Apple MacBook Air 2019 and MacBook Air M2 2022, though similar in size and spirit, represent two very different generations of ultralight laptops. The 2019 model, launched with Intel's aging architecture, was tailored for basic productivity and portability. In contrast, the 2022 M2 variant showcases Apple’s custom silicon leap with better efficiency, performance, and a refreshed design aimed at modern users needing more power and battery endurance.
When it comes to the display, both models offer sharp Retina visuals, but the M2’s 13.6-inch panel is slightly larger, brighter at 500 nits (vs. 400 nits), and supports a broader color gamut with nearly 99.9% sRGB and 98.4% DCI-P3 coverage. If you're editing photos or just enjoy vivid streaming, the M2 pulls ahead clearly.
Performance sees a dramatic upgrade: while the 2019 model runs on a dual-core Intel Core i5 (with ~0.4 TFLOPS GPU), the M2 boasts an 8-core Apple chip with integrated graphics delivering 3 TFLOPS. Real-world difference? The 2022 model breezes through multitasking, light video editing, and even casual gaming, whereas the 2019 edition is best left to emails and docs.
RAM is fixed on both, but the M2 offers up to 24GB LPDDR5 vs. the older LPDDR3 topping out at 16GB. SSD options are also faster and larger in the M2. Battery life improves slightly thanks to the M2’s efficiency and larger capacity (52.6 Wh vs. 50 Wh), though both models support fast charging. The fanless design of the M2 also means absolute silence during typical use.
Design-wise, both are sleek and lightweight (~1.25 kg), but the 2022 model is thinner and quieter due to its passive cooling. Port selection remains similar, yet the M2 upgrades to USB 4.0 and Thunderbolt 4, providing better expandability. The upgraded 1080p webcam and louder speakers are welcome bonuses too.
Who is it for?
The MacBook Air M2 2022 is perfect for students, creatives, and professionals needing reliable power in a stylish, silent machine. It’s especially appealing for users working with visuals or multitasking regularly.
Who is it not for?
If you're only browsing the web or checking emails, the 2019 model still gets the job done—just don't expect it to handle heavier tasks. And for gamers or software developers, neither is ideal—look toward the Pro lineup instead.
Click for Available Configurations of the Laptops
MacBook Air M2 2022 and MacBook Air 2019 are members of Apple's MacBook Air series of laptops. Below you can find the latest models from this series.
Apple MacBook Air Series History
Here is a brief look at the main features of Apple MacBook Air M2 2022 and Apple MacBook Air 2019 before getting into our more detailed comparison.
Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how MacBook Air M2 2022 and MacBook Air 2019 compares and decide which one is better for you.
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