Here’s a first look at Apple’s redesigned M2 MacBook Air

CUPERTINO, Calif.—Today, Apple unveiled the first major redesign in a long while to its most popular laptop, the MacBook Air. After a few minutes with the device, we can confirm that it feels quite different to hold compared to its predecessor.

The new laptop drops the tapered design of the previous model in favor of a flat, rectangular design reminiscent of the iPad Pro or last year's 24-inch iMac redesign. It adds the new and improved MagSafe (as seen recently in the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro) and includes an unusual charger with a different shape and two USB-C ports.

We handled the device for a few minutes at Apple's Cupertino headquarters and found it to be noticeably lighter than other recent Apple laptops (as its name suggests). But because it borrows those iPad, iMac, and MacBook Pro elements, it also looks and feels familiar—right down to the MacBook Pro's screen notch and slightly taller display.

The device comes in a few metallic colors, but we spent our time with the one Apple dubbed "Starlight."

Remember when the 24-inch iMac came with a charging cable and brick that had an Ethernet port built into it? The trend of multi-functional chargers continues here with a tiny charging brick that includes two USB-C ports—one for the MacBook Air, and one for whatever other device you want to charge, like an iPhone or AirPods.

Apple plans to ship the MacBook Air next month, so we'll go into much more detail—including M2 testing—when we review it. But our first impressions are solid: It's a thinner, lighter, slightly more colorful cousin to the MacBook Pro. That's probably exactly what MacBook Air users want—the extra performance over the M1 is just gravy for most of the intended audience.

Ars Technica may earn compensation for sales from links on this post through affiliate programs.