in 2020, Apples MacBooks entered a new era. The company announced that it was moving away from the Intel chips it had been using since 2006, and it launched the first Macs with the Apple-designed M1. Cut to 2022 and the company has added fire more chips for the range: M1 Pro, M1 Max, M1 Ultra – two of which drive the latest MacBook Pro – and the M2 chip as a successor to the M1.
Like Apple’s iPhones, the chips run on the ARM architecture, giving the company greater control over its hardware and software. They make its laptops both more powerful and more power efficient, which means much improved performance and battery life. In addition, you get other perks, such as the ability to run mobile apps originally made for iOS. Still, it’s harder to choose a MacBook now. Apple no longer sells Intel-powered models, but you can find one at a third-party retailer with only a few years of support. Is it worth buying one? Or should you go all-in on Apple silicon? Here’s what we think you should spend your hard earned money on.
Updated June 2022: We’ve added information about the new 13-inch MacBook Air and MacBook Pro along with the latest M2 chip.
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Is this a good time to buy?
It depends on. If you’re a super user looking for a powerful MacBook, then this is a great time to grab a 14- or 16-inch MacBook Pro, as Apple just released them last fall. However, most people do not need that much power. The cheaper M1-powered MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro from 2020 are still fine to buy, but the updated versions will be available for purchase from July.
Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022)
The best all-arounder
Photo: Apple
Apple’s latest MacBook Air comes with a host of upgrades both inside and out – which explains the price increase. Starting with the design, the company officially dropped the distinctive wedge form factor for a boxier chassis. It also comes in two new colors – midnight and starlight – in addition to the traditional room gray and silver options. The screen is also larger and brighter and is equipped with an updated webcam. The Liquid Retina panel comes in at 13.6 inches (up from 13.3 inches on the predecessor), and has thinner edges, screen brightness of 500 nits and a notch that houses a 1080p sensor.
Apple did not throw in more ports, but the MacBook Air received the same MagSafe treatment as the advanced MacBook Pro models. Now you can magnetically connect the power cable to the laptop to charge it – freeing both Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports. Your MacBook also comes with fast charging support if you purchase a 67-watt USB-C power adapter. Apple claims that it can supply the MacBook with up to 57 percent in just 30 minutes.