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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 models? Which is best?
There are two "2020 M1" 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. This "Walmart model" is the same as the original configuration and even uses the same identifiers.
Of course, the higher-end option remains available on the used market, as well.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Apple Silicon MacBook Air 2020 M1)
These two "2020 M1" Apple Silicon MacBook Air models are practically identical, differing only by graphics processor, storage, and original price. That is the shortest answer to the differences. However, determining which is "best" is more nuanced and merits more detailed evaluation. It is worthwhile to know what these models have in common, too.
External Similarities
The "2020 M1" Apple Silicon MacBook Air models are offered in the same three colors -- silver, a darker "Space Gray", and a warm-toned gold color. Both models share the same 13.3" color widescreen LED-backlit display (2560x1600 native resolution at 227 ppi, which displays as a scaled resolution of 1440x900 by default) with 400 nits of brightness and "True Tone" technology that automatically adjusts the color temperature of the display.
Both "2020 M1" Apple Silicon MacBook Air models have the same integrated 720p FaceTime HD webcam, "Scissor Switch" keyboard, large "Force Touch" trackpad, Touch ID authentication, two Thunderbolt / USB 4 (USB-C connector) ports, 3.5 mm headphone jack, and 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) and Bluetooth 5.0.
Identification Similarities
As diligently hand documented by EveryMac.com from inspecting the hardware itself, the "2020 M1" Apple Silicon MacBook Air models share the same the A2337 Model Number and 3598 EMC Number. These identifiers may be useful to collectively differentiate these models from other ones.
In this case, this Model Number and EMC Number are unique, they are sufficient, but the MacBookAir10,1 Model Identifier in software also is an excellent way to differentiate between notebook lines.
Additionally, EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature also can uniquely identify all Apple Silicon MacBook Air models by their serial numbers.
More information about specific identifiers is provided in EveryMac.com's extensive Mac Identification section.
Internal Differences
The "2020 M1" Apple Silicon MacBook Air models share the same general internal design. Both cannot have the processor upgraded at all and cannot have the RAM or storage upgraded after purchase. Both use the same 49.9 watt-hour replaceable lithium polymer battery that pops out a truly impressive estimated 15-18 hours of runtime, as well.
However, the entry-level MacBook Air "M1" 8-Core 3.2/7-Core GPU 13" has 256 GB of onboard storage and a 7-core GPU whereas the higher-end MacBook Air "M1" 8-Core 3.2/8-Core GPU 13" has 512 GB of onboard storage and an 8-core GPU.
At the time of purchase, either model could be upgraded to 16 GB of RAM for an extra US$200 and up to 2 TB of onboard storage at additional cost.
Comparison Chart
The above differences between the "2020 M1" Apple Silicon MacBook Air -- graphics and storage -- as well as basic technical details and starting prices -- are summarized below:
| "2020 M1" MacBook Air | 7-Core GPU | 8-Core GPU |
| Processor: | 3.2 GHz M1 | 3.2 GHz M1 |
| Processor Cores: | 8 | 8 |
| Graphics Cores: | 7-Core | 8-Core |
| Standard RAM: | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Standard Storage: | 256 GB | 512 GB |
| Intro. Price (US): | US$999 | US$1249 |
| Intro. Price (CA): | C$1299 | C$1649 |
| Intro. Price (UK): | £999 | £1249 |
| Intro. Price (AU): | A$1599 | A$1949 |
| Intro. Price (SG): | S$1449 | S$1799 |
So, which "2020 M1" Apple Silicon MacBook Air is best?
Which "2020 M1" Apple Silicon MacBook Air is "best" depends on your needs and budget, but overall performance is essentially the same. The graphics performance of the higher-end "2020 M1" Apple Silicon MacBook Air with an 8-core GPU is around 6%-13% faster, though.
Although the value proposition may have changed somewhat on the used market, originally, you could upgrade the storage of the entry-level model to 512 GB for an extra US$200, so the boost in graphics performance really only cost US$50. US$50 represented a 4% increase in price, so 6%-13% more graphics performance for a 4% increase in price was a solid value provided that you can put the graphics performance to good use.
If you use graphics applications -- particularly 3D graphics applications or games -- the 8-core GPU was well worth US$50. If you do not use your MacBook Air for graphics or games, the entry-level model should be sufficient.
If your budget allowed it, EveryMac.com also originally suggested upgrading the RAM from 8 GB to 16 GB for US$200 at the time of purchase because this would prolong the useful life of the computer. Unfortunately, the RAM cannot be upgraded later, so the lingering entry-level models, whether purchased new or used, will have a shorter lifespan.
In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new 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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