Why the New 12-inch MacBook Isn't Called MacBook Air

It’s now clear that Apple no longer favors the “Air” suffix for their product lines. The decision to no longer use the name has been attributed to Apple's aim of emphasizing professionalism over other considerations. This change is evident in the naming of their devices, where the 13-inch MacBook Pro without the Touch Bar replaces the 13-inch MacBook Air, and the iPad Pro is a direct competitor to the iPad Air.

Updated MacBook Lineup

With the introduction of the 12-inch MacBook, Apple has created a new member of the MacBook family. Previously, the MacBook Air was recognized as the lightest version of the MacBook lineup, often associated with a lower price and capabilities. The new MacBook, however, bridges the gap between the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro in terms of features and specifications. It is equipped with a retina display, 8 GB of memory, and 256 GB of SSD storage, all running on Intel's latest M processor.

Despite these features, the new MacBook's processor speed starts at 1.1 GHz, which is even lower than the MacBook Air. Although its price tag is comparable to the MacBook Pro, it lacks the Retina display and Force Touch trackpad. This new MacBook is essentially a redefined version of the original MacBook, filled with modern aesthetics and improved features.

Why the Name Change?

Apple’s decision to lean away from the “Air” name is a strategic move that reflects their desire to brand professional products. The MacBook Air has evolved into a reliable and fast workhorse for many companies, but it no longer fits the evolving market demands. Apple is hoping to position the new MacBook as a competitive player in a market where crossover devices are becoming increasingly popular.

The MacBook's fanless design limits its performance under heavy usage due to thermal throttling. This highlights the challenges in creating a device that can seamlessly bridge the gap between a powerful laptop and a portable tablet hybrid. On the other hand, the MacBook Air has successfully evolved from a compromised notebook into an industry standard. Apple aims to mimic this evolution with the new MacBook but acknowledges that for some users, the MacBook Air remains the best choice.

Conclusion

The new MacBook, while thinner than the previous models, does not offer the same level of performance, especially when compared to the MacBook Air and Pro models. The MacBook Air, with its faster processor and better specifications, remains a superior machine. Apple is moving towards more specialized product lines, with the MacBook Air fulfilling a specific niche in the market. While the new MacBook may appeal to a different segment of consumers, the market for a more powerful, lighter device continues to exist.

As the technology landscape evolves, Apple’s naming and product strategies will continue to shape their market positioning and consumer perception. The decision to drop the “Air” suffix is a part of this ongoing evolution.