# MacBook Air (2nd generation)

> term for Intel-based MacBook Air models released Late2010, Mid2011, Mid2012, Mid2013, Early2014, Early2015, and Mid 2017

**Wikidata**: [Q137427267](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q137427267)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacBook_Air_(2nd_generation))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/macbook-air-2nd-generation

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **MacBook Air (2nd generation)**:

---

## Summary  
The **MacBook Air (2nd generation)** is an umbrella term for Intel-based MacBook Air models released between Late 2010 and Mid 2017. It succeeded the 1st-generation MacBook Air and introduced a tapered unibody design, marking a significant evolution in Apple's lightweight laptop lineup. These models were part of Apple's Intel-based MacBook Air series, which was discontinued in 2020.

## Key Facts  
- **Release Period:** Late 2010 to Mid 2017 (models: Late 2010, Mid 2011, Mid 2012, Mid 2013, Early 2014, Early 2015, Mid 2017).  
- **Parent Series:** Part of the **MacBook Air (Intel-based)** line (2008–2020).  
- **Preceded by:** MacBook Air (1st generation) (Early 2008–Mid 2009).  
- **Succeeded by:** MacBook Air (3rd generation) (Late 2018–Early 2020).  
- **Design:** Known as the "Tapered Unibody MacBook Air" due to its slim, wedge-shaped aluminum chassis.  
- **Discontinuation:** Intel-based MacBook Airs were replaced by Apple Silicon models in November 2020.  
- **Aliases:** 2nd-generation MacBook Air, Tapered Unibody MacBook Air.  
- **Classification:** Umbrella term for multiple model years.  

## FAQs  
### Q: What distinguishes the 2nd-generation MacBook Air from the 1st generation?  
A: The 2nd generation introduced a tapered unibody design, improved performance, and longer battery life compared to the 1st generation's thicker chassis and older hardware.  

### Q: When was the last 2nd-generation MacBook Air model released?  
A: The final model in this series was released in Mid 2017, before the 3rd generation launched in Late 2018.  

### Q: Why is it called the "Tapered Unibody" MacBook Air?  
A: The name refers to its slim, wedge-shaped aluminum unibody design, which became a signature feature of the MacBook Air lineup.  

## Why It Matters  
The 2nd-generation MacBook Air solidified Apple's reputation for ultraportable laptops, combining sleek design with improved performance. Its tapered unibody construction set a new standard for lightweight notebooks, influencing future laptop designs across the industry. As part of the Intel-based MacBook Air series, it bridged the gap between early models and the eventual transition to Apple Silicon, maintaining relevance for nearly a decade. Its longevity (2010–2017) and iterative improvements made it a popular choice for students and professionals alike.  

## Notable For  
- **Tapered Unibody Design:** Pioneered the iconic wedge-shaped profile still used in modern MacBook Airs.  
- **Longevity:** Spanned seven years of iterative updates, one of Apple's longest-running laptop generations.  
- **Transition Role:** Served as the final Intel-based models before Apple's shift to custom silicon.  
- **Weight Reduction:** Further refined portability, weighing as little as 2.38 pounds (1.08 kg).  

## Body  
### Release Timeline  
- **Late 2010:** First 2nd-generation model introduced.  
- **Mid 2011–Mid 2012:** Incremental updates with faster processors and better graphics.  
- **Mid 2013–Early 2015:** Focus on battery life improvements and storage upgrades.  
- **Mid 2017:** Final model with minor spec bumps.  

### Design and Features  
- **Material:** Aluminum unibody with tapered edges.  
- **Ports:** Included USB-A, Thunderbolt, and MagSafe (varies by model year).  
- **Display:** 11.6-inch or 13.3-inch LED-backlit screens.  

### Technical Evolution  
- **Processors:** Intel Core i5 and i7 across generations.  
- **Storage:** Transitioned from hard drives to solid-state drives (SSDs).  

## Schema Markup  
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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "MacBook Air (2nd generation)",
  "description": "Umbrella term for Intel-based MacBook Air models released between Late 2010 and Mid 2017.",
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