Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M2 (2022) Review: Slimmer, Faster, and Ready to Impress

The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M2 (2022) takes everything people love about its predecessor and gives it a serious upgrade. With the new M2 chip, this laptop looks sleek, and it’s got the power to back it up. From handling daily tasks to taking on creative projects, the MacBook Air M2 does it all with style.

Thanks to the Liquid Retina display, it’s brighter and sharper, making everything from Netflix binging to design work more enjoyable. But here’s the catch: It comes with a steeper price tag than the previous M1 model, which begs the question: Is it worth the extra cash?

Let’s break down exactly what this MacBook Air brings to the table and whether it’s the right fit for you.

Specifications

The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M2 (2022) is packed with some serious hardware upgrades, making it more than just a pretty face. Here’s a breakdown of what’s inside:

• Processor: Apple M2 chip with 8-core CPU
• Graphics: 8-core GPU
• Memory: 8GB of unified memory
• Storage: 256GB SSD
• Display: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display (2560 x 1664)
• Camera: 1080p FaceTime HD camera
• Battery: 52.6Wh battery for up to 18 hours of video playback
• Weight: 2.7 pounds (1.24 kg)
• Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 ports, MagSafe 3, 3.5mm headphone jack
• Operating System: macOS Monterey (upgradeable)
• Wireless: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0

Design and Build Quality

The MacBook Air 13-inch M2 (2022) brings a fresh new design that feels both modern and premium. Gone is the classic wedge shape. Now, Apple has introduced a more uniform, squared-off look that makes this MacBook Air feel sleeker than ever. Weighing just 2.7 pounds, it’s lighter and thinner than its predecessor, making it an ideal travel companion.

You’ll also notice slimmer bezels around the 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, which gives the screen a more immersive feel. Plus, the bump in brightness to 500 nits means you’ll have no issues using this laptop outdoors or in bright rooms. And with support for 1 billion colors, everything on the screen looks sharp, vibrant, and crystal-clear​.

The color options have been updated, too. You now get Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and Space Gray, so there’s a bit more personality to choose from. The addition of MagSafe charging makes a return, which is both convenient and practical, as it frees up those precious Thunderbolt ports for other uses​.

Performance

The Apple M2 chip powering the MacBook Air 13-inch (2022) brings a noticeable bump in performance over the previous M1 model. It features an 8-core CPU (4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores), which makes multitasking feel smooth and responsive. Whether you’re jumping between browser tabs, running apps, or working on light creative projects, the M2 can handle it all without breaking a sweat.

For those who want to push the limits, the M2 also comes with an 8-core or 10-core GPU, depending on your configuration. This makes a big difference for anyone working on video editing, photo manipulation, or even some casual gaming. While it’s not designed for AAA gaming titles, it can manage lighter games and creative software like Final Cut Pro and Photoshop without much lag​.

One of the standout aspects of the M2 is its efficiency. You get outstanding performance without compromising on battery life, which we’ll touch on later. Compared to the M1, the M2 offers 18% faster CPU performance and 35% faster GPU performance, making it a solid upgrade for those looking for a future-proof machine​.

Display

The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display on the MacBook Air M2 is an upgrade in all the right ways. First off, it’s larger than the previous model, offering more screen real estate without increasing the size of the laptop itself. The 2560 x 1664 resolution gives you crisp visuals whether you’re streaming, working, or editing photos.

Where it really shines is in brightness (now bumped up to 500 nits), which means outdoor visibility is much improved. The support for 1 billion colors also makes a noticeable difference for anyone doing creative work or even just enjoying Netflix in HD. The colors are vivid, and the display manages to stay sharp and accurate even in bright environments​.

There’s one catch, though—the notch. Just like on the MacBook Pro, Apple added a notch to the top of the display to house the improved 1080p FaceTime camera. While it doesn’t interfere with general use, some users might find it distracting. But if you can live with it, the overall display experience is top-notch​.

Battery Life

Battery life is where the MacBook Air M2 truly shines. With up to 18 hours of video playback and 15 hours of web browsing, it easily lasts a full day of work or entertainment without needing to be plugged in. For students, travelers, and professionals who are constantly on the go and don’t want to worry about carrying a charger, this is a great addition.

Even with the performance bump from the M2 chip, Apple has managed to maintain the impressive battery life, thanks to the chip’s energy efficiency. You can comfortably get through the day with a mix of tasks like streaming, editing, or light multitasking without constantly eyeing the battery indicator​.

For those who need a quick top-up, the MagSafe charger is back and supports fast charging. If you opt for the 67W power adapter, you can get up to 50% charged in just 30 minutes. It’s a lifesaver when you’re in a rush and need a quick battery boost.

Keyboard and Trackpad

Typing on the MacBook Air M2 feels like a dream. Apple has carried over the Magic Keyboard, which is both comfortable and reliable. Key travel is shallow but satisfying, making it easy to type for long periods without fatigue. And unlike older models, you don’t have to worry about sticky or unresponsive keys—Apple’s made sure the Magic Keyboard holds up to daily use​.

The trackpad is equally impressive. It’s large, precise, and supports multi-touch gestures, so whether you’re scrolling through documents or using Mission Control, the trackpad responds instantly. It’s one of the best in the business and makes the overall experience seamless​.

The only real downside? The lack of a function row for those who prefer physical function keys, as it’s replaced with Touch ID for secure login and quick access to your Mac. While most users will appreciate the ease of Touch ID, some might miss the feel of a traditional function row.

Pros:

• M2 chip brings a performance boost
• 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display
• Sleek design with a thinner, lighter body
• Color options like Midnight and Starlight
• Improved 1080p FaceTime camera
• Comfortable Magic Keyboard and trackpad

Cons:

• Lacks a dedicated function row
• Higher starting price compared to the M1 model

Final Verdict

The MacBook Air M2 (2022) takes everything that worked in the M1 and makes it better. It’s faster, sleeker, and still incredibly light, making it a top choice for those who want portability without sacrificing performance. The M2 chip delivers on speed, and the Liquid Retina display adds a vibrant, colorful punch whether you’re streaming or working on graphics.

Yes, the notch might bug some people, and the price bump puts it in premium territory, but if you’re after a future-proof laptop that balances power, design, and battery life, it’s hard to go wrong with the MacBook Air M2. For students, professionals, and even casual creatives, this laptop fits right in without missing a beat.