AppleInsider is supported by its audience and can earn commissions as an Amazon Associate and Affiliate on qualifying purchases. These partner relationships do not affect our editorial content.
The M2 MacBook Air ships Friday, and early reviews say it’s the best ultraportable Mac and the right choice for most people.
The M2 MacBook Air is a new take on Apple’s most popular laptop with a redesigned chassis, larger display and the latest Apple Silicon processor. It became available for pre-order on July 8 and starts shipping to customers on Friday.
Apple also announced a 13-inch MacBook Pro with the M2 processor released in June but panned by most as a unexciting iteration† Despite the same processor, its outdated design and limited ports made it a poor choice for consumers.
Many publications — including AppleInsider told readers to wait for the M2 MacBook Air before deciding which model to buy. Here are the first reviews.
PCMag: the air is fine here
PCMag calls the M2 MacBook Air amazing with outstanding performance† While not a fan of the cutout, they call it the best ultraportable mac you can buy.
The design is thin and never makes noise thanks to the finless design. The MagSafe port is a huge win for convenience and will save you from disastrous trips over the cable.
The screen, speakers and webcam have all been improved as well. While this isn’t the best Mac that Apple offers, it’s clearly the best Mac for everyday users.
For the average Mac user who works from home, takes their laptop to the classroom or office, or travels for work, this is the MacBook to get.
Reviewers call the M2 MacBook Air Apple’s best portable laptop yet
The Verge: Launch of an all-new Air-A
The edge calls the M2 MacBook Air a success almost every level† The improved screen, thinner and lighter design, better speakers and better webcam combine to make a great device.
However, these improvements come at a higher cost, both in money and performance. The higher starting price and the limitation that occurs during intensive workloads are both a result of Apple’s new design choices.
The M2 MacBook Air is a better choice for most people, although the 13-inch MacBook Pro delivers more performance under load and has a longer battery life.
Engadget: Apple’s Nearly Perfect Mac
Engadget calls the M2 MacBook Air one of Apple’s most important computers since the original. It shows what’s possible when Apple designs a laptop around one of its custom processors instead of lazily sticking them in an old design.
The design is beautiful and the performance matches the 13-inch MacBook Pro with the same M2 processor. More complex tasks will show some delay, as with any laptop. The review also says that those who need more power go straight to the 14-inch MacBook Pro†
This MacBook Air is arguably Apple’s best laptop yet.
UrAvgConsumer: everything you want, for a price
The M2 MacBook Air is a great option and well worth the $200 price hike. It is a very simple device to recommend.
While the M1 MacBook Air is still a good option, the M2 model with MagSafe and a new design will provide everything most consumers need.
Watch the full video review:
CNET: Big changes for this little laptop
The M2 MacBook Air remains the most universally usable laptop you can buy. The larger screen, faster M2, and higher-resolution webcam make this a capable device that deserves all the credit.
However, the higher price of $200 is a disappointment. The M1 MacBook Air stays around for $999, so that alleviates some of the pricing issues.
Like other reviewers, they mentioned the Midnight color and the ability to collect fingerprints. The dark color is a fingerprint magnet and it might be wise to keep a cleaning cloth with you to make sure the case doesn’t look too smudged while working in a cafe.
Of all the upgrades, the new, sharper webcam is the most welcome. It’s an essential upgrade in the Zoom-addicted future of work we find ourselves in.