Apple's 15-inch MacBook Air is identical to the 13.6-inch model but comes with its own set of improvements. The machine has been received pretty well by the tech community as it aims to amplify the experience of the 13.6-inch model. Apple took its time to announce the machine, but the company's executives suggest that the company had plans for it for a while. The latest suggests that Intel chips were the only reason that held back the launch of the 15-inch MacBook Air, and the introduction of Apple Silicon changed it all.
Apple planned to launch the 15-inch MacBook Air in the Intel era, but the chips prevented it from happening
Apple's product marketing executives stated in an interview with Inc that the 15-inch MacBook Air is the result of Apple's transition to its custom chips, crediting the performance and power consumption. When asked about the machine, Apple's Laura Metz stated that Apple wanted to make the 15-inch MacBook Air during the Intel era, but the chip's limitations did not allow for a MacBook Air-like device. The device did not meet the required standards of a MacBook Air. Possibly, there could be many reasons for it.
Metz further coined that the design of the 15-inch MacBook Air would not have worked, stating that it "just did not say Air to us". It is all thanks to Apple Silicon and how it delivers enhanced performance without throttling that the 15-inch MacBook Air is finally out in the market. Apple unleashed the M1 chip in November of 2020, and it is on a roll to transition the entire Mac lineup to its custom silicon. The M1 chip took the industry by storm, delivering competitive performance but with enhanced power efficiency.
Apple announced at its developer's conference last month that the 15-inch laptop market is vast. The company recognized the niche where users would prefer a larger display and battery while the performance can be the same as the smaller variant. The company already has additional MacBooks in-store that cater to advanced performance requirements, the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro, for instance.
Intel chips required a fan to keep the internals cool, and it only added extra bulk. The way the 15-inch MacBook Air is designed, and functions are all thanks to a fan-less design. The M2 chip can easily handle anything you throw at it, and it will not make any noise. Apple will eventually launch the MacBook Air with M3 chips which will be based on TSMC's 3nm process. The chip will further improve the performance and battery life capabilities of the machine.
