If you’re wondering which Mac to buy, you’ve come to the right place. In our 2023 Mac buying guide, with expert buying advice to help you choose the machine (and configuration) that’s right for you.
Apple makes six different types of Mac: MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac, Mac Studio and Mac Pro; and within each of those categories there are variations in the size, specs and features, so things can get pretty complicated. That’s where this guide comes in, helping you make the right decision.
We are now three years into Apple’s transition from Intel processors to its own silicon that includes CPU, GPU and unified memory. This began with the introduction of the M1 in November 2020, followed by the M1 Pro, M1 Max and M1 Ultra. We have now progressed to the M2 (June 2022), the M2 Pro and M2 Max (January 2023), and the M2 Ultra in June 2023. With the arrival of the M2 Ultra Mac Pro in June 2023 every Mac Apple now sells has made the transition to Apple’s own chips.
1. MACBOOK AIR
This is Apple’s most affordable laptop, designed with portability in mind. There are currently three versions in three sizes and five configurations. The newest Air is the 15-inch M2 model that arrived in June 2023; there are two configurations available. There’s also a 13.6-inch M2 option, which was introduced in July 2022 and has the same two configurations as the 15-inch version. Finally, there is a slightly smaller M1 13.3-inch Air, which launched back in November 2020.
Who’s it for? It’s ideal for the budget-conscious. It’s also for anyone who is always on the go, doesn’t want to be bogged down by a regular-size laptop, and needs a computer that’s more versatile than an iPad.
Price: There are five configurations, starting at £999 for the M1 model and £1,149 for the option. The 15-inch Air starts at £1,399.
Specifications: The specifications of the M2 Macs are the same (although there are some differences in terms of audio, with the larger model featuring more speakers and obviously a larger screen).
• Apple 8-core M1 SoC with 8GB of memory, a 7-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine; 256GB SSD, two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports
• Apple 8-core M2 SoC with 8GB of memory, an 8-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine; 256GB SSD, two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports
• Apple 8-core M2 SoC with 8GB of memory, a 10-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine; 512GB SSD, two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports
• Additional options for M2 model: 16GB or 24GB unified memory. Up to 2TB storage
• Additional options for M1 model: 16GB unified memory. Up to 2TB storage
Display specifications:
• The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display has a native resolution of 2,880×1,864 and 500 nits brightness
• The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display has a native resolution of 2,560×1,664 and 500 nits brightness
• The 13.3-inch Retina display on the M1 MacBook Air has a native resolution of 2,560×1,600 and 400 nits brightness
Connectivity: Every MacBook Air with M2 chip has a MagSafe port for charging as well as a pair of Thunderbolt/USB 4 connectors. The M1 MacBook Air offers only the two Thunderbolt/USB 4 connectors, so£19 one, or a USB-C hub that has USB-A ports.
