chip is a significant upgrade, promising up to 40% faster performance in Final Cut when editing complex timelines and 20% faster performance in Photoshop when applying filters. There is a 10-core GPU option for faster graphics performance and better gaming, but keep in mind that this is only available in the $1,499 MacBook Air configuration. There is 8GB of unified memory, to begin with, but it can be expanded to 16GB or 24 GB.

Webcam

The 1080p webcam, which captures a more shapely image than the previous 720p camera, is one of the most welcome upgrades of the MacBook Air 2024. Furthermore, Apple claims that this sensor will provide twice the low-light performance.

Battery & Charger

Despite its smaller size, the MacBook The charging image for the MacBook Air 2024 is a little more complicated than it needs to be. The base configuration includes a 30W USB-power adapter, but the 35W power dual USB-port adapter costs $20/AU$30 extra (it’s included with the $1,499/AU$1,899 model). Furthermore, the 67W USB-C charger, which supports fast charging of 50% in 30 minutes, costs $20/AU$30 more than the standard charger. That’s the route I’d take.

Air promises epic endurance. The new MacBook Air 2023 is rated by Apple for 18 hours of video playback and 15 hours of wireless web surfing. However, neither of those figures differs from what Apple promises with the M1 MacBook Air. To evaluate these claims, we’ll put the new Air through our battery test.

Outlook

Based on our first impressions, the new MacBook Air 2023 could be one of the year’s best laptops. The design is wonderfully portable, and the display is simply breathtaking in person. I also like the powerful sound system and the massive M2 chip’s potential. So, who is going to buy the $1,299 / AU$1,999 13-inch MacBook Pro? Anyone looking for additional power (thanks to its active cooling system) and a 10-core GPU standard. Furthermore, the Pro has a battery life of up to 20 hours of video playback. However, for the vast majority of buyers, the new MacBook Air will suffice.