At the 2023 Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple unveiled its latest addition to the MacBook lineup, the 15-inch MacBook Air. Apple claims that this new model will be the world's best 15-inch laptop, boasting impressive features and specifications.
The standout feature of the new MacBook Air is its slimness, measuring only 11.5mm thick, which Apple proudly claims makes it the thinnest 15-inch laptop in the world. Additionally, it weighs just over three pounds, making it incredibly lightweight. The laptop comes in two color options, Midnight (presumably a dark shade) and Starlight (a light shade).
The 15.3-inch display of the MacBook Air is surrounded by slim bezels, measuring five millimeters, and offers a brightness of 500 nits. The device is equipped with two USB-C Thunderbolt ports, a MagSafe charging connector, and a headphone jack. It also features a 1080p webcam and six speakers that provide spatial audio. Powering the MacBook Air is Apple's M2 chip, delivering enhanced performance.
Apple claims that the new MacBook Air is significantly faster than previous Intel MacBook Air models, offering a 12 times performance boost. It also boasts an impressive battery life of up to 18 hours. In terms of comparison, Apple states that it provides double the performance, double the brightness, and 50 percent more battery life when compared to competing 15-inch Windows laptops. Unfortunately, Apple did not specify the exact models being compared.
The pricing for the MacBook Air lineup has been updated, with the new 15-inch model starting at $1,299 ($1,199 for education). In addition, the 13-inch MacBook Air with M2 now starts at $1,099, while the base M1 Air is now priced at $999.
The introduction of the 15-inch MacBook Air fills a midrange gap in Apple's lineup, catering to users who desire a larger screen but do not require the additional computing power and cost associated with the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. This size may also serve as a convenient middle ground for those who find the 14-inch screen too small for certain creative programs, while the 16-inch MacBook Pro is too bulky to carry alongside peripherals and camera gear. With its lightweight design, the 15-inch MacBook Air aims to satisfy the needs of users who have been seeking a suitable option between these two sizes for some time.