MacBook Air 2020

MacBook Air 2020

MacBook Air

Discontinued
Released: March 18, 2020Discontinued on: November 10, 2020
United States: 1249Japan: 129800

Overview

While technically a "configure-to-order" option for either the MacBook Air "Core i3" 1.1 13" or "Core i5" 1.1 13" (Scissor, 2020) models, the MacBook Air "Core i7" 1.2 13-Inch (Retina, Scissor Keyboard, 2020) is also documented separately for user convenience. Apart from the processor and its larger level 3 cache, these models can be identical.


The Apple MacBook Air "Core i7" 1.2 13-Inch (Retina, Scissor Keyboard, 2020) model is powered by a 10-nm 10th Generation "Ice Lake" 1.2 GHz Intel "Core i7" processor (1060NG7), featuring four independent processor "cores" on a single chip, an 8 MB shared level 3 cache, 8 GB of onboard 3733 MHz LPDDR4X SDRAM, either 256 GB or 512 GB of onboard PCIe-based flash storage, and an integrated Intel Iris Plus graphics processor that shares system memory. Both the RAM and SSD could be upgraded at the time of initial system purchase, but not subsequently.


This is all enclosed within a thin, wedge-shaped aluminum case that includes an integrated 720p "FaceTime HD" webcam, Touch ID, a new backlit "Magic Keyboard" with a "redesigned scissor mechanism," a large "Force Touch" trackpad, and a high-resolution 13.3-inch LED-backlit 2560x1600 (227 ppi) "Retina" display featuring True Tone technology.


The aluminum case was available in three color options—gold (pictured, left), silver, and a darker "Space Gray" (but not other colors)—and weighs 2.8 pounds (1.29 kg). Apple estimates battery life to be between 11 and 12 hours, depending on the task.


Connectivity comprises 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5, two Thunderbolt 3 ports (USB-C connector), and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.


Compared to its predecessor, the "2020" MacBook Air lineup looks almost identical and has the same "True Tone" display, but it features a newer, significantly faster processor and architecture, more capable graphics, a new and more reliable "Scissor Switch" keyboard, more default storage, and a lower starting price.

Evaluation

As the highest-end custom configuration, the Core i7 model of the 2020 MacBook Air provided the best performance of its Intel-based generation. The quad-core processor with a higher clock speed and larger cache made it a surprisingly capable machine for more demanding workflows, including video editing and software development. However, this power came at a cost, as the thin chassis struggled to dissipate the heat generated under sustained load, leading to significant thermal throttling. It was a powerful but niche option for those who needed bursts of speed in the Air's portable form factor.

Product Info

Product Info Table
Model IDMacBookAir9,1
Apple Model NoA2179 (EMC 3302)
Apple Order NoBTO/CTO
Apple Subfamily2020

Price

Price Table
Original Price (US)1249
United States1249
Australia1849
Austria1329
Belgium1329
Brazil12799
Canada1679
China9249
Denmark11249
Finland1359
France1329
Germany1329
Hong Kong9549
Ireland1359
Italy1359
Japan129800
Korea1645000
Luxembourg128507
Malaysia5399
Mexico31249
Netherlands1329
New Zealand2299
Norway16540
Portugal1359
Singapore1829
Spain1329
Sweden16795
Switzerland1379
Thailand35900
United Kingdom1249

Body

Body Table
Form FactorMacBook Air 2020
Case TypeNotebook
Dimensions.16-.63 x 11.97 x 8.36 in / 1.60 x 30.40 x 21.23 cm
Avg. Weight2.8 lbs / 1.29 kg

Platform

Platform Table
Processor TypeCore i7 (I7-1060NG7)
Processor Speed1.2 GHz
Processors1 (4 Cores)
Turbo Boost3.8 GHz
Architecture64-Bit
System Bus SpeedOPI
Cache Bus Speed1.2 GHz (Built-in)
L1 Cache32k/48k x4
L2/L3 Cache512k x4, 8 MB (on chip)
FPUIntegrated
ROM/Firmware TypeEFI
EFI Architecture64-Bit
Geekbench 4 (SC)5516
Geekbench 4 (MC)15867
Geekbench 5 (SC)1127
Geekbench 5 (MC)2944

Memory

Memory Table
Standard RAM8 GB
Maximum RAM16 GB
RAM TypeLPDDR4X SDRAM
Min. RAM Speed3733 MHz
Motherboard RAM8 GB

Storage

Storage Table
Standard Storage256, 512 GB SSD
Std. Storage SpeedOnboard
Storage InterfaceOnboard* (PCIe*)
Storage DimensionsSoldered
Standard OpticalNone

Display

Display Table
Built-in Display13.3" 16:10
Native Resolution2560x1600
Video CardIris Plus
Standard VRAM1.5 GB
Maximum VRAM1.5 GB
VRAM TypeIntegrated
2nd Display SupportDual/Mirroring
2nd Max. Resolution6016x3384 (6K)
Video (Monitor)2 (Thunderbolt 3/USB-C)

Audio

Audio Table
Microphone3 (Internal)
Headphone1
Sound OutNone

Wired Connectivity

Wired Connectivity Table
USB Ports2* (3.1)
USB2* (3.1)
Standard EthernetNone

Wireless Connectivity

Wireless Connectivity Table
Standard AirPort802.11ac
Standard Bluetooth5

Power

Power Table
Battery Type49.9 W h Li-Poly
Battery Life11-12 Hours
Power Adapter1

Software

Software Table
Pre-Installed MacOSX 10.15.3 (19D2064)
Maximum MacOS15.x (Sequoia)
Windows SupportBoot/Virtualization
Minimum Windows10 (64-Bit)
Maximum Windows10 (64-Bit)

Accessories

Accessories Table
Incl. KeyboardFull-size (Magic Keyboard)
Incl. InputTrackpad (Force Touch)

Upgrades

Upgrades Table
Processor UpgradeSoldered