MacBook Air and the M2 chip (video)

WWDC 2022 has just ended and on June 6, Apple already showed us a lot of news. In this episode of the WWDC aftertalk, we give you an extensive update on the new MacBook Air with the M2 chip.

WWDC: New M2 Chip

In this iPhoned video series, we take you through Apple’s key announcements from WWDC. In earlier videos this week we already discussed iOS 16, the updated version of CarPlay and watchOS 9.

Today it’s not about software. Editor Bram discusses the MacBook Air 2022 with M2 chip that was also announced during WWDC. In addition, the new version of the MacBook Pro (with the same chip) is also discussed. Are you reading (or watching)?

WWDC 2022: Brand New M2 CHP

Two years ago, Apple announced the M1 chip for the Mac. This SoC (System-on-a-chip) put Apple in control of everything about the production process. Intel first produced the chips. Now, more than a year and a half later, Apple announced the M2 chip at WWDC.

This M2 chip is of course a bit better than the ‘old’ M1. The CPU is 18% faster according to Apple. Unfortunately, the M2 chip still falls short of the M1 Pro, M1 Max and the M1 Ultra. The GPU has also been updated. Graphics tasks and gaming go much smoother as a result. The M2 chip is available with different graphics specifications. The more you pay, the more powerful the graphics become. The basic variant has a GPU with 8 cores, the more expensive version has 10.

New MacBook Air 2022 with M2 chip

The M2 chip is useless without a new Mac. The MacBook Air 2022 is the first completely redesigned Mac with the M2 chip. It has thinner bezels than its predecessor. The screen is therefore larger. Also through the notch in the middle. Furthermore, the housing no longer slopes. We also see an upgrade for the webcam. It now shoots images in 1080p.

Fortunately, the MacBook Air 2022 is charged again via the trusted MagSafe. This is a cable that clicks into place with a magnet and therefore easily pops out of your Mac if you trip over the cable. This MacBook Air will be available in four colors from July 2022. However, we think the price, which starts at 1519 euros, is far too high for this ‘budget’ laptop from Apple.

Apple has also relatively secretly announced a new MacBook Pro. This is an entry-level version with a 13-inch screen and the M2 chip. The design remains old; no MagSafe, no notch and therefore somewhat thicker screen edges. You can buy this for 1619 euros. But honestly, we don’t think this MacBook is a good deal. If you want a Pro, you’re better off going for the more expensive 14-inch Pro. Or you pay a little less and choose the MacBook Air 2022.

Want more WWDC aftertalk in addition to CarPlay, iOS 16, watchOS 9 and the new MacBook Air? This week we release a new video every day with the latest (software) features from Apple. Tomorrow we will discuss macOS 13 Ventura.