Earlier this year, Apple introduced its next-generation MacBook Air packing an M2 processor. It also decided to keep the older model around for at least another year. The rare move means two current models for Cyber Monday MacBook Air deals exist.
Your default might be to go with the newer model, but you might not need to.
The MacBook Air (2022) is better than the MacBook Air (2020). This doesn't mean, however, that the (much) more expensive newer model is for everyone. For some, the older model could be more suitable, especially considering that the M1 MacBook Air is getting huge Cyber Monday discounts. Nevertheless, the M1 MacBook Air is still a good buy for most typical users. I'll explain why in detail.
Cyber Monday Apple MacBook Air deals
- MacBook Air M2:
$1199$1049 at Amazon - MacBook Air M1:
$999$799 at Amazon
How to choose between the M1 and M2 MacBook this Cyber Monday
As we noted in our original MacBook Air (2022) vs. MacBook Air (2020) comparison guide, the 2022 MacBook Air is a significant update. Besides offering a more powerful chip, the 2022 model comes in a new design with a bigger and better display. In addition, the MacBook Air (2022) also features the return of the MagSafe charging port and more, like an updated FaceTime camera.
Here are the key differences between the two models:
| Header Cell - Column 0 | MacBook Air 2022 | MacBook Air 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Regular price | From $1,199 | From $999 |
| Colors | Midnight Starlight Space Gray Silver |
Space Gray Silver Gold |
| Display Size | 13.6-inch (diagonal) Liquid Retina display | 13.3-inch Retina display |
| Resolution | 2560 by 1664 pixels | 2560 by 1600 pixels |
| Brightness | 500 nits | 400 nits |
| CPU | 8-core Apple M2 chip | 8-core Apple M1 chip |
| GPU | Up to 10-core | 7-core |
| RAM | 8GB 16GB 24GB |
8GB 16GB |
| Storage | 256GB 512GB 1TB 2TB |
256GB 512GB 1TB 2TB |
| Camera | 1080p FaceTime HD camera | 720p FaceTime HD camera |
| Sound | Four-speaker sound system | Stereo speakers |
| Audio support | Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio |
Dolby Atmos |
| Ports | Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports, headphone jack | Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports, headphone jack |
| Battery Adapters | 30W USB-C Power Adapter (included with M2 with 8-core GPU) 35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power Adapter (included with M2 with 10-core GPU and 512GB storage, configurable with M2 with 8-core GPU) Fast-charge capable with available 67W USB-C Power Adapter |
30W USB-C Power Adapter |
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| MagSafe | Yes | No |
| Dimensions | 0.44 x 11.97 x 8.46 inches | 0.63 x 11.97 x 8.36 inches |
| Weight | 2.7 pounds | 2.8 pounds |
Besides price, deciding between the MacBook Air M2 (2022) and MacBook Air M1 (2020) comes down to three main factors and whether they are essential for your situation: design, chip, and display.
The newer model comes with a more modern hardware design (slightly lighter) that offers a better camera, spatial audio, and an improved sound system. The all-new Apple M2 chip is noticeably more advanced as it includes a 10-core GPU and the option for more memory. In addition, the newer model comes with a brighter 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display vs. the 13.3-inch Retina display found on the older model.
And yet, there are many ways the models are the same. Both, for example, provide the same battery life (18 hours) and storage options (up to 2TB).
The bottom line: Unless you're heavy into video editing and want a slightly larger display, the MacBook Air (2020) remains a terrific choice. If you find one at a steep discount, go for it.
Cyber Monday deals extend beyond the MacBook Air, of course. Be sure to look at other deals we've uncovered on the hottest shopping day of the year, especially our live Cyber Monday Deals page.
You should also check out these amazing MacBook Air cases and USB-C portable power chargers for MacBook and MacBook Pro.
