The Apple MacBook Air 13 M1, 2020 isn’t just another laptop.

It’s a paradigm shift in portable computing, largely thanks to Apple’s groundbreaking M1 chip.

This machine redefined expectations for performance, battery life, and fanless operation in a thin-and-light form factor, making it an excellent choice for students, creatives, and professionals alike who demand efficiency and portability without compromise.

It effortlessly handles everyday tasks, from browsing and word processing to video editing and light gaming, all while offering remarkable endurance on a single charge.

For many, it represented the perfect blend of power, elegance, and Apple’s renowned ecosystem integration at a surprisingly accessible price point for a premium device.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s a comparison of some top products that complement or compete with the M1 MacBook Air, helping you understand its position in the market:

Product Name	Category	Key Feature/Benefit
Apple MacBook Air 13 M2, 2022	Laptop	Successor with M2 chip, redesigned chassis
Dell XPS 13	Windows Laptop	Premium design, vibrant display, excellent portability
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5	Windows Laptop	Sleek design, touch screen, strong Windows integration
Anker USB-C Hub	Laptop Accessory	Expands port connectivity for peripherals
Logitech MX Master 3S	Wireless Mouse	Ergonomic design, customizable buttons, fast scrolling
Twelve South Curve Stand	Laptop Stand	Elevates MacBook for better ergonomics and airflow
Samsung T7 Portable SSD	External Solid State Drive	Fast, compact external storage for large files

Table of Contents

The Revolutionary M1 Chip: A Deep Dive into Apple Silicon

Alright, let’s cut to the chase: the M1 chip. This isn’t just an incremental update.

It’s a complete game-changer that frankly blew the doors off what we thought was possible in a fanless laptop. ASUS X515 (2020)

Before the M1, the MacBook Air was a solid machine for everyday tasks, but it would often throttle under heavy loads, and its Intel processors, while capable, weren’t exactly setting speed records for power efficiency.

Then, Apple dropped the M1, their first System on a Chip SoC designed specifically for Mac.

What Exactly is the M1?

Think of the M1 as a highly integrated powerhouse.

Instead of separate CPU, GPU, RAM, and various controllers scattered across the motherboard, Apple bundled almost everything critical onto a single chip.

This unified memory architecture UMA means the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine can access the same data pool simultaneously, leading to incredible efficiency and speed.

It eliminates the need for data to be copied between different components, vastly reducing latency and improving overall performance.

8-Core CPU: The M1 features an 8-core CPU, split into four high-performance cores Firestorm and four high-efficiency cores Icestorm. The performance cores handle demanding tasks like video editing and compiling code, while the efficiency cores take over for lighter loads such as web browsing or email, sipping power to maximize battery life. This intelligent core management is a big reason why the M1 Air can last so long on a single charge.
7- or 8-Core GPU: Depending on the configuration, the M1 MacBook Air comes with either a 7-core or 8-core integrated GPU. Even with an integrated graphics solution, the M1’s GPU performance rivals or surpasses many discrete graphics cards found in similarly priced Windows laptops. This means smoother video playback, faster photo editing, and surprisingly capable performance in some modern games.
16-Core Neural Engine: This dedicated hardware accelerator is designed specifically for machine learning tasks. Think facial recognition in photos, Siri commands, or AI-powered features in creative applications. The Neural Engine offloads these tasks from the CPU, making them lightning fast and more efficient.

Impact on Performance and Efficiency

The real-world impact of the M1 is profound.

For everyday tasks, the MacBook Air feels incredibly snappy and responsive. Acer Aspire 15 (2024)

Apps launch instantly, switching between applications is seamless, and even opening dozens of browser tabs doesn’t bog it down.

Application Compatibility: When the M1 first launched, there were questions about app compatibility. Apple addressed this with Rosetta 2, a translation layer that allows Intel-based applications to run seamlessly on Apple Silicon. For most users, this process is invisible. apps just work, often performing better than they did on older Intel Macs. Many developers have since released native Apple Silicon versions of their apps, which run even faster and more efficiently.
Benchmarks vs. Reality: While benchmark scores are impressive, the true magic of the M1 is in its sustained performance without a fan. Unlike Intel-based laptops that often hit thermal limits and slow down, the M1 Air can maintain high performance for extended periods, making it a reliable workhorse for demanding tasks.

Design and Portability: The Fanless Advantage

The M1 MacBook Air retains the iconic wedge-shaped design that’s been a staple of the line for years, but what’s under the hood dramatically changes the user experience. The most significant design decision enabled by the M1 chip is the absence of a fan.

Silent Operation

This is not an exaggeration: the M1 MacBook Air is completely silent.

There’s no whirring, no buzzing, no sudden ramp-up of fan noise when you open a dozen tabs or start a video call.

This fanless design is a direct result of the M1’s incredible power efficiency.

The chip generates so little heat, even under load, that active cooling isn’t necessary for most tasks.

Benefits of Silence:
- Distraction-Free Work: Ideal for quiet environments like libraries, classrooms, or late-night work sessions.
- Improved User Experience: No annoying fan noise during video conferences or media consumption.
- Less Dust Ingress: Without a fan, there are fewer entry points for dust and debris, potentially increasing longevity.

Portability and Build Quality

Weighing in at just 2.8 pounds 1.29 kg and measuring 0.16–0.63 inches 0.41–1.61 cm at its thickest point, the M1 MacBook Air is incredibly light and thin, making it an ideal companion for those on the go. It slips easily into almost any bag or backpack.

Aluminum Unibody Construction: Apple continues its tradition of high-quality aluminum unibody construction, giving the MacBook Air a premium feel and excellent durability. It feels robust and well-made, capable of standing up to the rigors of daily travel.
Dimensions:
- Height: 0.16–0.63 inch 0.41–1.61 cm
- Width: 11.97 inches 30.41 cm
- Depth: 8.36 inches 21.24 cm
- Weight: 2.8 pounds 1.29 kg

Limited Port Selection: Acer Swift 3 14 (2020)

One aspect of the design that might require adaptation for some users is the limited port selection. The M1 MacBook Air features only two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Thunderbolt / USB 4: These versatile ports support charging, external displays up to a 6K display, and high-speed data transfer.
The Dongle Life: For users with older peripherals like USB-A drives, HDMI monitors, or SD cards, an external hub or adapter is a necessary accessory. Products like the Anker USB-C Hub are almost essential additions for many users.

Battery Life: Going All Day and Beyond

This is where the M1 MacBook Air truly shines, especially compared to its Intel predecessors and many Windows rivals.

The M1 chip’s extraordinary power efficiency translates into phenomenal battery life, often allowing you to leave the charger at home for a full day of work or even longer.

Official vs. Real-World Endurance

Apple officially rates the M1 MacBook Air at:

Up to 15 hours of wireless web browsing
Up to 18 hours of Apple TV app movie playback

In real-world testing, these figures are often met or even exceeded for typical usage. This isn’t just marketing hype. the M1’s efficiency is genuinely revolutionary.

For users who primarily browse, write, email, and stream, getting 12-16 hours on a single charge is a common experience.

Factors Influencing Battery Life:
- Screen Brightness: Higher brightness consumes more power.
- CPU/GPU Intensive Tasks: Heavy video editing, gaming, or large file transfers will reduce battery life faster than light browsing.
- Number of Apps Running: More background processes mean more power consumption.
- Network Activity: Constant Wi-Fi or Bluetooth usage can drain the battery quicker.

Comparison with Competitors

When the M1 MacBook Air launched, its battery life was in a league of its own for this form factor.

While some competitors have since improved, the M1 Air set a new benchmark. Vote for the next camera we buy

For instance, many premium Windows ultrabooks might offer 8-12 hours, but few could consistently match the M1 Air’s endurance without significant compromises in performance.

Benefits for Mobile Users:
- Travel Confidence: No need to constantly search for power outlets during flights or long commutes.
- Flexible Workspaces: Work from cafes, parks, or anywhere without worrying about power.
- Reduced Anxiety: Focus on your tasks, not on your battery percentage.

Charging Considerations

The MacBook Air charges via one of its Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports. It comes with a compact 30W USB-C Power Adapter.

While 30W isn’t the fastest charging, the excellent battery life means you won’t need to top it up as frequently.

Display and Audio: A Visual and Auditory Treat

The MacBook Air has always delivered a strong display experience, and the M1 model is no exception, continuing with Apple’s acclaimed Retina display.

Retina Display Excellence

The 13.3-inch Retina display boasts a 2560 x 1600 native resolution at 227 pixels per inch ppi, supporting millions of colors. This translates to incredibly sharp text, vibrant images, and excellent detail, making everything from reading articles to editing photos a pleasure.

True Tone Technology: This feature automatically adjusts the white balance of the display to match the color temperature of the ambient light in your environment. This makes the display appear more natural and easier on the eyes, especially when moving between different lighting conditions.
P3 Wide Color: The display supports P3 wide color gamut, which means it can reproduce a broader spectrum of colors than standard sRGB displays. This is particularly beneficial for creative professionals working with photos and videos, ensuring more accurate color representation.
Brightness: The display offers up to 400 nits of brightness, which is sufficient for most indoor and many outdoor conditions. While not as bright as the MacBook Pro’s 500-nit or higher displays, it’s perfectly adequate for general use.

Stereo Speakers and Microphones

Don’t underestimate the audio experience on the MacBook Air.

For a thin-and-light laptop, the stereo speakers deliver surprisingly full and clear sound. Acer Swift 3 14 (2022)

Wide Stereo Sound: The speakers offer decent separation and a respectable bass response, making it enjoyable for casual podcast listening, podcasts, and video calls. While they won’t replace dedicated external speakers, they’re excellent for built-in laptop audio.
Three-Mic Array: The M1 MacBook Air features a “studio-quality” three-mic array. This significantly improves voice clarity during video calls, helping to filter out background noise and ensure you’re heard clearly. This is a noticeable upgrade for anyone who frequently uses apps like Zoom, Google Meet, or FaceTime.

Webcam Performance

While the display and audio are strong, the 720p FaceTime HD camera remains a notable bottleneck. In an era where video calls are paramount, a 720p resolution feels dated, especially compared to the higher-resolution webcams found in many competing laptops.

M1 Enhancements: The M1 chip does leverage its image signal processor ISP to improve image quality from the 720p sensor. This means better noise reduction, improved dynamic range, and more accurate skin tones than what a typical 720p webcam would produce. However, it can’t magically add more pixels, so the overall sharpness is still limited.
Recommendations: For critical video conferencing, consider investing in a dedicated external webcam for superior image quality.

Keyboard and Trackpad: Apple’s Gold Standard

When it comes to input devices, Apple has long been recognized for setting the industry standard, and the M1 MacBook Air continues this tradition with its Magic Keyboard and Force Touch trackpad.

The Magic Keyboard: A Welcome Return

After a few years of controversy with the butterfly keyboard mechanism, Apple wisely returned to a more traditional scissor-switch mechanism with the Magic Keyboard. This was first introduced with the 16-inch MacBook Pro and then made its way to the Air, much to the relief of users.

Comfortable Typing Experience: The Magic Keyboard offers a comfortable 1mm of key travel, providing a satisfying tactile bump with each press. It’s quiet, responsive, and far more reliable than the butterfly keys. This makes long typing sessions a breeze, whether you’re writing a novel, coding, or just pounding out emails.
Reliability: The scissor mechanism is less prone to issues caused by dust or debris, which plagued the butterfly keyboards, leading to sticky or unresponsive keys.
Backlighting: The keys are individually backlit, and the ambient light sensor automatically adjusts the brightness, making it easy to type in dimly lit environments.
Touch ID: Integrated into the power button, Touch ID provides fast, secure authentication for logging in, making purchases with Apple Pay, and authenticating app installations. It’s incredibly convenient and reliable.

Force Touch Trackpad: Unmatched Precision

The Force Touch trackpad on the MacBook Air is, simply put, the best in the business.

It’s large, glass-surfaced, and incredibly precise.

Haptic Feedback: Instead of a physical click, the Force Touch trackpad uses haptic feedback to simulate a click sensation. This allows for consistent clicking across the entire surface, regardless of where you press.
Force Touch Capabilities: It supports “Force Clicks,” where pressing harder on the trackpad activates secondary functions, such as looking up a word definition, previewing a file, or showing all windows of an open app. This adds a layer of intuitive interaction.
Multi-Touch Gestures: macOS relies heavily on multi-touch gestures, and the large, smooth surface of the trackpad makes these gestures effortless. Swiping with multiple fingers to switch desktops, pinch-to-zoom, or scrolling through documents feels incredibly natural and fluid.
Precision and Responsiveness: Cursor control is pixel-perfect, and there’s virtually no lag, making it a joy to use for navigation and detailed work without needing an external mouse for most tasks. However, for extended use, or specific applications, an ergonomic mouse like the Logitech MX Master 3S can significantly enhance comfort and productivity.

macOS and Apple Ecosystem Integration

One of the undeniable strengths of the MacBook Air M1 isn’t just the hardware itself, but how seamlessly it integrates with Apple’s software ecosystem.

MacOS is a robust, intuitive, and secure operating system that works hand-in-hand with the M1 chip to deliver a superior user experience. ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 (2023)

macOS Big Sur and later: Optimized for M1

The M1 MacBook Air launched with macOS Big Sur, which was the first version of macOS specifically designed to leverage the power and efficiency of Apple Silicon.

Subsequent updates, like Monterey and Ventura, have further optimized performance and introduced new features.

Rosetta 2: As mentioned, this translation layer allows older Intel-based applications to run smoothly on the M1, bridging the gap during the transition period.
Universal Apps: Developers have been rapidly updating their apps to be “Universal” binaries, meaning they contain code for both Intel and Apple Silicon, offering native performance on M1 Macs.
Robust Security: macOS is known for its strong security features, including Gatekeeper, XProtect, and built-in antivirus measures, providing a secure computing environment.

Seamless Ecosystem Integration

The real magic happens when you own other Apple devices.

The MacBook Air becomes the central hub, effortlessly connecting and synchronizing with your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and AirPods.

Handoff: Start an email or browse a webpage on your iPhone, and pick it up exactly where you left off on your MacBook Air.
Universal Clipboard: Copy text, images, or even video from one Apple device and paste it directly onto another.
Continuity Camera: Use your iPhone as a high-quality webcam for your MacBook Air, a feature that significantly upgrades video call quality.
iMessage and FaceTime: Send and receive iMessages and make FaceTime calls directly from your Mac, even if your iPhone isn’t nearby.
AirDrop: Quickly and securely share files between your Apple devices.
iCloud Integration: Your documents, photos, and settings sync across all your devices, providing a unified and consistent experience.
AirPods Auto-Switching: Your AirPods seamlessly switch between your iPhone and MacBook Air depending on which device you’re actively using for audio.

App Store and Pro Apps

The Mac App Store offers a vast collection of applications, many of which are now optimized for M1. Beyond that, Apple’s suite of professional applications, like Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Xcode, are deeply integrated and highly optimized for the M1 chip, offering incredible performance for creative and development tasks.

Free Apple Apps: Pages, Numbers, Keynote, Photos, GarageBand, and iMovie come pre-installed and are fully optimized for M1, offering powerful tools for productivity and creativity right out of the box.

Who is the M1 MacBook Air For?

The Apple MacBook Air 13 M1, 2020 isn’t a “one size fits all” solution, but its blend of performance, portability, and battery life makes it an ideal choice for a surprisingly wide range of users.

1. Students: ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip (2023)

Portability: Light and thin, easy to carry between classes, lectures, and library sessions.
Battery Life: Lasts all day, eliminating the need to hunt for power outlets during long study sessions.
Performance: More than enough power for research, writing papers, presentations, and even some light coding or design projects.
Ecosystem Integration: Seamlessly works with iPhones and iPads, which are common among students.
Silent Operation: Crucial for quiet study environments where fan noise would be distracting.

2. General Productivity Users / Office Workers:

Everyday Tasks: Handles web browsing, email, word processing Microsoft Office, Google Docs, Apple Pages, spreadsheets, and video conferencing with ease.
Reliability: macOS is stable and secure, and the M1 chip ensures smooth performance for typical office workflows.
Video Conferencing: The improved mics and M1’s ISP help make video calls clearer, even with the 720p webcam.
Premium Experience: The Magic Keyboard and Force Touch trackpad enhance the overall daily work experience.

3. Creatives Light to Medium Workloads:

Photo Editing: Excellent for photo editing in applications like Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or Affinity Photo. The M1’s GPU and Neural Engine accelerate many common tasks.
Video Editing: Capable of handling 4K video editing in applications like Final Cut Pro or DaVinci Resolve for shorter projects or less complex timelines. It won’t be as fast as a MacBook Pro with an M1 Pro/Max chip, but it’s surprisingly capable for an Air.
Graphic Design: Great for vector graphics in Adobe Illustrator or Affinity Designer.
Podcast Production: Sufficient for light podcast production in GarageBand or Logic Pro, especially for tracking and mixing smaller projects.

4. Remote Workers / Frequent Travelers:

Ultimate Portability: Fits easily into carry-on luggage, making it perfect for road warriors.
Extended Battery: Work from airports, hotels, or cafes without being tethered to an outlet.
Professional Image: The sleek design and Apple branding project a professional appearance.

5. Users Prioritizing Silence and Efficiency:

Fanless Design: The completely silent operation is a huge selling point for anyone sensitive to fan noise or working in quiet environments.
Cool Operation: The exterior generally remains cool to the touch, even under light to moderate load.

Who It Might Not Be For or where you might need to manage expectations:

Heavy Gaming: While the M1 Air can handle some casual games and older AAA titles, it’s not a dedicated gaming machine. For serious gamers, a Windows laptop with a dedicated high-end GPU is a better choice.
Intensive Professional Creative Work: For sustained 8K video editing, complex 3D rendering, or large-scale podcast production projects, a MacBook Pro with an M1 Pro, M1 Max, or M2 Pro/Max chip, or a high-end desktop workstation, would offer significantly more power and dedicated cooling.
Users Needing Many Built-in Ports: If you constantly use multiple USB-A devices, an Ethernet cable, or an SD card reader without wanting to carry a dongle, the limited port selection might be a frustration.
Strict Budget Users: While excellent value, the MacBook Air is still a premium laptop. There are more affordable Windows alternatives, though they often come with compromises in build quality, trackpad, or battery life.

In essence, the M1 MacBook Air excels as a primary computer for the vast majority of users who need a powerful, reliable, and highly portable machine for productivity, creative tasks, and everyday computing, all while offering an unprecedented battery life and silent operation.

Enhancing Your M1 MacBook Air Experience: Essential Accessories

The M1 MacBook Air is fantastic on its own, but like any great tool, it can be made even better with the right accessories.

These additions can address its few limitations, improve ergonomics, or expand its capabilities.

1. USB-C Hub / Dongle:

Why You Need It: This is almost non-negotiable for most users due to the MacBook Air’s limited two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports. An M1 Air can only natively connect to USB-C/Thunderbolt devices and one external display.
What It Does: A good USB-C hub expands your connectivity options, typically adding:
- USB-A ports: For older peripherals like external hard drives, keyboards, and mice.
- HDMI/DisplayPort: For connecting to external monitors or projectors.
- SD/microSD card readers: Essential for photographers and videographers.
- Ethernet port: For wired network connections.
- USB-C Power Delivery port: Allows you to charge your MacBook Air through the hub while using other ports.
Recommendation: Look for a reputable brand like Anker USB-C Hub or Satechi. Choose one with the specific ports you need most frequently.

2. External Mouse: A Closer Look At Apple’s Nano-Texture Display: Should You Get it

Why You Need It: While the Force Touch trackpad is superb, for extended periods of work, graphic design, or precise tasks, an ergonomic external mouse can significantly reduce wrist strain and improve efficiency.
Features to Look For:
- Ergonomics: Comfort is key for long sessions.
- Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth is ideal to save a USB-C port.
- Customizable Buttons: For productivity shortcuts.
- Precise Tracking: High DPI for accurate cursor movement.
Recommendation: The Logitech MX Master 3S is a popular choice for its ergonomics, customizable buttons, and multi-device support. The Apple Magic Mouse 2 is another option, though its ergonomics are debated by some.

3. Laptop Stand:

Why You Need It: Elevating your MacBook Air to eye level can dramatically improve your posture and reduce neck and back strain, especially if you use it for long hours with an external keyboard and mouse. It also aids in airflow, keeping the fanless Air even cooler.
Benefits:
- Ergonomics: Reduces slouching and promotes a healthier posture.
- Cooling: Improves air circulation around the laptop.
- Clutter Reduction: Some stands offer cable management.
Recommendation: The Twelve South Curve Stand is a popular, aesthetically pleasing, and robust option specifically designed for MacBooks.

4. External Storage SSD:

Why You Need It: While the M1 MacBook Air’s internal SSD is incredibly fast, its storage can fill up quickly, especially if you deal with large files photos, videos, project files. External SSDs offer fast, portable storage expansion.
- Speed: USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt 3/4 compatibility for fast read/write speeds.
- Portability: Compact and durable for on-the-go use.
- Capacity: Choose based on your needs e.g., 500GB, 1TB, 2TB.
Recommendation: The Samsung T7 Portable SSD or the Crucial X8 are excellent choices, offering great speed and portability.

5. Protective Sleeve or Case:

Why You Need It: To protect your investment from scratches, dings, and minor drops when you’re traveling or commuting.
Types:
- Sleeve: A soft pouch that provides basic scratch protection when slipped into a bag.
- Hardshell Case: Snaps onto the top and bottom of the laptop for more robust protection.
- Carry Bag/Backpack: Dedicated compartments for your laptop and accessories.
Recommendation: Depending on your usage, a simple felt sleeve or a more protective hardshell case can extend the pristine look of your MacBook Air.

Investing in these accessories can significantly enhance your M1 MacBook Air experience, making it even more versatile, comfortable, and productive for your daily workflow.

M1 MacBook Air vs. M2 MacBook Air: A Quick Comparison

While the M1 MacBook Air was a groundbreaking device, Apple didn’t rest on its laurels, introducing the M2 MacBook Air in 2022. For those considering an M1 Air, it’s worth understanding the key differences and whether the M2 upgrade is worth the additional cost.

Key Differences at a Glance:

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 13 M1, 2020	Apple MacBook Air 13 M2, 2022
Chip	Apple M1	Apple M2
CPU Cores	8-core 4 performance + 4 efficiency	8-core 4 performance + 4 efficiency
GPU Cores	7- or 8-core	8- or 10-core
Neural Engine	16-core	16-core
Memory Bandwidth	68.25 GB/s	100 GB/s
Unified Memory	8GB, 16GB	8GB, 16GB, 24GB
Display Size	13.3-inch Liquid Retina	13.6-inch Liquid Retina
Display Brightness	400 nits	500 nits
Webcam	720p FaceTime HD camera	1080p FaceTime HD camera
Ports	2x Thunderbolt / USB 4, 3.5mm headphone jack	2x Thunderbolt / USB 4, 3.5mm headphone jack, MagSafe 3
Design	Tapered wedge design, fanless	Flat, uniform design, fanless
Charging	USB-C	MagSafe 3 also USB-C
Weight	2.8 lbs 1.29 kg	2.7 lbs 1.24 kg

Detailed Comparison:

Performance M1 vs. M2:
- The M2 chip offers a generational leap in performance over the M1. Apple claims the M2’s CPU is up to 18% faster and its GPU is up to 35% faster than M1.
- In real-world use, for most everyday tasks, the M1 is still incredibly fast. The M2’s gains are most noticeable in more demanding workflows like video editing, graphic design, and gaming. If you’re a heavy creative professional, the M2 or an M1 Pro/Max/M2 Pro/Max MacBook Pro will show more significant benefits.
- The M2 also offers higher memory bandwidth and the option for 24GB of unified memory, which can be crucial for professionals working with very large files or complex projects.
Design:
- The M2 MacBook Air introduced a significant design refresh, moving away from the iconic wedge shape to a more uniform, flat design, similar to the 14-inch MacBook Pro. This results in a slightly thinner and lighter profile.
- The M2 Air’s display features a notch for the webcam, which some users dislike, while the M1 Air has a traditional bezel.
Display: Sony ZV-E1
- The M2 Air boasts a slightly larger 13.6-inch display vs. 13.3-inch with a higher resolution and 500 nits of brightness vs. 400 nits. This makes the M2’s screen noticeably brighter and offers a bit more screen real estate.
Webcam:
- A welcome upgrade on the M2 Air is the 1080p FaceTime HD camera, a significant improvement over the M1 Air’s 720p camera, providing much clearer video calls.
Charging:
- The M2 Air brings back MagSafe 3 for charging, a magnetic connector that’s convenient and safer prevents accidental pulls from dragging your laptop off a desk. It can still charge via USB-C. The M1 Air only charges via USB-C.

Is the M2 Upgrade Worth It?

For most users students, general productivity, light creatives: The M1 MacBook Air remains an outstanding value. Its performance is still more than sufficient, its battery life is phenomenal, and its design is still very much premium. If you can find an M1 Air at a discounted price, it’s an excellent purchase.
For users who prioritize:
- The latest design: The sleeker, uniform chassis.
- Improved webcam: For frequent video calls.
- Brighter display: For working in varying light conditions.
- MagSafe charging: For convenience and safety.
- Slightly better performance for heavier tasks: Especially video editing or multi-tasking with many demanding apps.
- Future-proofing: The M2 chip will likely be supported with macOS updates for a longer period.

Then the Apple MacBook Air 13 M2, 2022 is worth the additional investment.

The M1 MacBook Air is still highly relevant and a fantastic machine, especially at its often-discounted price point.

The M2 is an evolution, offering refinements and incremental improvements, but not a fundamental revolution in the same way the M1 was.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Apple MacBook Air 13 M1, 2020?

The Apple MacBook Air 13 M1, 2020 is a highly portable and efficient laptop released by Apple, notable for being the first MacBook Air to feature Apple’s custom-designed M1 System on a Chip SoC, which delivers significant performance and battery life improvements over previous Intel-based models.

Does the M1 MacBook Air have a fan?

No, the M1 MacBook Air 13 2020 is designed with a fanless architecture, relying on the M1 chip’s exceptional power efficiency to dissipate heat passively. This makes it completely silent during operation.

How long does the battery last on the M1 MacBook Air?

The M1 MacBook Air offers exceptional battery life, officially rated for up to 15 hours of wireless web browsing and up to 18 hours of Apple TV app movie playback.

In real-world usage, many users experience a full day or more of typical productivity. Sony α6000

What kind of display does the M1 MacBook Air have?

It features a 13.3-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels 227 ppi, supporting millions of colors, True Tone technology, and P3 wide color gamut.

What ports are available on the M1 MacBook Air?

The M1 MacBook Air includes two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Users with older peripherals often need a USB-C hub or adapter.

Can the M1 MacBook Air run Windows applications?

Yes, the M1 MacBook Air can run some Windows applications using virtualization software like Parallels Desktop, which has been optimized for Apple Silicon.

However, it cannot natively dual-boot Windows like older Intel Macs.

Is the M1 MacBook Air good for video editing?

Yes, the M1 MacBook Air is surprisingly capable for video editing, especially for casual to moderate 4K video projects in applications like Final Cut Pro or DaVinci Resolve.

For very heavy, sustained 8K or complex multi-track projects, a MacBook Pro with an M1 Pro/Max or M2 Pro/Max chip would be more suitable.

Is the M1 MacBook Air good for gaming?

The M1 MacBook Air can handle casual games and some older or less graphically demanding AAA titles well.

However, it is not primarily designed as a gaming laptop and will not offer the same performance as dedicated gaming PCs with discrete GPUs.

Does the M1 MacBook Air support external monitors?

Yes, the M1 MacBook Air supports one external display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz connected via one of its Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports. Panasonic LUMIX ZS80

What is the difference between the 7-core and 8-core GPU in the M1 MacBook Air?

The difference is simply one fewer GPU core.

For most general users, the performance difference between the 7-core and 8-core GPU models is negligible.

The 8-core GPU model offers a slight edge in graphics-intensive tasks but won’t be a deal-breaker for average usage.

Does the M1 MacBook Air have Touch ID?

Yes, the M1 MacBook Air features Touch ID integrated into the power button for secure authentication, Apple Pay, and unlocking.

What kind of keyboard does the M1 MacBook Air have?

It features the Magic Keyboard, which uses a reliable scissor-switch mechanism, offering a comfortable and responsive typing experience with 1mm of key travel.

How much RAM Unified Memory can the M1 MacBook Air have?

The M1 MacBook Air comes with either 8GB or 16GB of unified memory.

For most users, 8GB is sufficient, but 16GB is recommended for more demanding tasks like video editing, large photo edits, or extensive multitasking.

Is the M1 MacBook Air still a good purchase in 2024?

Yes, the M1 MacBook Air remains an excellent purchase in 2024, especially if found at a discounted price.

Its performance, battery life, and silent operation are still highly competitive for the vast majority of users.

What is the main advantage of the M1 chip over Intel processors?

The main advantages are significantly improved performance per watt leading to exceptional battery life and fanless design, faster overall responsiveness, and better integration with macOS. GoPro HERO8 Black

What are Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports?

Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports are versatile ports that combine high-speed data transfer up to 40Gb/s, video output for external displays, and power delivery for charging all through a single USB-C connector.

Can I charge the M1 MacBook Air with any USB-C charger?

Yes, you can charge the M1 MacBook Air with any USB-C power adapter, though using the included 30W adapter or a higher wattage USB-C PD charger will provide optimal charging speeds.

Does the M1 MacBook Air come with pre-installed software?

Yes, it comes with macOS pre-installed, along with Apple’s suite of productivity Pages, Numbers, Keynote and creativity Photos, iMovie, GarageBand apps.

What are the main differences between the M1 MacBook Air and the M2 MacBook Air?

The M2 MacBook Air features a slightly faster M2 chip, a redesigned flat chassis, a larger and brighter 13.6-inch display with a notch, a 1080p webcam, and the return of MagSafe 3 charging. The M1 Air has the wedge design and a 720p webcam.

Is the M1 MacBook Air good for programming/coding?

Yes, the M1 MacBook Air is very good for programming and coding, especially for web development, mobile app development using Xcode, which is highly optimized for M1, and general scripting.

Its performance and silent operation are highly beneficial.

Can I upgrade the RAM or storage on the M1 MacBook Air?

No, the RAM unified memory and SSD storage on the M1 MacBook Air are integrated directly into the M1 chip and motherboard, respectively. They cannot be upgraded after purchase.

What is Rosetta 2?

Rosetta 2 is a translation layer in macOS that allows applications built for Intel-based Macs to run seamlessly on Apple Silicon Macs like the M1 MacBook Air, bridging the compatibility gap during the transition.

How durable is the M1 MacBook Air?

The M1 MacBook Air features a robust aluminum unibody construction, making it quite durable for everyday use.

However, like any laptop, it’s susceptible to damage from drops or significant impacts. Fujifilm X100V

Does the M1 MacBook Air get hot?

Thanks to the M1 chip’s efficiency, the M1 MacBook Air generally runs very cool, even under moderate load.

It’s rare for it to feel uncomfortably warm, especially compared to fan-cooled Intel laptops.

What operating system does the M1 MacBook Air run?

It runs macOS, Apple’s desktop operating system.

It launched with macOS Big Sur and supports subsequent updates like Monterey and Ventura.

Can I use my iPhone as a webcam with the M1 MacBook Air?

Yes, with macOS Ventura and later, you can use the Continuity Camera feature to wirelessly use your iPhone as a high-quality webcam for your MacBook Air.

What accessories are recommended for the M1 MacBook Air?

Recommended accessories include a USB-C hub for expanded connectivity, an external mouse for ergonomics e.g., Logitech MX Master 3S, a laptop stand for better posture e.g., Twelve South Curve Stand, and an external SSD for additional storage e.g., Samsung T7 Portable SSD.

How much does the M1 MacBook Air weigh?

The M1 MacBook Air weighs 2.8 pounds 1.29 kg, making it very lightweight and highly portable.

What colors does the M1 MacBook Air come in?

The M1 MacBook Air is available in three finishes: Gold, Space Gray, and Silver.

Is the M1 MacBook Air a good choice for students?

Yes, the M1 MacBook Air is an excellent choice for students due to its portability, exceptional battery life, silent operation, robust performance for academic tasks, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.

Fujifilm X-E4

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1, 2020)