The October 30 Apple Event was exactly as “scary fast” as it was deemed to be, clocking in at no more than 30 minutes in total. That was more than enough time for Apple to show up and hammer out the most important details about its M3-powered next-gen upgrades for the MacBook Pro and the iMac, and admittedly there’s a lot to love. It’s worth noting the 2020-era M1 chip was the sole point of reflection for the company; Apple specifically noted a 60% upgrade in performance between the 14-inch M3 Pro-powered MacBook Pro and the 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro.
MacBook Pros featuring the M2 Pro and M2 Max launched in January, and so it’s probably too soon for an upgrade from those. But Apple’s point is clear: if you own anything earlier than an M1-powered MacBook Pro, or if you own even the most powerful Intel-based Mac on the market, you’re tailing behind the pack.
It’s hard to argue against the swath of powerful new features included in the late-2023 MacBook Pro lineup — equipped with the full array of hyper-powerful Apple M3 chips, which use a 3-nanometer process much like the A17 Pro chip included in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. These new M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max-powered MacBook Pros are the current flagship of the macOS fleet, and all models benefit from the vastly increased base performance, which Apple claims is “11x faster than the most powerful Intel-based MacBook Pro”.
If you’re a designer or a creator who needs all the horsepower you can get, the MacBook Pro M3 Max model is probably your best bet thanks to its 16-core CPU and 40-core GPU with Dynamic Caching, a feature that can evidently boost performance by dynamically allocating memory in real time. For even just the base M3 model, however, macOS Sonoma’s new features (like Screen Sharing between M3-powered Macs and Game Mode, which prioritizes framerates in games like Baldur’s Gate 3) make great use of all that computing power.
The new MacBook Pro color scheme, Space Black, is a gorgeous, metallic black chassis that marks a MacBook first since 2006. Apple considers it a “Pro” color, so it’s less likely we’ll see a similarly-colored M3-powered MacBook Air any time soon, and that’s a real shame because it does look quite sleek.
Both the 14-inch and 16-inch M3 MacBook Pro are now available to pre-order from Apple’s online store. The base M3-powered 14-inch MacBook Pro will begin at $1,599 while the M3-powered 16-inch is set to start at $2,499. Of course, you’ll need to shell out a bit more for the M3 Pro and M3 Max versions. Orders will begin shipping out on November 7.
With an event scheduled for October 30th, Apple has some seriously ‘scary’ Halloween plans for your wallet! We’re expecting new MacBooks, refreshed iMacs, and maybe an upgrade to the iPad line-up given that Apple announced a budget USB-C version of their Pencil. That being said, clearly Apple has something in mind that goes beyond the simple chip update and performance boost. We may be looking at the Cupertino giant consolidating around a few design directions, like USB-C supremacy, a rally-cry around Spatial Computing, and perhaps a few neat tricks borrowed from Apple’s iOS platform.
Put together by Concept Central, this video highlights the future of MacBooks, but more importantly, the future of macOS in general. Concept Central’s rather enticing video brings a few dazzling tricks to Apple’s flagship laptop, from widgets in the dock bar, to a frosted transparent Safari browser that is a hat-tip to the Vision Pro, and perhaps my favorite little feature – a Dynamic Island-style animated interface around the MacBook notch!
Titled the ‘Future of macOS’, the video makes some extremely sensible suggestions that feel less like wild conceptual ideas and more like practical solutions to make macOS better. For starters, the Finder gets its first big refresh in AGES, with a widget-style design that allows the toolbar to exist in two halves on the left and the right, rather than being a linear bar that travels all across your screen. This frees up more real estate, while also preventing the bar from interfering with that objectively ugly MacBook notch.
I’ve always wanted macOS and iPadOS to really streamline and Concept Central’s video does just that. The dock finally gets its own widgets based on active apps/software, allowing you to toggle media playback (among other things) without switching programs. Like Apple’s mobile operating systems, the dock now also supports the creation of folders, giving that tiny stretch of linear real estate much more space and value. You don’t need to ‘ration’ your dock or go wild by chucking all your useful apps in a never-ending ticker-tape of functionality. Similar apps get clubbed together into Folders that maximize and minimize to let you access apps only when you need them.
Apple’s pivot to Spatial Computing also heavily informs its macOS design directions. A lot of the UI elements get that frosted glass finish, from the folder background to the Finder, and even Safari itself, which looks deliciously minimal in this new, slick avatar!
The icing on the cake, however, remains the MacBook’s new Dynamic Island. In the interest of absolute accuracy, it isn’t really an island as much as it’s a delta, given that it’s surrounded by a screen on 3 of its 4 sides. To account for that, Concept Central renames it ‘Live Actions’ instead. Quite like the Dynamic Island seen on its smaller sibling, the iPhone, the MacBook’s Live Actions turns that notch into a functional detail. Notifications on the Mac now manifest around the notch, causing it to expand in different directions based on the nature of the notification.
At least for now, Concept Central’s displayed native app notifications within the Live Actions zone, from FaceTime calls to AirDrop notifications, volume controls, and even charging statuses of various Apple gadgets. It’s a fun detail that really allows the MacBook’s notch to go from an eyesore that’s perfectly in your line of sight, to a dynamic element that serves a purpose apart from being a bunch of wide-angle cameras, sensors, and microphones.
We’re just days away from Apple’s final event of the year. Multiple analysts say that the MacBook will almost certainly get its refresh to the highly anticipated M3 chip. The M3 reveal will also most probably be accompanied by new iMacs and maybe a refresh to the Mac Mini.
Rumors have been floating around throughout October about the potential sudden release of new M3-based Macintosh computers. Just take it from Digital Trends’ Alex Blake, who spoke a little too soon (but not before providing an excellent explanation of why the M3 chip is so important to Mac users), saying, “An event doesn’t seem to be in the cards (no one has heard anything about invites), so a launch via press release seems likely at this stage.”
Fortunately for everyone both inside and outside of the press, there will indeed be an Apple event on October 30, 2023; and better yet, it will be entirely virtual. You’ll get to watch it straight from your couch (right here) on Apple’s official YouTube channel.
The only catch? Unlike regular Apple events which begin in the morning (at least over here on the west coast of the United States) this one is at 5 PM PT. That’s great for me, but probably not so great if you live outside of the United States, in which case you may end up staying up late into the spooky Halloween evening to catch Apple’s “scary fast” Mac reveals.
Ming-Chi Kuo, one of the most respected Apple analysts on the web, took to X on October 24 with a valuable insight about what we can expect from the upcoming Apple event: “I believe M3 series MacBook Pro will be Oct 30th media event’s focus. I previously predicted a launch this year is unlikely due to limited 4Q23 shipments (less than 400-500k units in total). If new MBPs launch in Nov-Dec, tight supply will last into 1Q24 unless demand weakens.”
Granted, all we really have right now is speculation, and despite having an excellent track record for predicting Apple’s next move amid the constant whirlwind of hype and uncertainty often attributed to Apple’s somewhat erratic movements – like the sudden (though not entirely unexpected) announcement of the Apple Pencil USB-C – even Ming-Chi Kuo has been wrong in the past. That means, until we witness an official reveal unfolding in front of our own eyes, everything you see on the internet about this upcoming event on October 30 is still speculation. Still, speculators across the web seem hopeful that we’ll see new M3-powered Apple computers arrive in stores globally before the holiday rush goes into full effect in late November.
I honestly cannot do without my MacBook, probably because it is one of my most prized possessions! It contains basically everything I hold important in my life – from work documents to memorable pictures from even ten years ago. And not to mention, I do end up spending most of my day, typing away and working on my MacBook. Since it is such an integral part of my daily and work routine, I’m always looking for ways to elevate my MacBook. I love innovative and nifty gadgets that function as the perfect sidekick to my MacBook, helping me boost my daily productivity and efficiency. Here, we’ve curated a few of our favorite MacBook accessories that’ll promise to level up your already awesome and beloved MacBook. From a 6-in-1 MagSafe charger to a Satechi Triple 4K docking station – these are must-have accompaniments to your MacBook, and the best investments of 2023 for Apple lovers!
1. Magic Bar
The Magic Bar is essentially a portable Touch Bar that can be utilized and paired externally with any Apple peripheral. The portable toolbar has similar features to the Touch Bar, with a recognizable design that aligns horizontally with the keyboard. When you merge the Magic Bar with your iPhone, it allows for multiple smart home shortcuts!
2. CASA Hub Stand Pro
The CASA Hub Stand Pro is designed for the MacBook, and it is able to elevate any laptop up to 29cm in height. It offers an ergonomic position that will not strain your neck. You can set it lower in case you don’t have an external keyboard or if you want to use its inclined platform. It features a high-precision load-bearing mechanism that can support loads of up to 3.5kg.
3. 6-in-1 Charger
Meet the world’s first Apple-certified 6-in-1 MagSafe Charger designed by ESR. The charger is equipped with a GaN semiconductor, and it doesn’t simply charge your smaller Apple devices, it can directly charge your MacBook too by delivering 100W of power. It is an all-in-one solution for your charging requirements!
4. Pixy Mini
Touted as the most powerful power bank for its size, the Pixy Mini is this pocket-friendly, granola bar-shaped power bank with a capacity of 5,000mAh and a 20W power delivery, making it capable of recharging practically any portable gadget you’ve got on hand… even your laptop. What’s so impressive about the Pixy Mini is its deceptively small size.
5. Triple 4K Docking Station
Called the Triple 4K Docking Station, this accessory is designed to expand the limitations of the Mac. The dock is an appropriate fit for the M1 which has a single monitor or even the M2 which can be extended to two screens. It can extend to three extra displays and it provides a 4K HDMI port at 60Hz, and a pair of HDMI slots or the DisplayPort outputs.
6. Belkin’s Continuity Camera
Belkin’s Continuity Camera accessory is an all-white circular peripheral that can you attach to the iPhone’s back with MagSafe. Made from soft silicone, you can mount it on your Mac and it leaves no scratches. When attached to the Mac at the ideal spot where the webcam features, the Continuity Camera automatically activates to allow the iPhone to be used as the webcam.
7. The Slim Dock
Designed to look as sleek as something Apple itself would release (it’s an art that Satechi has wonderfully perfected), the Slim Dock upgrades your 24″ M1 iMac with extra ports and even extended SSD storage. The Slim Dock comes with the same machined aluminum outer as the iMac itself and is available in the default silver as well as the anodized blue to match your blue iMac.
8. OS
Called the OS, this wallpaper and icon pack by Ben Vassey gives your new MacBook or iMac a super cool retro appeal. The OS provides a vintage appeal to the Mac machines by using the original ‘hello’ wallpaper from the 1984 Mac. It also offers a pack of 166 matching vintage icons for all your common software and apps!
9. HUB-OX
Designed to be portable and compact, HUB–OX initially comes as a lightweight, palm-sized USB-C hub, which splits into two halves, both equipped with plenty of charging slots, HDMI connections, and ethernet ports. HUB–OX is compatible with MacBook Pro models that have four USB-C ports, generally any MacBook Pro from 2016 or any of its succeeding generations.
10. SuperTank
Sixty minutes is all that it takes for the SuperTank to power up and be ready for deployment. This 27,000 mAh portable charger with dual USB-C PD (100W + 60W) and dual USB-A ports, has the potential to quickly charge MacBook Pros and many other devices. What this means to people on the go, is that they don’t have to worry about carrying excess wires, multiple power plugs, and compatible sockets, when they are out of the home or office.
Laptops are extremely convenient in letting us bring the power of computing almost anywhere we go, sometimes even when we don’t have a flat surface to place it on. That portability, however, does come at a cost, taking a toll on our health because of the bad posture they enforce. Screens are well below our natural eye level, and keyboards are not only cramped but also very, very flat. There are laptop stands that try to raise your laptop to match your eye level or ones that tilt the keyboard a bit, but very few can do both. That’s the kind of flexibility that this innovative laptop stand brings to your table, literally and figuratively, and it goes beyond just raising your laptop to offer a new level of productivity and comfort.
Laptop Stand & Hub – The CASA Hub Stand Pro integrates stand, ergonomic adjustment, and USB-C hub functions.
Detachable Design – The lightweight hub works as either an integrated part of the stand or an independent device.
Designed with the MacBook in mind, the CASA Hub Stand Pro is able to raise any laptop up to 29cm in height, providing a more ergonomic position that won’t strain your neck. Of course, you can also set it a bit lower if you don’t have an external keyboard available, or if you want to use its inclined platform as an easel for drawing on a tablet. With a high-precision load-bearing mechanism that can handle weights of up to 3.5kg, this handsome laptop accessory can handle not just MacBook Pros but even heftier gaming laptops as well.
Fits Personal View Angles – With a maximum elevation angle of 180 degrees and a height of up to 11.4″ (29cm).
Suitable for MacBook and iPad – Compatible with the M2/M1 MacBook and iPad series.
Stable & Durable – Virtually no laptop the CASA Hub Stand Pro cannot support.
This Red Dot 2023 award winner carries an atmosphere of elegance and durability with its sleek, all-aluminum design and premium craftsmanship that fits perfectly with the MacBook’s own aesthetic. That design, however, isn’t just for show, because every part has a purpose and function to help increase your working efficiency. The plate, for example, is perforated to help dissipate heat and reduce its weight. The base can also rotate 360 degrees, so it only takes a swivel to get the laptop into a comfortable position or to share your screen with other people present.
4K High-resolution – The hub supports super-crisp 4K@60Hz resolution and HDCP 2.2 encoding for perfect video streaming.
6 Multi-function Ports – For charging, video and data transmission.
The surprises don’t end there, though. The CASA Hub Stand Pro is also home to a detachable USB-C hub that can extend the selection of ports on your laptop, including 4K 60Hz output to an external monitor and 100W pass-through charging to keep the laptop topped up. The hub perfectly fits the base when you’re at your desk, and when you need to go, you can easily remove it and take it with you so that you can have the same conveniences even when away from the laptop stand.
Your MacBook Pro might not be designed for the ultimate comfort, but that doesn’t mean you need to suffer the pain and injury all through your life. With the CASA Hub Stand Pro, you can raise, tilt, and swivel your MacBook or any laptop at any height and angle, letting your body decide your perfect working conditions. Best of all, with a detachable USB-C hub, you can also extend the power of your computer, whether at home or on the go, leveling up your productivity game in comfort, convenience, and style.
At the highly anticipated Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2023, Apple took the stage to introduce a ground-breaking addition to its product line-up, the all-new MacBook Air! Boasting a large 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display, this remarkable device redefines the idea of a portable laptop.
The MacBook Air’s expansion into the 15-inch territory is accompanied by the expected combination of exceptional performance, a cutting-edge design, and long battery life. Building upon the success of its smaller sibling, the larger MacBook Air offers users an immersive experience on a bigger canvas while retaining its hallmark sleekness and Apple-ness.
Apple claims that the new MacBook Air is the “world’s thinnest 15-inch laptop,” measuring an astonishing 11.5mm in thickness and weighing 3.3 pounds (1.5 grams). Under the sleek hood, the MacBook Air is powered by Apple’s M2 chip, which delivers an unparalleled performance. Apple claims that the M2 chip makes the MacBook Air 12 times faster than its fastest Intel-based laptops.
The M2 chip features an 8-core CPU and has four high-performance cores with four energy-efficient cores. On the new MacBook Air, you get a 10-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine. The display on the other hand is a visual treat, capable of achieving up to 500 nits of brightness and supporting a staggering 1 billion colors. Not only is the 15-inch MacBook Air twice as sharp as the leading Intel Core i7 PC laptops, but it also boasts a 25 percent increase in brightness.
Apple has gone the extra mile in improving the MacBook Air’s audio and video capabilities. The laptop features a fanless design, ensuring silent operation, and houses a high-definition 1080p FaceTime HD camera. Onboard are three-microphone array for clear audio capture and introduces a new six-speaker system comprising two tweeters and four force-canceling woofers.
Apple has taken battery life seriously with the new MacBook Air, which promises up to 18 hours on a single charge, enabling users to stay productive throughout the day without worrying about finding a power outlet. In terms of connectivity, the MacBook Air features MagSafe, includes two Thunderbolt ports, and Apple has retained the 3.5mm headphone jack to ensure it is compatible with a variety of audio devices.
The new 15-inch MacBook Air will come in four colors: Silver, Space Gray, Starlight, and Midnight starting at $1,299. Pre-orders for the super exciting laptop will being next week. Apple is also introducing the MacBook Air for a special price of $1,199 to students.
Asked about a Nothing Laptop during an AMA on Twitter, Carl responded by saying “Considered – yes. We’ve even made some concepts. But as a 2-year-old company, really need to really focus on becoming successful in our current categories.”
The Nothing Book (1) comes from the mind of YouTube channel Concept Central and features a similar transparency-focused design, along with a pleasant surprise in the form of a charging dock for your phone (1) and Ear (1) to the left of the trackpad.
Transparency has always been at the heart of Nothing’s design ethos, and the Nothing Book (1) is no different. It builds on the visual library left behind by the products before it, i.e., the phone (1) and the Ear (1). The Book (1) sports a minimalist design that combines white elements with transparent ones, creating a device that’s all-telling and detailed, yet minimalist and sleek. Just the way the phone (1) looks a lot like an iPhone, the Book (1) pays a hat-tip to the MacBook’s classic design with a similar visual language, barring that transparent panel around the touchpad.
The bug theme also shines through in this concept. The use of the butterfly is a tribute to the laptop’s folding design.
While the phone (1) was purely an Android device running on Nothing’s minimal skin, It seems like this concept is a Windows laptop that possibly comes with a stripped version of Microsoft’s OS, focusing on the essentials (sort of like the Surface Laptop). You’ve got a 15.6″ device that fits an entire keyboard in (sans the numpad of course). The keyboard also comes outfitted with Nothing’s signature dot-matrix font, even including a row of function keys for good measure.
The minimal notebook concept comes with two USB-C ports, a USB-A port, and a headphone jack.
Everything of consequence really lies below the keyboard. The Nothing Book (1) comes with a transparent panel overlaying the lower half of the laptop’s body. This houses the trackpad in the center, and a series of easter eggs around – the most notable one being a wireless charging coil to the left of the trackpad.
The wireless charger to the side of the trackpad provides the perfect place to rest your Ear (1) or phone (1) while working. Place your device in the designated zone and LEDs around the charger light up, like on the Nothing phone (1). The laptop also has another set of lights to the right of the trackpad that light up to indicate things like notifications, battery level, etc.
The Nothing Book (1) is clearly just a fan concept for now… but the main takeaway lies in Pei’s statement which mentions that Nothing has built laptop prototypes already. While our idea of the company’s vision can only base itself on the two (and a half) products it’s launched, I really wonder what’s on the Nothing team’s mind regarding the future of the company… and the potential of a kickass Nothing Book (1).
Still, stuck to the 720p webcam on the MacBook? Well, it’s time you move on whether Apple has an intention to or not. I say this, but in the hindsight, I know, Apple is working on the idea of a Continuity Camera to accompany the macOS Ventura and iOS 16. It is a feature that will actually unify the Apple ecosystem we talk so much about how it effectively allows Apple’s different devices to work together seamlessly. It’s a feature that will let the MacBook connect to an iPhone which can be used as its webcam.
While we are at it, Belkin is working on a new puck that is MagSafe compatible. It attaches to the back of the iPhone and using its support can cling on to the Mac (where the webcam is) to let the iPhone’s rear camera be used as a full-fledged webcam.
Designer: Belkin
Belkin’s Continuity Camera accessory sounds like a fantastic idea, one that Apple enthusiasts in you would be gearing to try! Sadly, the accessory is not yet released. Some YouTubers and bloggers have managed to go hands-on with the prototype, giving us a fair idea of what to expect from the MagSafe-compatible Continuity Camera when it arrives.
From how it appears, the Belkin device – in the making – is an all-white circular peripheral that attaches to the iPhone’s back with MagSafe. I’m not sure of the material it’s made from but presume it will be soft silicone so it leaves no scratches on the back of the Mac when it’s mounted. When attached to the Mac at the ideal spot where the webcam features, the Continuity Camera automatically activates to allow the iPhone to be used as the webcam.
The fun really begins here. The iPhone webcam can then be set to features like the Center Stage or Portrait mode, which means you not only get into zoom calls and FaceTime chats at a better resolution but can also make the call more interesting. Even more compelling is the Desk View that users can activate to let the iPhone webcam use the ultra-wide lens to even accommodate your work desk in the video; highly useful for product reviewers making unboxing videos.
As I said, this is only a prototype that has shown up, so the final accessory could be different from the slightly delicate one we see. But for the fact that it can also prop up as a kickstand for the iPhone, we are expecting a resourceful tool. From how things are panned, the Continuity Camera accessory will be launched in a couple of months alongside the macOS Ventura and iOS 16.
The idea of an all-screen folding MacBook is out there floating in the tech circle courtesy of a reputed Apple analyst. While you may think, the MacBook is already foldable; the idea in discussion is a laptop with a foldable screen spanning down to the keyboard, offering a device with a complete display and no physical keyboard. Apple’s plan to create something like an all-screen folding MacBook is likely to get many creatives thinking of their own interpretations. If you’re game: here is how Antonio De Rosa perceives it.
Apple is already (for a long time) mulling the idea of a foldable iPhone. In reality, a handset of sorts is still in oblivion, while competitors have had about three generations of their foldables already on the market. Apple is known for its watch, wait, perfect and then market to kill strategy; and for me, Apple is perfecting the game before it divulges the irresistible foldable iPhone.
Designer: Antonio De Rosa
In the wake, if Apple is to reveal an all-screen MacBook, it would be an extremely new product category for the Cupertino tech giant. Such a MacBook would be sold alongside the traditional laptops with keyboard but for us, it may be difficult to pin it in a product category for it would hover on that thin line of distinction between the MacBook and the iPad.
For Antonio the notion is simple. It will be a new league in MacBook design, and this is what it could possibly look like. A fantastic all-display foldable MacBook-style laptop featuring a large single screen that folds in the middle. The folding screen will eliminate the physical keyboard and it would be something reliable, since Apple perhaps would have creased out all the hinge and the ultra-thin glass display issues that Samsung and other companies with foldable smartphones on the market generally reel under.
This different species Apple MacBook will, Antonio defines, support TouchID (as a slide button), a trimmed version of FaceID, and a gorgeous AirPen to scribble neatly on the generously big screen. All-display foldable Mac may lack a physical keyboard but the design here makes provision for the choice to pull up a digital keyboard with haptic feedback for the real typing feel. Fanboys may or may not fancy the idea of an all-screen MacBook, but there is little denying the fact that such a device will have dual usage. An iPad role to play when folded and a full-fledged laptop when open.
As expected, Apple announced the new MacBook Air right at the start of its week-long developers’ conference, but, also as expected, it managed to throw in a few new surprises that changed the tone for its hardware reveal. Yes, some of the last-minute rumors were on point, disappointing some who had hoped for a more colorful selection, but MacBook Air 2022 ended up turning heads, even with its more subdued hues, and was generally received well. As they say, the devil is in the details, so here is a quick rundown of what has changed in the MacBook Air’s design, both the good as well as the inevitable bad.
The MacBook Air has always been characterized as Apple’s slimmest and lightest laptop, but that also came with some compromises in terms of power. With the new Apple M2, however, the MacBook Air leads the trail with a newer and more powerful processor, though the bottleneck remains to be its 8GB of memory. The rest of the hardware package, however, is something befitting higher-end laptops, so this year’s MacBook Air definitely levels up its game.
Despite those upgrades and its slightly larger 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, the MacBook Air gets to keep its title as Apple’s slimmest, at only 11.3mm thin and 2.7lbs light. This means that carrying all that computing power won’t be a literal burden, which does give the iPad Pro, which will be more macOS-like in the next upgrade, more competition.
The Notch
Apple may have addressed some of the biggest complaints and criticisms about the MacBook Pro, but it also introduced a new one last year. The notch has found its way to MacBooks, and, unsurprisingly, it’s also here on the new MacBook Air. And as with any new Apple design, it will be around for a few generations before the company ever turns around.
The notch is what allows the MacBook Air 2022 to have a slightly larger screen without downsizing the Face ID camera. In fact, that camera just got upgraded to 1080p, so that may actually be worth the design sacrifice, in this case, especially considering how often laptop users are subjected to video meetings. There are ways around that notch, but it’s not as convenient as what you’d see on Android phones, so it will be one of the biggest things to get used to when switching to the newest MacBook Air.
Starlight, Midnight
While the notch was really expected to be inevitable, there were still some that held out hope that the MacBook Air would follow the path of the colorful new iMacs. Sadly, Apple dashed all hopes and finally put all rumors to rest when it revealed only four colors for the MacBook Air 2022. That’s admittedly one color more than usual, but the selection isn’t exactly that groundbreaking anyway.
Joining the standard Space Grey and Silver are Starlight and Midnight. Starlight is really more like the old Gold, except with a more champagne-like shade, while Midnight is a very dark and deep hue of blue. The latter two could probably be the bestsellers given their novelty, but it won’t be surprising if more expressive owners continue to patronize third-party skins and decals to make their new MacBook Air stand out.
MagSafe Returns, Headphone Jack Remains
The new MacBook Air ushers in a new age for Apple’s lightweight notebook, but it also does so in an almost ironic way. It brings back a few features it shed off in the past, almost like a vindication of the technologies the company shunned for a while.
As with the MacBook Pro, the MagSafe charging connector makes a return to the side of the MacBook Air 2022, delivering stress-free and accident-safe charging back to Apple’s laptop line. It can still charge over USB-C, of course, and the braided MagSafe cable itself uses a USB-C plug on the other end. Still, it might be comforting to long-time MacBook fans to know that an iconic feature has made its way back home.
And for those worrying that Apple will turn the MacBook Air into an iPad Laptop, the presence of the 3.5mm headphone jack proves otherwise. Some might consider it a small matter, but it leaves up USB-C ports for more critical connections and avoids the stress of having to deal with Bluetooth.
Charger: Two isn’t always better than one
In addition to the revival of the MagSafe charging connector, Apple also introduced what is pretty much its first dual-port USB-C charger, both in compact and standard form. This charger comes with a higher-specced MacBook Air 2022, while the base model only gets the standard 30W charger. Things get a bit confusing here, though, because Apple also laid out a few gotchas and options.
For one, despite the two USB-C ports, the 35W dual-port charger won’t be able to support the fastest MacBook Air charging capacity. It also means that already modest power output will be split between two devices if you try charging them simultaneously. If you want to take full advantage of the MacBook Air 2022’s fast-charging capabilities, you’ll have to buy Apple’s 67W charger. Even then, however, you have to make sure to use the MagSafe 3 charging cable to make that happen.
Final Word
Apple definitely outdid itself in meeting expectations and then going beyond them with the new M2 MacBook Air. The lure of power in a slim profile is already enough for some Apple fans, but the addition of MagSafe 3 charging is definitely icing on the cake. Still, there are some places where we wished Apple did more, like in the color selection, while others probably wished the notch was never invented in the first place. Despite and because of all these, the MacBook Air retains its character as Apple’s most talented juggler, balancing the old and the new, the good as well as the bad.
