Apple's new MacBook Air debuts at $999 with 256GB storage, quad-core options

Apple has updated the MacBook Air with the new Magic Keyboard, up to a quad-core i7 processor, and a lower starting price.

Apple says that the new MacBook Air delivers up to two times faster CPU performance and up to 80 percent faster graphics performance. At the $999 low-end, it ships with 256GB of storage, and a higher-end model has a quad-core option for the first time.

To get that speed, the new model features the latest 10th-generation Intel Core processors with up to a 1.2GHz quad-core Core i7 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.8GHz. Additionally, the new models have Intel Iris Plus Graphics, providing better performance than the previous model.

New Magic Keyboard on the 2020 MacBook Air

The MacBook Air refresh for the third time in a year features the new Magic Keyboard, first introduced on the 16-inch MacBook Pro. A redesigned scissor mechanism delivers 1mm of key travel, and the new inverted-T arrangement for the arrow keys.

The new model includes support for a 6K display over one of the two Thunderbolt 3 ports on the machine. Specifically, the new unit will support one 6K display, or one 5K display, or up to two 4K displays.

The FaceTime camera remains a 720p model, with a three-microphone array now included for more clear voice capture for FaceTime calls. Bluetooth 5.0 remains on the unit, as does 802.11ac Wi-Fi networking.

In conjunction with the MacBook Air release, Apple is also promising updates to the iWork suite, including iCloud folder sharing, and more.

The $999 MacBook Air model ships with a 1.1Ghz i3 processor with turbo speeds up to 3.2GHz, and 256GB of flash storage. A $1299 model comes with a quad-core i5 processor with turbo speeds up to 3.5 GHz and 512GB of flash storage.

The i7 model with 512GB of flash storage retails for $1449. Apple says that all configurations, including the education model for $899, will arrive between March 23 and March 25.

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57 Comments

razorpit 17 Years · 1793 comments

About 4 years ago

Nice little laptop. I really wish they would have a 16" version. My wife is currently working off of an ancient 15" Pro (2006). She doesn't want a 13" because the screen is just a little bit too small for what she does and understandably doesn't want to be tied in to a monitor.

When she works from home she remotes in to her office desktop. While the new 16" MBP is awesome, it's overkill for what she does.

golfer12 4 Years · 2 comments

Love the improvements, but where is the larger screen for adults? Also, why not include wifi 6, which has been in the iPhone for months?

avon b7 20 Years · 8046 comments

At first glance, this looks like a very good move. The key takeaway for me is the keyboard.

bfranks 5 Years · 24 comments

razorpit said:

Nice little laptop. I really wish they would have a 16" version. My wife is currently working off of an ancient 15" Pro (2006). She doesn't want a 13" because the screen is just a little bit too small for what she does and understandably doesn't want to be tied in to a monitor.

When she works from home she remotes in to her office desktop. While the new 16" MBP is awesome, it's overkill for what she does.

It’s a fine balance, I need a light weight machine as well because a have back problems. I have the 13” MacBook Air. Then I have a monitor at home and work. When I’m on the road I use my iPad Pro as a second screen.

neilm 16 Years · 1001 comments

golfer12 said:

Love the improvements, but where is the larger screen for adults?

On the shelf at a retailer near you, ready to be used on your desk. Many sizes and prices available.

These are ultra-portable laptops. A bigger screen would make the MBA not an ultra-portable. I've used a couple of the new 16" MBPs and they're lovely — but big.