The Macbook Air 2020
In March 2020, Apple launched the latest version of its most affordable laptop: the MacBook Air. This new model debuted with a lower starting price, but more importantly, it includes essential performance upgrades, more storage, and a completely new keyboard. Whether you're working from home or searching for a lightweight travel laptop, the MacBook Air might be the right option.
Performance Upgrades
The new MacBook Air offers a significant performance upgrade. The top-level model has a 1.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor, a considerable boost from the 2019 version, which was available with a 1.6GHz quad-core Intel Core i5. This version runs up to two times faster than the 2019 version.
Do more at the same time with the new MacBook Air. Along with the faster processor, it comes with 8GB of LPDDR4X memory. Configure it with up to 16GB of memory for extra speed.
This helps the computer handle multiple programs at the same time. The new version is faster and more power-efficient. This is because it has LPDDR4X memory instead of LPDDR3 memory.
The new 2020 MacBook Air for sale also comes with upgraded graphics. The 2020 model has Intel Iris Plus Graphics, 80% faster than the Intel UHD Graphics 617 in older versions. The new MacBook Air lets you use graphic-intensive programs such as games or movie streaming, providing a faster and smoother experience.
Two Times More Storage
With the 2020 update, Apple addressed one of the MacBook Air's most important components: storage. The new version starts with a 256GB solid-state drive, double the previous generation's 128GB option.
If you need more storage, you can configure the new MacBook Air's SSD to 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB. That's a significant upgrade, particularly for people who work with large photo or video files — it bumps up the maximum storage capacity by 1TB, enough to hold 500 extra hours of video or 6.5 million PDF document pages.
New Keyboard
One of the first things you'll notice about the new MacBook Air is that it features Apple's new Magic Keyboard. Under each key, a scissor mechanism delivers a precise, stable up-down movement.
Pressing a key only moves it a short distance. This makes writing emails or writing lines of code easier and more comfortable. Your keystrokes are nearly silent, creating a quieter, more pleasant typing experience.
The backlit Magic Keyboard kicks into gear when you're working after dark or in a low-light environment. Its ambient light sensor detects the amount of light in the room. Then, it adjusts the brightness behind each key to help you see clearly.
The new MacBook comes with Apple's Force Touch trackpad. Its design enables precise clicking regardless of where your finger lands. Plus, since you can use different amounts of pressure, this trackpad helps you do more.
Since it's 20% larger than MacBook Air models without a Retina screen, you have plenty of space for your favorite multi-touch gestures. Use the trackpad to pinch, rotate, zoom, and more.
How Does the 2020 MacBook Air Compare to Previous Generations?
Secure Computing
The new MacBook Air comes with Touch ID — if you're an iPhone user, you're already familiar with this technology. Set up the system to recognize your fingerprints. Then, when you want to unlock the computer, just tap a finger on the sensor. This biometric technology makes it easy for you to get in and keeps unauthorized users out.
Touch ID also connects to your Apple Pay system for easier online shopping. When it's time to check out, just touch the sensor — the system uses your stored credit card information to pay. That way, your data stays safe, and you don't need to enter card details or billing information. Plus, you can fully encrypt your data since Touch ID works with Apple's T2 security chip.
Retina Display
Flip open the new MacBook Air, and you'll discover Apple's legendary Retina Display. This screen packs in a high density of pixels. As a result, you can see details of a website, photo, or video in perfect clarity. With support for millions of colors, the Retina display makes every image look its best.
The MacBook Air also features True Tone technology. This system senses the color temperature of the room you're in. Then, it shifts the white tone to match, so your screen always looks natural and true to life.
Advanced Communication
Every 2020 MacBook Air comes with a front-facing FaceTime camera. The high-definition 720p camera sends a crisp, clear image to one person or a whole group. All iPhone contacts are automatically available if you connect your iCloud account.
Built into the MacBook Air, powerful speakers create bright, loud sounds. You'll get two times the bass and 25% more volume than non-Retina models. To help your friends and co-workers hear you on the other end, the MacBook Air uses three microphones for better voice capture.
How Does the 2020 MacBook Air Compare to Similar Laptops?
Lightweight Size
One of the new MacBook Air's most important features is its size. As its name suggests, this computer is easy to carry — in fact, it weighs just 2.8 pounds. The secret is the slim aluminum shell, which is durable, tough, and remarkably lightweight.
For environmentally-conscious users, the MacBook Air is an eco-friendly choice. Apple's exceptional engineering creates a 6000-series material that emits 47% less than non-Retina models.
Smart Programs and Apps
The Macbook Air 2020 ships with Apple's macOS Catalina operating system. With Safari, Apple Mail, and iMovie, you can edit email and video on your Apple device. You'll also get FaceTime video chat software, a calendar, Messenger, and more. Remember to use the Apple TV app movie for all your entertainment needs.
If you use any other Apple products, macOS Catalina makes connections a breeze. It links all of your devices together, so you can start a task on one and continue it on another.
See the manufacturer's site for details.
Not quite ready to get your new MacBook Air for sale? Don't worry — Apple offers other versions of this lightweight laptop with many of the same great features. Check out the space-gray, gold, and silver finishes available on the 2018 MacBook Air and newer models.