MacBook Air (M1, 2020) was released on 17 November 2020, alongside 2 other products.
17 November 2020 · Mac
MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
MacBook Air
Why it mattered
The M1 MacBook Air is arguably the most important Mac of the 2020s: it proved Apple's own chips could beat the Intel models they replaced while running silently without a fan and lasting much longer on battery. It stayed on sale until March 2024 and remains popular used.
Models and prices
| Model / config | Released | Key specs | US launch price | In 2025 dollars (estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Air M1 | 17 Nov 2020 | M1 8-core CPU/7-core GPU, 8 GB, 256 GB | $999 | ≈ $1,240 |
Inflation-adjusted prices are estimates: launch price × (US CPI-U 2025 annual average 321.943 ÷ CPI-U annual average of the launch year), rounded to the nearest $10. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series CUUR0000SA0. US list prices only; they ignore currency, taxes and carrier subsidies.
What came before and after
Before: MacBook Air (Retina, 2020, Intel). After: MacBook Air M2 (July 2022).
Buying and collecting notes
Excellent used value; check battery cycle count and screen for pressure marks.
Questions
- When was the M1 MacBook Air released?
- Announced 10 November 2020, released 17 November 2020.
- How much did it cost?
- $999, about $1,240 in 2025 dollars by a US CPI estimate.
- Does the M1 MacBook Air have a fan?
- No.
- When was the M1 MacBook Air discontinued?
- March 2024.
Sources
- Wikipedia: MacBook Air (Apple silicon)
- Apple Newsroom 10 Nov 2020
- EveryMac.com
- BLS CPI-U series CUUR0000SA0 (data.bls.gov/timeseries/CUUR0000SA0)