A 1.3GHz dual-core Core i5 comes standard on both the 11-inch and 13-inch Airs. They also require less space on the motherboard. By combining the CPU and the platform controller hub onto a single BGA package, these ultralow voltage chips are better able to manage power than previous chips. For that, Apple turned to Intel's new fourth-generation Haswell processors. Power-efficient processor: But this change alone can't account for the jump from 5 hours of battery life to 9. The new Air has a 7.6V, 5,100mAh battery compared with the 2012 model's 7.3V, 4,680mAh unit.

So if the 2013 Air looks so much like the previous models, what did Apple change and how did it so dramatically improve battery life?Īpple didn't change the overall internal layout of the 2013 MacBook Air.īetter battery: For starters, the battery is better. Along the back edge is the motherboard, cooling fan assembly, and a small I/O board. Same internal layout: Despite all the hardware updates, the 2013 Air has the same basic layout as the 20 Airs. Removing the bottom cover on the 2013 MacBook Air 11-inch. And while your local hardware store might not have the necessary driver to remove them, plenty of online retailers do. Opening the Air still requires special tools: The bottom panel is held on with special, pentalobe screws. But thanks to several hardware updates, the new Air offers faster Wi-Fi, more base storage, and almost double the battery life.įor more information on the 2013 Air, including performance and battery life benchmark tests, check out Scott Stein's full review. Pricing starts at $999 (U.S.) and can reach $1,749, depending on the configuration. The 11-inch Air is still 11.8 inches wide, 7.56 inches deep, and between 0.11 and 0.68 inch high. Apple didn't make any changes to the exterior of the Air.

Macbook air 2013 upgrade