Introducing Apple’s new M2-toting MacBooks

Apple is breaking tradition slightly at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference. Usually reserved for OS updates and features only devs care about, this year Apple unveiled its new M2 chip and the first two MacBook models that feature the new chip. Meet the new M2 MacBook Air and 13in M2 MacBook Pro.

Expect to wait a while for these

Starting with the new MacBook Air, which looks a lot like the 14in MacBook Pro, Apple has done away with the wedge design and included a larger screen. This one will feature a 13.6in display which Apple says will manage 500nits of brightness. You also get two Thunderbolt ports and a dedicated headphone jack.

On the inside, you’ll get the new M2 chip (of course) which will, according to Apple, offer 40% better performance over the M1 MacBook Air. Making use of better video processing, the new MacBook will also feature an improved 1080p webcam. Oh, yes, and it comes in a bunch of new colours, just so you don’t feel like the features are a little thin.

Apple is furthering itself in the laptop audio space by adding Dolby Atmos-capable onboard speakers. The new Air will also feature support for fast charging. The new 67W charger will get the Air up to 80% in 20 minutes. You’ll have to cough up another $60 (R910) for that though. That’s over and above the $1,200 starting price.

For when you need to get professional

Apple didn’t stop there, however. The 13in MacBook Pro also received the M2 upgrade treatment. The new MacBook Pro retains the touch bar from the 2020 model – for some reason – and features Thunderbolt ports and will be notchless.

Almost everything else about the 13in Pro is the same as the previous model. The same 13in 500nit display, the same design, and the same active cooling system. But you can expect a different price. This one will start at $1,300 in the US. As usual, we’ll need to wait a bit for local pricing and availability to trickle down to us in South Africa. When we get word on that, we’ll let you know.