Apple quietly updates MacBook Air with new Haswell CPUs, lower price
Apple has updated its ultra-portable MacBook Air laptops with faster Intel Haswell processors and a reduced price, but isn't making a song and dance about it
Apple has updated its MacBook Air range of ultra-portable laptops with new processors and a lower price, in a stealthy move that saw little fanfare from the company, which typically likes to make a lot of noise about any new products.
Both the 11in and 13in MacBook Air models have received upgrades, with the basic models all gaining a faster 1.4GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor. It’s also possible to specify a 1.7GHz dual-core Core i7 CPU with up to 8GB of RAM on both models if you prefer build-to-order over standard configurations.
Both models retain the same unibody aluminium chassis, Intel HD Graphics 5000 and either 128GB or 256GB of internal flash storage. Screen resolution stays the same too, meaning 1366×768 on the 11in model and 1440×900 on the 13in Air. If you want Apple’s famed Retina resolution display, you’ll have to step up to the MacBook Pro
A slight speed increase is always welcome, but the more exciting news is the price; the basic 11in MacBook Air can now be bought for £749 – a £100 discount over the previous model, and the cheapest way to buy an Apple laptop to date. The rest of the range has received a £100 discount too, meaning the basic 13in model can be bought for £849, while the 256GB storage version now costs £999.
The much-rumoured fanless 12in MacBook Air was sadly not revealed this morning – Apple could reveal the new model at its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) in June, or wait until later in the year to make an official announcement, potentially alongside the iPhone 6 smartphone and iwatch wearable.
The new 11in and 13in MacBook Airs are available to buy now directly from Apple.