Video Comparison: M1 MacBook Air vs. M2 MacBook Air

The new MacBook Air is equipped with a next-generation M2 chip. If you own the original M1 MacBook Air, or if you're new to the MacBook Air, we've done a hands-on comparison video pitting the M2 MacBook Air against the prior- generation M.

The internals of the M2 MacBook Air are not the focus of most Mac updates. The entire design was changed, getting rid of the tapered look in favor of a flat-edged shape that is very similar to the MacBook Pro.

The new MacBook Air is thinner and lighter than its predecessors, and it is available in two new colors. The design is fresh and modern and the display is brighter.

The M2 chip has the same 8-coreCPU as the M1 chip, but it's just a bit faster and more efficient, and the base machine has an extraGPU core so the graphics card performance has been boosted. The entry-level M1 and M2 machines both have 8 gigabytes of unified memory, but the M1 has two 128 gigabyte flash chips, while the M2 only has one 128 gigabyte flash chip.

The M2 MacBook Air has a MagSafe port that allows for more port access and a better charging experience. Changes to the speakers made them sound better, but the keyboard and trackpad are the same.

Is the base M2 MacBook Pro worth more than the base M1 MacBook Pro? It's for most people. If you can swing it, the $200 premium for the M2 is worth it. If you already own an M1, you should upgrade because the M1 still performs well. The M1 MacBook Air and M2 MacBook Air can be seen side by side in our video.