Apple announces new MacBook Air, now also with the Magic Keyboard

Confirming recent rumors, Apple has just announced a new generation of MacBook Air with performance “at 2x superior”, twice the internal storage and, thank God, the Magic Keyboard (new keyboard with scissor mechanism).

This new generation is also returning to lower prices than before (at least abroad), starting at $ 1,000 in the United States for end consumers or $ 900 for academic institutions.

Apple promises up to 2x higher CPU performance for the new MacBook Air, thanks to Intel processors quad-core generation (up to a 1.2GHz Core i7 with Turbo Boost reaching 3.8GHz), also bringing up to 80% better graphics performance provided by the Intel Iris Plus Graphics GPU.

The entry model now has a 256GB SSD, double the previous generation, but the machine can be configured with up to 2TB of internal storage.

The best news, without a doubt, is the implementation of the new keyboard that first arrived with the 16-inch MacBook Pro last year. Using a redesigned scissor mechanism, it has a depth of 1mm, is comfortable / stable and returns the arrow keys to the “T” layout.

Inside the MacBook Air, we have Apple's T2 security chip which is responsible, among other things, for protecting the access data stored by Touch ID. The laptop also incorporates a new system of three microphones for better voice capture, enhanced stereo speakers, its classic Force Touch trackpad and Thunderbolt 3 ports. Ma keeps promising a “all day” battery.

With its 13-inch Retina display and support for displays up to 6K resolution (including the Pro Display XDR, somewhat indictable for the MacBook Air), the machine is still available in space gray, silver or gold. Its housing is made of 100% recycled aluminum by Apple.

Even in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), Apple says the new MacBook Air will be available for purchase next week.

New MacBook Air in Brazil

The new MacBooks Air are not yet available for purchase in Brazil (they will probably, of course, have to be approved by Anatel), but their prices have already been announced.

The entry model features an Intel Core i3 processor dual-core 1.1GHz (Turbo Boost up to 3.2GHz), 256GB of SSD and 8GB of RAM, for R $ 10,300 in up to 12x or R $ 9,269.10 view.

The second standard version comes with an Intel Core i5 quad-core 1.1GHz (Turbo Boost up to 3.2GHz), 512GB of SSD and also 8GB of RAM, for R $ 13,300 in up to 12x or R $ 11,969.10 view.

Both models have risen in price in Brazil compared to the previous generation, due to the recent surge in the dollar. They previously cost, respectively, R $ 9,700 and R $ 11,300 (in up to 12x).