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Apple Silicon MacBook Air Q&A
Update Published March 14, 2024
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What are all the differences between the 13" and 15" Apple Silicon MacBook Air M2 models Which is best for me?
Apple has discontinued the 15" MacBook Air M2, but it remains available on the used market. Apple continues to sell the 13" MacBook Air M2 as new. This Q&A has been updated subsequently and can be quite helpful to anyone considering one of these models whether new or used.
There are two standard "2022 M2" Apple Silicon MacBook Air models -- the MacBook Air "M2" 8 CPU/8 GPU 13-Inch and "M2" 8 CPU/10 GPU 13-Inch -- that were complemented by a "2023 M2" Apple Silicon MacBook Air, the physically larger MacBook Air "M2" 8 CPU/10 GPU 15-Inch.
On June 5, 2023, upon introducing the 15-Inch model, Apple cut the price of the 13-Inch models by US$100 (from US$1199 and US$1499 to US$1099 and US$1399, respectively). On March 4, 2024, Apple discontinued the 15-Inch model and again cut the price of the MacBook Air "M2" 8 CPU/8 GPU 13-Inch and "M2" 8 CPU/10 GPU 13-Inch to US$999 and US$1199, respectively.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (13" & 15" MacBook Air M2 Models)
If you looked at the two different lines and concluded that the 15" model is simply a larger version of the 13" ones that came before it, you wouldn't be too far off from the truth (the 15" models also have a six-speaker system instead of a four-speaker one), but they are quite similar. Nevertheless, there are a variety of similarities that are worthwhile to understand as well as some minor differences. Of course, there are completely different identifiers, too.
External Differences
With even a quick glance at the 13-Inch "2022 M2" and 15-Inch "2023 M2" MacBook Air models when they are side-by-side, it is obvious that the 15-Inch models are physically larger. Specifically, the 13-Inch models are 0.44 inches x 11.97 inches x 8.46 inches when closed and 2.7 pounds (1.24 kg) whereas the 15-Inch models are slightly thicker as well as wider and deeper to accommodate the larger display (0.45 inches x 13.40 inches x 9.35 inches) and heavier (3.3 pounds; 1.51 kg).
Both lines are offered in the same silver, darker "Space Gray", warm gray "Starlight", and dark blue "Midnight" color options.
The "Liquid Retina" displays in both lines are of the same quality and both have a "notch" at the top that holds a 1080p webcam and related sensors. Both displays are LED-backlit with IPS, Wide color (P3), "True Tone" technology that automatically adjusts color temperature, 224 ppi, and provide 500 nits of brightness -- but the 13-Inch display is 13.6" (2560x1664) and the 15-Inch display is 15.3" (2880x1864).
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (MacBook Air M2 "MagSafe 3" Connector)
Both lines also have "Scissor Switch" keyboards, large "Force Touch" trackpads, Touch ID authentication, two Thunderbolt 3-capable ports (USB-C connector) ports, 3.5 mm headphone jack, and "MagSafe 3" power connector that disconnects cleanly if abruptly disconnected as well as 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) and Bluetooth 5.3.
Identification Differences
As diligently hand documented from the hardware itself by EveryMac.com, the "2022 M2" and "2023 M2" MacBook Air models have different Model Numbers and EMC Numbers.
Although some MacBook Air identifiers are shared across years, these identifiers -- as well as the Model Identifier in software -- are unique to these models and a reliable way to differentiate between these notebook lines and others for the long-term:
| MacBook Air | Model No. | EMC No. | Model ID |
| M2, 2022 13" | A2681 | 4074 | Mac14,2 |
| M2, 2023 15" | A2941 | 8301 | Mac14,15 |
EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature can uniquely identify each of these MacBook Air models by other identifiers, as well.
More information about specific identifiers is provided in EveryMac.com's extensive Mac Identification section.
Internal Differences
Specific internal parts in the 13-Inch "2022 M2" and 15-Inch "2023 M2" MacBook Air models vary significantly, but both essentially are sealed and disposable and both have processors, graphics processors, RAM, and storage that cannot be upgraded after purchase. The batteries are different, as well, although both are straightforward to replace.
Comparison Chart
The above differences between the 13-Inch "2022 M2" and 15-Inch "2023 M2" MacBook Air -- displays, speakers, GPU options, batteries, identifiers, dimensions, weight, and starting prices -- are summarized below:
| MacBook Air | 2022 M2 13" | 2023 M2 15" |
| Display: | 13.6" | 15.3" |
| Resolution: | 2560x1664 | 2880x1864 |
| Webcam: | 1080p | 1080p |
| Speaker System: | 4 Speakers | 6 Speakers |
| Processor: | Apple M2 | Apple M2 |
| Graphics: | 8/10 Cores | 10 Cores |
| Default RAM: | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Max RAM: | 24 GB* | 24 GB* |
| Standard Storage: | 256, 512 GB | 256, 512 GB |
| Max Storage: | 2 TB* | 2 TB* |
| MagSafe: | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life: | 15-18 Hours | 15-18 Hours |
| Battery W-Hr: | 52.6 W h | 66.5 W h |
| Dimensions: | 0.44 x 11.97 x 8.46 | 0.45 x 13.40 x 9.35 |
| Weight: | 2.7 lbs. (1.24 kg) | 3.3 lbs. (1.51 kg) |
| Model ID: | Mac14,2 | Mac14,15 |
| Orig. Price (US): | US$1199, US$1499† | US$1299, US$1499 |
| Orig. Price (CA): | C$1499, C$1899 | C$1749, C$1999 |
| Orig. Price (UK): | £1249, £1549 | £1399, £1599 |
| Orig. Price (FR): | €1499, €1849 | €1599, €1829 |
| Orig. Price (AU): | A$1899, A$2349 | A$2199, A$2499 |
| Orig. Price (SG): | S$1699, S$2149 | S$1899, S$2199 |
* These models can, or could, be configured with additional RAM and storage at the time of system purchase. The RAM and storage cannot be upgraded later.
† On June 5, 2023, Apple cut the price of the "2022 M2" MacBook Air models to US$1099 and US$1399, respectively. On March 4, 2024, Apple again cut the price of these models to US$999 and US$1199, respectively.
So, is the 13-Inch or 15-Inch MacBook Air M2 model best for me?
For all practical purposes, the 13-Inch and 15-Inch MacBook Air models are the same speed, have the same battery life, and the same connectivity, but the 15-Inch models originally cost US$200 more (or US$100 more if the 13-Inch model is configured with the same 10-core graphics processor).
Ignoring subsequent models and only comparing these, obviously, if the smallest size and lightest weight possible is your top priority -- and it always is our personal notebook preference -- a 13-Inch model is your best choice. If size, weight, and price are not critical, and you can put the extra screen real estate to good use, the 15-Inch model provides roughly 12.5% more viewable area and is your best choice, accordingly.
If price is your top priority, and you still want a lightweight notebook, you might prefer to instead buy an earlier MacBook Air model, which are substantially cheaper on the used market.
In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new Apple Silicon MacBook Air models with free shipping. Other World Computing and JemJem sell used and refurb MacBook Air models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. On the other hand, if you need to sell a MacBook Air, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older notebook with an instant quote and prompt payment.
In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs sells used MacBook Air models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.
In Australia, site sponsor Mac City likewise has a variety of used MacBook Air models sold at low prices and available with a free warranty and fast shipping across Australia.
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