Apple announces redesigned MacBook Air and updated MacBook Pro

Apple has announced a range of new software services – and two new laptops as part of its 2022 global developer conference.

The week-long event kicked off yesterday with a virtual keynote hosted by Apple executives showcasing the latest versions of iOS, macOS and iPadOS.

There was also the announcement of a redesigned MacBook Air – Apple’s most popular laptop – and a refreshed MacBook Pro.

The 13.6-inch Air has received a brand new processor, the Apple-developed M2 chip, which Apple says is 1.4 times better than the M1. The chip has an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, and during the keynote Apple stated that it offers 38 percent faster “video processing performance” and 20 percent faster “image filters and effects performance.”

For the first time since Steve Jobs slid the first MacBook Air out of a Manilla envelope, the company has abandoned the famous wedge shape. But the Air is still a petite machine, measuring just 11mm thick and weighing a mere 1.3kg.

Apple states that the battery life is 20 hours and the laptop can be charged by returning Apple’s MagSafe connector.

MacBook Air is available in four finishes: Silver, Space Gray, Midnight, and Starlight.

Apple says the Air will arrive “next month” with a starting price of £1,249.

Meanwhile, the 13-inch MacBook Pro, which Apple notes is the “second best-selling laptop in the world” after the Air, also got the M2 chip.

The rest stays the same and Apple says pricing for the new Pro starts at £1,349.

“We’re very excited to bring our new M2 chip to the two most popular laptops in the world — the MacBook Air and the 13-inch MacBook Pro,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing.

“Fully redesigned around M2, MacBook Air is thinner, lighter and faster with a larger display, better camera and all-day battery life in four beautiful configurations.

“Only with Apple silicon can you build a notebook this thin and light with a fanless design and this combination of performance and capabilities. Also available for the 13″ MacBook Pro, M2 offers incredible performance, ProRes acceleration, up to 24GB of storage and up to 20 hours of battery life—making our most portable professional notebook even better.”

MORE : What to expect at WWDC as Apple’s annual event kicks off today

MORE: iPod inventor Tony Fadell talks Apple, advice and holes in debut book