Introduction
Apple's highly anticipated 15-inch MacBook Air has arrived, marking the first time the Air series has expanded beyond 13 inches. Revealed at the WWDC 2023 keynote, we have gathered all the information you need to determine whether this is the MacBook you've been eagerly anticipating.
As expected from the speculations, the MacBook Air M2 maintains the familiar and beloved design, with no major changes. However, the increase in size carries significant implications. In this article, we will guide you through the notable features and offerings of the larger MacBook Air M2.
Redesigned 15-inch MacBook Air: A Closer Look at Apple's Larger Laptop
Apple has recognized the immense popularity of the MacBook Air, touted as the "most loved Mac" and the top-selling laptop globally. To cater to the demand for a larger option, Apple has introduced the 15-inch MacBook Air, which actually features a 15.3-inch display with narrow 5mm borders.
In terms of design, the new 15-inch MacBook Air shares the same finishes as the 13-inch M2 model, including midnight, starlight, space gray, and silver. It continues the trend of being incredibly thin, measuring just 11.5mm. In fact, Apple proudly claims it to be the thinnest 15-inch laptop in the world.
Despite its larger size, the MacBook Air remains lightweight, weighing only 3.3lbs. While this is slightly more than the 13-inch MacBook Air (2.7lbs) and the 13-inch MacBook Pro (3lbs), it fares favorably when compared to the 14-inch MacBook Pro, which weighs 3.5lbs.
Apple emphasizes that the MacBook Air is "40 percent thinner and half a pound lighter than a comparable PC laptop," highlighting its impressive portability and sleek design.
Specifications of 15-inch MacBook Air
| Specifications | MacBook Air 15-inch (2023) 256GB | MacBook Air 15-inch (2023) 512GB |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,299 / £1,399 / AU$2,199 | $1,499 / £1,599 / AU$2,499 |
| CPU | Apple M2 (8-core) | Apple M2 (8-core) |
| Graphics | Integrated 10-core GPU | Integrated 10-core GPU |
| RAM | 8GB unified memory | 8GB unified memory |
| Screen | 15.3-inch, 2880 x 1864 Liquid Retina display, 500 nits brightness, wide color P3 gamut | 15.3-inch, 2880 x 1864 Liquid Retina display, 500 nits brightness, wide color P3 gamut |
| Storage | 256GB SSD | 512GB SSD |
| Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), 3.5mm headphone jack, MagSafe 3 | 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), 3.5mm headphone jack, MagSafe 3 |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Camera | 1080p FaceTime HD webcam | 1080p FaceTime HD webcam |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs (1.51kg) | 3.3 lbs (1.51kg) |
| Dimensions | 13.40 x 9.35 x 0.45 inches (340 x 212 x 15.6mm) | 13.40 x 9.35 x 0.45 inches (340 x 212 x 15.6mm) |
Comparison table
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Large and spacious screen in a thin and relatively lightweight design | Limited number of ports |
| Excellent trackpad and keyboard | No options for post-purchase upgrades or expansions |
| Impressive performance | The slim profile does not fully conceal the laptop's larger size |
| Remarkable battery life |
MacBook Air 15 (2023) benchmarks
| Benchmark | 15-inch MacBook Air (M2) |
|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 CPU Single | 2606 |
| Geekbench 6 CPU Multi | 10055 |
| Geekbench 6 GPU (Metal) | 45607 |
| Geekbench 6 GPU (OpenCL) | 27795 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 8189 |
| Cinebench R23 Single | 1590 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi looped for 30 minutes | 7830 |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider benchmark (1920 x 1200, highest) | 28fps |
| PugetBench for Premiere Pro | 328 |
| 4K export | 0:03:48 |
| XcodeBenchmark | 121 sec |
Buy Now
You can buy the M2 MacBook Air directly from Apple's official online store or their physical retail stores. Additionally, third-party retailers also offer the machine for sale. The pricing for the 13-inch model begins at $1,099, while the 15-inch model starts at $1,299. The 15-inch MacBook Air is a recently launched product and is available for order now, with deliveries commenced on June 13. For budget-conscious buyers, Apple also provides refurbished 13-inch models at a discounted price.
Final Verdict
The introduction of the 15-inch MacBook Air brings forth an exhilarating addition to Apple's laptop lineup. It manages to merge the Air's renowned portability and impressive battery life with a larger form factor, resulting in an enticing prospect. Although some individuals might desire a 15-inch MacBook with enhanced performance capabilities, opting for a 15-inch MacBook Air that solely varies in size appears to be the logical choice. This approach aligns with Apple's strategy of offering different-sized models, similar to their approach with the iPhone lineup, which includes options like the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, as well as the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max.