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Apple Silicon MacBook Air Q&A
Update Published March 15, 2024
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What are all the differences between the "2020 M1" Apple Silicon MacBook Air and the also "2020" MacBook Air it replaced?
There are two standard "2020" Retina MacBook Air models -- the MacBook Air "Core i3" 1.1 13" (2020) and "Core i5" 1.1 13" (2020) -- which were replaced by the Apple Silicon MacBook Air models -- the MacBook Air "M1" 8-Core 3.2/7-Core GPU 13" and MacBook Air "M1" 8-Core 3.2/8-Core GPU 13".
On June 6, 2022, Apple discontinued the higher-end MacBook Air "M1" model, but continued to sell the entry-level option directly until March 4, 2024.
Unusually, on March 15, 2024 in the United States, Walmart started selling the entry-level MacBook Air "M1" model again -- new -- "the first time customers can purchase a Mac directly from Walmart" for US$699. It appears that Apple resumed production of new inventory of the MacBook Air "M1" 8-Core 3.2/7-Core GPU 13" model for Walmart at this time. There is no difference between this "Walmart model" and its original configuration.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (MacBook Air 2020 M1)
There are many similarities between the "2020" and "2020 M1" MacBook Air; they are difficult to even tell apart externally. However, the later model uses a vastly different internal architecture.
External Differences
The "2020" and "2020 M1" MacBook Air models essentially look identical. Both lines are the same size and weight and are offered in the same three colors -- silver, a darker "Space Gray", and a warm-toned gold color.
Each line has the same attractive 13.3" color widescreen LED-backlit display (2560x1600 native resolution at 227 ppi, which displays as a scaled resolution of 1440x900 by default) with "True Tone" technology that automatically adjusts the color temperature of the display.
Both the "2020" and "2020 M1" MacBook Air have the same integrated 720p FaceTime HD webcam, "Scissor Switch" keyboard, large "Force Touch" trackpad, Touch ID authentication, two Thunderbolt 3-capable ports (USB-C connector) ports and 3.5 mm headphone jack. Both lines have Bluetooth 5.0, as well, but the "2020 M1" MacBook Air has faster 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) compared to 802.11ac for its predecessor.
Identification Differences
As diligently hand documented from the hardware itself by EveryMac.com, the "2020" and "2020 M1" MacBook Air models have different Model Numbers and EMC Numbers.
Although these identifiers are unique to the "2020" MacBook Air and "2020 M1" MacBook Air alike, the Model Identifier in software also is an excellent way to differentiate between these notebook lines:
| MacBook Air | Model No. | EMC No. | Model ID |
| 2020 | A2179 | 3302 | MacBookAir9,1 |
| 2020 M1 | A2337 | 3598 | MacBookAir10,1 |
Additionally, EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature also can uniquely identify all of these MacBook Air models by their serial numbers.
More information about specific identifiers is provided in EveryMac.com's extensive Mac Identification section.
Internal Differences
There are some internal similarities between the "2020" and "2020 M1" MacBook Air -- a teardown confirms that they share some parts, for example -- and both have processors, RAM, and storage that cannot be upgraded after purchase (and relatively easy to replace lithium polymer batteries), but the "2020" MacBook Air models use an Intel architecture whereas the "2020 M1" MacBook Air models use an Apple-designed "M1" architecture that is vastly faster and has much longer battery life, as well.
Comparison Chart
The above differences between the "2020" and "2020 M1" MacBook Air -- processor, architecture, graphics, cooling, RAM, storage, connectivity, battery life, identifiers, and starting prices -- are summarized below:
| MacBook Air | 2020 | 2020 M1 |
| Architecture: | Intel Ice Lake | Apple M1 |
| Neural Engine: | No | 16-Core |
| Graphics: | Iris Plus | Apple GPU |
| Cooling: | Fan | Passive |
| Max. Ext. Display: | 6016x3384 (6K) | 6016x3384 (6K) |
| RAM Type: | 3733 MHz LPDDR4X | Unified Onboard |
| Standard Storage: | 256, 512 GB | 256, 512 GB |
| Wi-Fi: | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) |
| Wireless Web: | 11 Hours | 15 Hours |
| Model ID: | MacBookAir9,1 | MacBookAir10,1 |
| Orig. Price (US): | US$999, US$1299 | US$999, US$1249 |
| Orig. Price (CA): | C$1299, C$1699 | C$1299, C$1649 |
| Orig. Price (UK): | £999, £1299 | £999, £1249 |
| Orig. Price (AU): | A$1599, A$1999 | A$1599, A$1949 |
| Orig. Price (SG): | S$1449, S$1899 | S$1449, S$1799 |
Comparison Summary
With a massive performance boost of as much as 257% and four hours of extra battery life compared to their predecessors, it is hard to not be impressed by the "2020 M1" MacBook Air.
At the time the "2020 M1" MacBook Air was introduced, EveryMac.com originally cautioned:
In general, because the "2020 M1" MacBook Air represents an all new architecture, it was prudent to wait for a second revision to see if there are any bugs or issues that arise during its lifespan (its lack of an internal fan could prove to be a problem, for example). However, with such an increase in performance and battery life, it certainly is tempting to throw caution to the wind and make the jump to the M1.
Now that years of production have gone by with little trouble demonstrated in the marketplace, the "2020 M1" MacBook Air has proven itself. Although it is getting older, and macOS support will wane in time, it remains a solid notebook choice especially given its now much lower price tag.
The "2020" MacBook Air likewise is a well-tested design and also can boot Windows. Particularly given even lower discount prices on the used market, it remains well worth consideration, too. It certainly remains fast enough for general use and likely can provide years of faithful service after its discontinuation date, as well.
In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new MacBook Air models with free shipping. Other World Computing and JemJem sell 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.
In Australia, site sponsor Mac City likewise has a variety of used MacBook Air models sold at low prices and available with a free warranty and fast shipping across Australia.
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