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Retina MacBook Air Q&A
Update Published April 6, 2020
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What are all the differences between the "Late 2018" and "2019" Retina MacBook Air models? Is a Retina MacBook Air right for me?
Please note that the "Late 2018" and "2019" Retina MacBook Air both have been discontinued. However, this Q&A is up-to-date and can be quite helpful for anyone considering one of these notebooks on the used market.
Both the "2019" Retina MacBook Air -- the MacBook Air "Core i5" 1.6 13" (True Tone, 2019) -- and the "Late 2018" Retina MacBook Air that the later model replaced -- the MacBook Air "Core i5" 1.6 13" (Late 2018) -- originally were sold in two configurations.
The two configurations of both lines differ only by standard storage and price. The two lines also are very similar to one another and even use the same processor and architecture so they are the same speed. However, there are some subtle but important differences between the "Late 2018" and "2019" MacBook Air that are worthwhile to understand to determine whether either is the best Mac notebook for you.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Retina MacBook Air 2018/2019)
External Differences
The "Late 2018" and "2019" Retina MacBook Air models both use the same razor thin case design that tapers from 0.16 of an inch to 0.61 of an inch (0.35 cm to 1.6 cm) and weigh 2.75 lbs (1.25 kg). Both configurations are available in the "traditional" silver color, a darker "Space Gray" color, and a warm-toned gold color (above).
As its "Retina" designation implies, both the "Late 2018" and "2019" MacBook Air models have a beautiful 13.3" color widescreen LED-backlit "Retina" display (2560x1600 native resolution at 227 ppi, which displays as a scaled resolution of 1440x900 by default). However, the "2019" Retina MacBook Air adds "True Tone" technology that automatically "adjusts the color temperature of the display for a more comfortable viewing experience."
Both lines also are equipped with an integrated 720p FaceTime HD webcam, a backlit "third generation" butterfly mechanism keyboard, a large "Force Touch" trackpad, and Touch ID authentication. However, the "2019" Retina MacBook Air has a "revised" butterfly keyboard -- still considered to be "third generation" -- that endeavors to improve reliability.
Both lines also include the same connectivity -- two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C connector) ports, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.2.
Identification Differences
As diligently hand documented by EveryMac.com, the "Late 2018" and "2019" Retina MacBook Air models share the A1932 Model Number and even the 3184 EMC Number.
However, the "Late 2018" Retina MacBook Air is assigned the MacBookAir8,1 Model Identifier in software, whereas the "2019" Retina MacBook Air is assigned MacBookAir8,2. Accordingly, Model Identifier is a convenient way to differentiate between these two notebook lines.
Additionally, EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature also can uniquely identify all Retina MacBook Air models by their serial numbers.
More information about specific identifiers is provided in EveryMac.com's extensive Mac Identification section.
Internal Differences
Both the "Late 2018" and "2019" Retina MacBook Air are similar internally, but use some different parts.
Both have an Intel 1.6 GHz "Core i5" processor (Amber Lake Y, 8210Y) and Intel UHD Graphics 617 graphics processor as well as a default 8 GB of 2133 MHz "Low Power" LPDDR3 SDRAM onboard and 128 GB or 256 GB onboard PCIe-based SSD standard.
The processor and graphics processor cannot be upgraded at the time of purchase or later, but the SDRAM can, or could, be upgraded to 16 GB at the time of initial system purchase. The SSD can be upgraded at the time of system purchase, as well. The "Late 2018" Retina MacBook Air could be upgraded with a 512 GB or 1.5 TB SSD whereas the current "2019" Retina MacBook Air can be upgraded with a 512 GB or 1 TB SSD, again, at the time of initial system purchase.
It is possible to replace the lithium polymer battery in both lines, and Apple estimates battery life at an impressive 12-13 hours for both, but the battery itself is different. Specifically, the "Late 2018" Retina MacBook Air has a 50.3 watt-hour battery whereas the newer "2019" model has a smaller 49.9 watt-hour battery.
Comparison Chart
The above differences between the "Late 2018" and "2019" Retina MacBook Air -- display, keyboard, battery, identifiers, and configuration options -- as well as original price are summarized below:
| Retina MacBook Air | Late 2018 | 2019 |
| TrueTone Display: | No | Yes |
| Butterfly KB: | 3rd Gen | 3rd Gen (Revision) |
| Custom SSDs: | 512 GB, 1.5 TB | 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Battery: | 50.3 Watt Hour | 49.9 Watt Hour |
| Model ID: | MacBookAir8,1 | MacBookAir8,2 |
| Orig. Price (US): | US$1199, US$1399 | US$1099, US$1299 |
| Orig. Price (CA): | C$1499, C$1749 | C$1449, C$1699 |
| Orig. Price (UK): | £1199, £1399 | £1099, £1299 |
| Orig. Price (AU): | A$1849, A$2149 | A$1699, A$1999 |
So, is a Retina MacBook Air right for me?
The shortest answer to this question is yes. The Retina MacBook Air is the best choice for the majority of users who want a Mac notebook. It is thin, lightweight, fast enough for most, and has a beautiful display and great battery life.
Just between the "Late 2018" and "2019" Retina MacBook Air models -- and ignoring subsequent models -- the higher quality display and perhaps more reliable keyboard on the later series make it the better notebook.
For those on a tighter budget, an older pre-Retina MacBook Air model also can be a solid choice, too.
In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new Retina MacBook Air models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb MacBook Air models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. On the other hand, if you need to sell a MacBook Air, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older notebook with an instant quote and prompt payment.
In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs sells used MacBook Air models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.
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