Originally launched by Apple back in 2008, the MacBook Air has a long history of simply being the lighter, cheaper, and less powerful Apple laptop compared to the brand’s legacy MacBook Pro line. However, in recent years Apple has made great strides to develop the MacBook Air into a more functional option for video professionals.
Now, from one of the many highlights from Apple’s WWDC 2023 earlier this week, it looks like we have another new line of MacBook Air laptops equipped with M2 chips and offering more processing and power than ever before.
So, if you’re a video professional of any ilk like a screenwriter, film producer, or even a high-end video editor (or perhaps some sort of new AI prompt-generating content creator extraordinaire). Let’s see which—if any—new Apple MacBook Air might be right for you.
A look at the full new lineup of the MacBook Air laptopsCredit: Apple
Apple’s New Line of MacBook Air Laptops
It should come as no surprise that Apple is doubling down on the Air and is going for more size and power than ever before as technology lends itself to packing more processing into smaller frames. The Air is an Apple product known for its flexibility of use and travel, so how has it improved?
The new current lineup of MacBook Air models now includes a MacBook Air 13” (M1 chip), a MacBook Air 13” (M2 chip), and a MacBook Air 15” (M2 chip). While there’s a noticeable price difference between the two MacBook Air 13” models, we’re really going to focus on the two M2 chip Air as a $100 discount for an M1 version that probably won’t entice many users except those looking to really pinch a penny here (the M2 chip version should be far preferable to most pros).
The New MacBook Air 13” vs 15”
Between the 13” and the 15” MacBook Air models, you’re not looking at too many differences in terms of design, features, and function.
Both include high-resolution Liquid Retina displays, Touch ID, two Thunderbolt ports, and are powered by Apple M2 chips. They’re also both capable of being configured with the same amount of storage and memory and come in the same expected color options.
The new 15" MacBook Air might be your best bang for your buck.Credit: Apple
It’s also worth noting that while the specs of the battery for each size are different, they are also both designed to have the same 18-hour battery life. The only real differences to speak of are the lack of force-canceling subwoofers in the 13” version and the obvious size and weight differences between the two. Oh, and price, of course, as the 13” is set to retail at $1,099 and the 15” at $1,299.
Which MacBook Air is Right for You (the Video Pro)?
Now, the bigger question at hand here has to do with which MacBook Air might be right for you for professional film and video work.
For many pros who are not looking to do high-end video editing, it really might just come down to size and price preferences. This might not be a popular opinion, but as someone who’s done a good deal of field video work and producing with a Chromebook in the past, a lot of tasks don’t need much processing or specs outside of a reliable internet connection.
However, if you’re looking to delve into video editing and perhaps even further into motion graphics, you might have some factors to consider. For one, the MacBook Air is indeed small, cheap, and easy to travel with, but it’s not going to be nearly as powerful as a new MacBook Pro.
Ultimately though, the 13” MacBook Air and its 10-core GPU (plus if you add the 35W Dual Port Compact Power Adapter) only being less than $100 cheaper than the 15” MacBook Air. If you are considering a new MacBook Air, then it might be in your best interest to go with this new 15” version.
From there, it’s up to you to decide which Apple laptop might be best for you and your video needs based on the added pricing and values versus any MacBook Pro options you might want to consider. For those who love the Air and its sleek design and feel, this new 15” MacBook Air is an amazing option for creatives who need compact and silent operation, with more screen real estate than the previous Air model.
How do you feel about these new Apple MacBook Air laptops? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
