Is an M1 MacBook Still a Good Buy in 2023? (2024)

FAQs

Is an M1 MacBook Still a Good Buy in 2023? ›

If that's what your core activities are going to be, then you should get at least an M2 powered Mac or better yet, get the M3 powered ones. But if you're not going to be using your Mac for heavy-duty work, then the M1 MacBook Air can easily last you up to 5–8 years (and I'm not exaggerating) without any problems.

Overall, the Apple M1 MacBook Air 13 remains a compelling option in 2023–2024, offering a combination of performance, efficiency, portability, and a user-friendly operating system. If your needs align with its capabilities, it's a worthwhile investment that can serve you well for years to come.

Overall, the MacBook Air 13 M1 is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable, durable, light-weight, high-performance, and versatile laptop that can last for several years. With its advanced technology and sleek design, it is definitely worth considering for long-term use.

Is the M1 MacBook Air fast in 2024? Absolutely. It's no surprise that it's faster than the old MacBook Air and also feels as fast as newer Windows computers.

Yes, the MacBook Air M1 is still worth getting in 2024

There are few other laptops in this price range offering the same level of overall functionality.

Long term support

Apple generally supports its computers for around seven years from the date Apple last sells them. By my math, that means the M1 series machines should be supported until sometime around 2028 or 2029. That's a good long run for a computer. (And to be clear, that's just an estimate.

Apple discontinues the M1 MacBook Air, ending the iconic wedge-shaped design introduced by Steve Jobs in 2008. The move marks a significant shift in design philosophy, as Apple embraces the new MacBook Pro-like M2 model with Apple Silicon.

The Apple Silicon M2 processor is an improved version of Apple's M1 chip. The newer processor's cores are slightly more powerful and notably more efficient than the M1's cores. Both the M1 and M2 processors on the MacBook Air give you an 8-core CPU with four performance cores and four efficient cores.

The M1 MacBook Air was released in November 2020. It offered a huge leap in performance from the previous Intel-based MacBook Air.

Answer: 5-10 years depending on usage

On average, your MacBook Pro is expected to last 7–10 years; however, the lifespan of your MacBook depends on the types of activities handled on the device. The MacBook Pro offers more processing power and can handle more work without straining the battery or processor.

Is 256GB of a Mac enough? ›

If you mainly use your Mac for tasks that don't involve working with large files like photo or movie editing, backing up your iPhone or iPad to iCloud, and streaming music and video, 256GB will probably be enough. If you work with large files and like to keep everything on your Mac, you will need more.

The M1 chip is made using a 5-nanometer process, which is more efficient than the 14-nanometer process used for the i7. This means the M1 can handle more work without using as much power, leading to improved battery life.

Overheating issues on MacBook Air M1 are common, but you can fix it easily. All you have to do is simply close down tens of tabs and apps you have been using simultaneously. However, if nothing works for you, take your MacBook to an Apple service center to check for any internal hardware issues, such as your battery.

Limited port options: The MacBook Air M1 has only two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and a headphone jack. Limited software compatibility: Some older software may not be compatible with the M1 chip. Limited gaming capabilities: The integrated graphics in the M1 chip may not be sufficient for high-end gaming.

As a result, if you've got an M1 machine you're happy with, we think you probably don't need an M2. But, the M2 is worth picking up if you're making a switch from a non-M1 machine. We're expecting to see a new M2-sporting 15-inch MacBook Air at this year's WWDC, which could shake things up significantly.

Apple today discontinued the MacBook Air with the M1 chip, which launched in November 2020 as one of the first Apple silicon Macs.

For students on tight budgets, I'd recommend the M1 MacBook Air without hesitation. My personal laptop is an M1 MacBook Pro from 2021, and it shows no signs of slowing down, so I'd fully expect the M1 Air to last through four years of school (assuming you're not doing demanding, graphics-intensive tasks).

Absolutely, especially if you need exceptional performance, speed and reliability from a lightweight and thin laptop that provides all of the power you'd get from an Apple iMac desktop in portable form.

The answer depends on the way you work and what you do to keep your Mac healthy. However, anywhere from four to seven years is a good estimate. To extend the MacBook longevity beyond its typical range, it's a good idea to use CleanMyMac X for decluttering and optimizing.