Apple MacBook Air "Core i5" 1.1 13" (Scissor, 2020) Specs
Identifiers: 2020** - MVH22LL/A* - MacBookAir9,1 - A2179 - 3302
All MacBook Air Models | All 2020 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others
The Apple MacBook Air "Core i5" 1.1 13-Inch (Retina, Scissor Keyboard, 2020) model features a 10-nm 10th Generation "Ice Lake" 1.1 GHz Intel "Core i5" processor (1030NG7) with four independent processor "cores" on a single chip, a 6 MB shared level 3 cache, 8 GB of onboard 3733 MHz LPDDR4X SDRAM, 512 GB of onboard PCIe-based flash storage, and an "integrated" Intel Iris Plus graphics processor that shares system memory. Both the RAM and the SSD could be upgraded at the time of initial system purchase, but not subsequently.
This all is tucked in a thin wedge-shaped aluminum case with an integrated 720p "FaceTime HD" webcam, Touch ID, a new backlit "Magic Keyboard" with a "redesigned scissor mechanism", a large "Force Touch" trackpad, and a high-resolution 13.3" LED-backlit 2560x1600 (227 ppi) "Retina" display with True Tone technology.
The aluminum case was available in three color options -- gold (pictured, left), silver, and a darker "Space Gray" (but not other colors) and weighs 2.8 pounds (1.29 kg). Apple estimates battery life at 11-12 hours depending on the task performed.
Connectivity includes 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5, two Thunderbolt 3 ports (USB-C connector), and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
Compared to its predecessor, the "2020" MacBook Air lineup looks practically the same and has the same "True Tone" display, but has a newer, significantly faster processor and architecture, more capable graphics, a new -- more reliable -- "Scissor Switch" keyboard, more default storage, and a lower starting price tag.
Also see:
- What are all the differences between the "2019" and "2020" Retina MacBook Air models? Which is best? (In-Depth)
- What are all the differences between the Retina MacBook Air and 13-Inch MacBook Pro models? (In-Depth)
- What are the "pros and cons" of the Retina MacBook Air? Is it for me? (Quick Read)
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- Tech Specs
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Click on a category for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. Asterisks (*) reference data in details fields.
| Introduction Date: |
March 18, 2020 |
Discontinued Date: |
November 10, 2020 |
| Details: |
The "Introduction Date" refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The "Discontinued Date" refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended.
Also see: All Macs introduced in 2020. |
| Processors: |
1 (4 Cores) |
Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| Geekbench 2 (32): |
N/A |
Geekbench 2 (64): |
N/A |
| Details: |
Geekbench 2 benchmarks are in 32-bit and 64-bit modes, respectively. These numbers reflect an average of user provided 32-bit and 64-bit results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit and 64-bit Geekbench 2 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookAir9,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 2 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 3 (32): |
N/A |
Geekbench 3 (32): |
N/A |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 32-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookAir9,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare 32-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 3 (64): |
N/A |
Geekbench 3 (64): |
N/A |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 64-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 64-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookAir9,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare 64-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 4 (SC): |
5168 |
Geekbench 4 (MC): |
14450 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 4 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 4 benchmarks are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 4 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookAir9,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 4 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 5 (SC): |
1065 |
Geekbench 5 (MC): |
2725 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 5 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 5 benchmarks for the Mac are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 5 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookAir9,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 5 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Processor Speed: |
1.1 GHz |
Processor Type: |
Core i5 (I5-1030NG7) |
| Details: |
This model is powered by a 10 nm, 64-bit "10th Generation" Intel Mobile Core i5 "Ice Lake" (I5-1030NG7) processor which includes four independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip. Each core has a dedicated 512k level 2 cache, shares 6 MB of level 3 cache, and has an integrated memory controller (dual channel).
This system also supports "Turbo Boost 2.0" -- which "automatically increases the speed of the active cores" to improve performance when needed (up to 3.5 GHz for this model) -- and "Hyper Threading" -- which allows the system to recognize eight total "cores" or "threads" (four real and four virtual).
Also see: How fast is the "2020" MacBook Air compared to earlier MacBook Air models? How fast is it compared to recent MacBook Pro models? |
| Turbo Boost: |
3.5 GHz |
Custom Speeds: |
N/A |
| Details: |
A 1.2 GHz Quad Core Core i7 (I7-1060NG7) processor was available via custom order for an extra US$150.
EveryMac.com also has documented this custom configuration as its own model. |
| Processor Upgrade: |
Soldered |
FPU: |
Integrated |
| System Bus Speed: |
OPI* |
Cache Bus Speed: |
1.1 GHz (Built-in) |
| Details: |
*This system does not have a traditional system bus or a "Direct Media Interface" (DMI) to connect between the processor and chipset. Instead, it uses a directly attached 4 GT/s "On Package Interface" (OPI). |
| ROM/Firmware Type: |
EFI |
EFI Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| L1 Cache: |
32k/48k x4 |
L2/L3 Cache: |
512k x4, 6 MB (on chip) |
| Details: |
Each core has its own dedicated 512k level 2 cache and the system has 6 MB of shared level 3 cache. |
| RAM Type: |
LPDDR4X SDRAM* |
Min. RAM Speed: |
3733 MHz |
| Details: |
*Shipped standard with 8 GB of 3733 MHz LPDDR4X SDRAM onboard. |
| Standard RAM: |
8 GB* |
Maximum RAM: |
16 GB* |
| Details: |
*8 GB of RAM is onboard by default. At the time of system purchase, it could be upgraded to 16 GB of RAM for an additional US$200. The RAM cannot be upgraded later.
Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs. |
| Motherboard RAM: |
8 GB* |
RAM Slots: |
None |
| Details: |
*There are no RAM slots. 8 GB of RAM is onboard by default. At the time of system purchase, it could be configured with 16 GB of RAM for an additional US$200, but it cannot be upgraded subsequently. |
| Video Card: |
Iris Plus |
VRAM Type: |
Integrated |
| Details: |
This model has an Intel Iris Plus graphics processor that shares memory with the system. |
| Standard VRAM: |
1.5 GB |
Maximum VRAM: |
1.5 GB |
| Details: |
The Intel Iris Plus graphics processor reserves up to 1.5 GB of system memory for video function. It does not have dedicated VRAM. |
| Built-in Display: |
13.3" 16:10 |
Native Resolution: |
2560x1600 |
| Details: |
13.3" color widescreen LED-backlit "Retina" display with IPS and True Tone technology. It has a 2560 by 1600 native resolution at 227 ppi and support for millions of colors. It also supports scaled resolutions of 1680 by 1050, 1440 by 900, and 1024 by 640. It has a 16:10 aspect ratio.
In the US, site sponsor AppleParts.io offers mail-in repair services, as well as parts for do-it-yourself repair for this this MacBook Air.
In the UK, site sponsor ALB Repair offers component-level logic board repair, display repair, and other repair services for this MacBook Air. No fix, no fee!
In Spain, site sponsor iRepairs provides affordable repair and data recovery services. In-person and by mail repair services include the display, battery, keyboard, motherboard, and more for this MacBook Air.
In Hong Kong, site sponsor iCertified provides well-reviewed repair services for the display, logic board, battery, water damage, and more, all with a 180-day warranty; free diagnostics and estimates; and optional pickup and delivery for this MacBook Air. |
| 2nd Display Support: |
Dual/Mirroring* |
2nd Max. Resolution: |
6016x3384 (6K)* |
| Details: |
*This model supports full native resolution on the interior display in addition to a single 6016x3384 (6K) display up to 60 Hz, a single 5120x2880 (5K) display up to 60 Hz, or as many as two external displays up to 4096x2304 (4K) up to 60 Hz. |
| Standard Storage: |
512 GB SSD |
Std. Storage Speed: |
Onboard |
| Details: |
This MacBook Air was offered by default with 512 GB of onboard SSD storage, but it also could be configured with a 1 TB or 2 TB SSD for an additional US$200 and US$600, respectively.
The storage is built-in to the computer and cannot be upgraded after system purchase.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells external storage upgrades for this MacBook Air.
In the UK, site sponsor Flexx sells external storage upgrades for this MacBook Air.
Also see: How do you connect external storage to the Retina MacBook Air? Which is the best option?
Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs. |
| Storage Dimensions: |
Soldered |
Storage Interface: |
Onboard* (PCIe*) |
| Details: |
*The "PCIe-based" SSD in this model is onboard. It cannot be upgraded after purchase. |
| Standard Optical: |
None* |
Standard Disk: |
None |
| Details: |
*MacBook Air models do not have an internal optical drive. This model would require an adapter to use the increasingly vintage MacBook Air external SuperDrive, as well. |
| Standard Modem: |
None |
Standard Ethernet: |
None* |
| Details: |
*No MacBook Air models have an internal Ethernet port.
Also see: How do you connect the Retina MacBook Air to a wired Ethernet network? Is it even possible? |
| Standard AirPort: |
802.11ac* |
Standard Bluetooth: |
5 |
| Details: |
802.11ac Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n compatible) and Bluetooth 5 standard.
Also see: What is 802.11ac? How is it different from 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n? |
| USB Ports: |
2* (3.1) |
Firewire Ports: |
None |
| Details: |
*This model has two Thunderbolt 3 ports (USB-C connector) that also support the USB 3.1 Gen 2 standard (up to 10 Gbps). |
| Expansion Slots: |
None |
Expansion Bays: |
None |
| Details: |
No expansion slots or bays provided.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells a wide variety of external accessories, including docks, adapters, input devices, cases, and more for this MacBook Air. |
| Incl. Keyboard: |
Full-size (Magic Keyboard) |
Incl. Input: |
Trackpad (Force Touch) |
| Details: |
Apple reports that the keyboard in this model is "a new Magic Keyboard" with a "redesigned scissor mechanism and 1mm travel." It has 78 (US) or 79 (ISO) keys, "including 12 function keys and 4 arrow keys in an inverted-T arrangement" and a "Touch ID" sensor. It has an ambient light sensor, too.
The "Force Touch" trackpad offers "precise cursor control and pressure-sensing capabilities; enables Force clicks, accelerators, pressure-sensitive drawing, and Multi-Touch gestures." |
| Case Type: |
Notebook |
Form Factor: |
MacBook Air 2020 |
| Details: |
This MacBook Air uses a wedge shaped aluminum case design with a "catchless" magnetic latch. It was sold in three color options -- gold, silver, and a darker "Space Gray." |
| Apple Order No: |
MVH22LL/A* |
Apple Subfamily: |
2020** |
| Details: |
*MVH22LL/A refers to this MacBook Air model in a dark "Space Gray" color. In a "traditional" silver color, the order number is MVH42LL/A. In gold color, the order number is MVH52LL/A.
**Formally, Apple refers to this notebook as the "Retina, 13-Inch, 2020" in some locations. |
| Apple Model No: |
A2179 (EMC 3302) |
Model ID: |
MacBookAir9,1 |
| Details: |
Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.
Also see: All Macs with the A2179 Model Number, the 3302 EMC Number, and the MacBookAir9,1 Model Identifier.
For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on each Mac, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section. |
| Battery Type: |
49.9 W h Li-Poly |
Battery Life: |
11-12 Hours |
| Details: |
Apple reports that this model can provide up to 11 hours of "wireless web" and up to 12 hours of "Apple TV app movie playback." Apple additionally reports that it provides "up to" 30 days of standby time. The system is bundled with a 30W USB-C Power Adapter.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells quality batteries for this MacBook Air.
In the UK and Ireland, site sponsor Flexx sells quality batteries for this MacBook Air. |
| Pre-Installed MacOS: |
X 10.15.3 (19D2064) |
Maximum MacOS: |
Current* |
| Details: |
This model is fully compatible with the final version of macOS Catalina (10.15) and macOS Big Sur (macOS 11). It additionally supports the final version of macOS Monterey (macOS 12), but it does not support Low Power Mode in addition to the more minor Spatial Audio, Portrait Mode, 3D Landmarks, and Interactive Globe features.
This model also is fully compatible with macOS Ventura (macOS 13) with the exception of the minor Live Captions in FaceTime, Emoji Dictation, and Reference Mode with Sidecar features.
Likewise, this model is fully compatible with macOS Sonoma (macOS 14) with the exception of the minor Presenter Overlay, React with your Hands using the built-in camera, Game Mode, high-performance mode in the Screen Sharing app, and quicker Siri launch capability.
Finally, this model is compatible with the current version of the macOS -- macOS Sequoia (macOS 15) -- with the exception of the Apple Intelligence (AI) and Live audio transcription features.
Also see: Which Macs are compatible with macOS Sequoia (macOS 15)? What are the system requirements? What are the major new features? Do all features work with all supported Macs? |
| Minimum Windows: |
10 (64-Bit)* |
Maximum Windows: |
10 (64-Bit)* |
| Details: |
*The pre-installed version of Apple's Boot Camp supports the 64-bit version of Windows 10 Home or Pro. Earlier versions of Windows are not formally supported, but may work. |
| MacOS 9 Support: |
None |
Windows Support: |
Boot/Virtualization |
| Details: |
Also see: Are there any third-party programs to run Mac OS 9/Classic applications on Intel Macs?
For more on running Windows on Intel Macs, please refer to the exhaustive Windows on Mac Q&A. |
| Dimensions: |
.16-.63 x 11.97 x 8.36 |
Avg. Weight: |
2.8 lbs (1.29 kg) |
| Details: |
In inches while closed - minimum height to maximum height by width by depth, (0.41 cm-1.61 cm, 30.41 cm, 21.24 cm). |
| Original Price (US): |
US$1299 |
Est. Current Retail: |
US$550-US$650 |
| Details: |
This MacBook Air was sold with 8 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage for US$1299. Educational discounts also were available. All color options were the same price.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.
|
Global original prices for the MacBook Air "Core i5" 1.1 13" (Scissor, 2020) in 34 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region.
For global original prices for Intel Macs in one particular country on a single page, please refer to EveryMac.com's Global Original Prices section.
Original Prices - North & South America
| Canada: |
C$1699 |
Brazil: |
R$13.299 |
| Mexico: |
MXN $32,999 |
United States: |
US$1299 |
Original Prices - Europe
| Austria: |
€1499 |
Belgium: |
€1499 |
| Denmark: |
DKK 11,699 |
Finland: |
€1529 |
| France: |
€1499 |
Germany: |
€1499 |
| Ireland: |
€1529 |
Italy: |
€1529 |
| Luxembourg: |
€1449,44 |
Netherlands: |
€1499 |
| Norway: |
NOK 16.790 |
Portugal: |
€1529 |
| Spain: |
€1499 |
Sweden: |
SEK 16.995 |
| Switzerland: |
CHF 1'449 |
United Kingdom: |
£1299 |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: |
RMB 9,999 |
Hong Kong: |
HK$9,999 |
| India: |
Rs 1,22,990 |
Indonesia: |
Rp 21,499,000 |
| Japan: |
¥134,800 |
Korea: |
KRW 1,720,000 |
| Malaysia: |
RM 5,599 |
The Philippines: |
PHP 74,990 |
| Singapore: |
S$1,899 |
Taiwan: |
NT$41,900 |
| Thailand: |
THB 42,900 |
Vietnam: |
VND 36,990,000 |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
| Australia: |
A$1999 |
New Zealand: |
NZ$2349 |
If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.
Ten of the most popular Q&As about the MacBook Air models follow.
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2 (Thunderbolt 3/USB-C) 
None 
None 
None 
None
None
2* (3.1)
None
None
None
None
3 (Internal)
None
None*
1*
None
None
N/A
1