Apple didn’t just unveil a next-generation chip at WWDC22, but two brand-new machines that its M2 processor is going to power – a complete redesign for the MacBook Air and an under-the-hood update for the 13-inch MacBook Pro.
Apple Silicon
Let’s start by talking about Apple’s latest and greatest silicon: M2. According to Apple, this next-generation processing chip is 18% faster and offers 50% more memory bandwidth than the first-generation M1. Plus, there are now a total of 10 GPU cores (two more than M1), with up to 35% better graphics performance.
That’s not to mention the improvements to power efficiency that ensure a healthy battery life no matter what you’re doing. In all, M2 looks to be a very impressive follow-up to an already impressive chip. And it already has a home in two MacBooks…
MacBook Air
The all-new MacBook Air is a beautiful addition to Apple’s MacBook line-up that really hammers home the Air’s USP: thinness and lightness. It features all the power of the new M2 chip and still no fans or moving parts in sight.
Taking a healthy dose of design inspiration from last year’s MacBook Pro models, the redesigned MacBook Air offers a Liquid Retina display, a new unibody enclosure, a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, and – hallelujah! – support for the recently revived MagSafe charger. Thanks to smaller bezels and that familiar notch, the Air’s display is now slightly larger at 13.6 inches.
Apple’s also added new colors to its MacBook Air line, including Starlight and Midnight, alongside the classic Silver and Space Gray.
MacBook Pro
After the new MacBook Air reveal came something of a surprise – an update for the 13-inch MacBook Pro (but not its 14- and 16-inch siblings).
While some of us thought Apple’s Touch Bar-sporting MacBook Pro was approaching retirement, Apple is instead popping an M2 chip in the laptop and keeping it around at least for another year. This update also adds ProRes media support and can handle up to 24GB of unified memory, which is good news for those with demanding workflows.
Unfortunately, MagSafe doesn’t appear to have made the leap to Apple’s 13-inch MacBook Pro, meaning users will still need to be careful with their cables.
Price and availability
For the baseline models, Apple’s M2-equipped MacBook Air will set you back $1,199/£1,249, while the updated 13-inch MacBook Pro costs $1,299/£1,349. As ever, if you want to customize the specs for more storage space or RAM, that price shoots up fast.
According to Apple, both new MacBooks will be available from next month – though we don’t have a specific date just yet.