Apple’s base model of the all-new 13.6-inch MacBook Air’s 256GB of storage is a single NAND chip instead of two 128GB chips as in the M1 models or the new M2 models with 512GB or greater storage. That can make the storage perform half as fast as the previous generation base M1 Air when copying large files or multitasking to the point where you max out the base 8GB of RAM, forcing the base model MacBook Air to use swap memory.
It’s a disappointing regression and really means the only models I feel comfortable recommending start at $1,500.
Apple spokesperson Michelle Del Rio provided the following statement on the matter:
Thanks to the performance increases of M2, the new MacBook Air and the 13-inch MacBook Pro are incredibly fast, even compared to Mac laptops with the powerful M1 chip. These new systems use a new higher density NAND that delivers 256GB storage using a single chip. While benchmarks of the 256GB SSD may show a difference compared to the previous generation, the performance of these M2 based systems for real world activities are even faster.
In my benchmark testing, the M2 Air outguns the M1 model in every test, though the differences aren’t especially stark.
MacDailyNews Take: Macs last a long time and hold their value very well and, for that reason, we’ve never recommended the base model of any Mac. Without user serviceable RAM, you should always try to max out the RAM at purchase and don’t skimp on storage; get enough on board to last you for the next three or more years.
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[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Fred Mertz” for the heads up.]
The Verge trying to slowdown sales of MBA? Or boosting the higher end models ? Whatever. Follow your need.
Providing valuable information to consumers is a public service and ridiculous to question motives, they are obvious. Totally influenced my decision as I will post below…
Apple has the highest profit margins on hardware of anyone outside the racer chip guys and then apple handicap products with dated tech to save a few bucks.
https://www.racechip.us
Apple‘s gross margin was 43.8%, buoyed by an 11% jump in its previous quarter’s revenues. That was a 4% increase from its Q4 2022 figures of 39.8%.
https://www.fxstreet.com/news/apples-q1-2022-gross-margin-hits-five-year-high-of-44-202204260441
To put this in perspective, For oil and gas exploration and production stocks included in the S&P 500 index, the aggregate operating profit margin was 19.6% in Q4 2021
Exxon Mobil made $23 billion in profit for 2021. But that came after suffering $22.4 billion in losses the previous year because of the pandemic-fueled economic downturn. The New York Times reported the company’s profit was the highest it had been since 2014.
it seems apple could do their part to help a suffering world or at least not go cheap with slower SSDs. Greedy capitalist with a smart PR and advertising team 🙂
I’d much rather see them stop all the social justice virtue signaling and stick to making great computers.
This is double plus good.
You’re obsessed with that, huh?
Probably sufficient for an incoming college freshman majoring in Business (he says to justify his purchase)
Dumb… 99% of MBA buyers aren’t going to notice jack squat. 4k 4.4.4 video editors would, but if you are buying an MBA for that work, you are equally not so smart.
This is just stupid.
I’m a Photoshop RAW editor and video editor and the article provided a valuable Customer Service NOT to buy the Air and as a result canceled my order. Typical Apple fashion, this information was not provided disclosed, until I read the fine article from “The Verge.” Not stupid, rather a GREAT resource and public service…
Something I’ve wondered about since Apple silicon came out is whether external, upgradable! DRAM could be used for paging/swapping rather than, or in addition to, the SSD. No idea if this is technically feasible, but if so, maybe throw us a bone?
He doesn’t mention that the bus speed bus speed between the M2 memory and ssd is must faster, making the lower RAM swap speeds faster than the previous M1 Air and M1 Mini.
Sheesh, typos from my iPhone.
Don’t get the base model because 256GB is ridiculously low. It’s there so Apple can say “starting at…” with lower price.
Thanks to MDN for an insightful review that praises M2 Air and fairly exposes minimal warts.
The Verge: “the base Air’s 256GB of storage is stored on a single NAND chip instead of two like on the M1 models or new M2 models with 512GB or more storage. That can make the storage perform half as fast as even the older base M1 Air’s and will slow things down whenever you try to copy large files around or multitask enough to max out the 8GB of RAM and force it to use swap memory.”
Bean counter Cook’s Apple Tax STRIKES AGAIN on two fronts!
Review indicated new Air chokes on editing RAW photos and warms noticeably when editing high resolution video.
Heeding new information, just CANCELED my maxed out M2 Air order the lone exception went for 256GB storage. Externals much faster transfer rates for easily 4X the storage and less than HALF the price.
When adding up the numbers found the base 14” MacBook Pro almost the same price when upgrading M2 Air 512GB storage. An exception for exact comparison base Pro has 16GB of memory, rather than 24GB in maxed out Air.
When considering the PRO’s larger screen, double the ports, M1 PRO chip, 512GB storage, 16GB memory and 14 Core GPU, not maxed Air 10 Core GPU — no brainer.
Needless to say, when the cancellation appears on my Apple Card, I’ll be ordering the 14” MacBook Pro and upgrade to 32GB memory.
Not to take anything away from the AIR. I’ve been smitten with the machine since day one the gorgeous redesign and powerhouse in a lighter, sleeker package. Pro needs demand a Pro computer…