# MacBook Air (Apple Silicon) > MacBook Air with Apple silicon by Apple Inc. **Wikidata**: [Q102127904](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q102127904) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacBook_Air_(Apple_silicon)) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/macbook-air-apple-silicon ## Summary The MacBook Air (Apple Silicon) is a line of notebook computers developed by Apple Inc. that runs on macOS Big Sur, introduced in November 2020 as a successor to the Intel-based MacBook Air. It is part of Apple's transition to its own silicon chips, featuring the Apple M1 system on a chip (SoC) for improved performance and efficiency. ## Key Facts - Developed by Apple Inc., an American multinational technology company founded in 1976 with headquarters in Cupertino, California. - Runs on macOS Big Sur, released on November 12, 2020. - Features the Apple M1 system on a chip (SoC), introduced on November 17, 2020. - Announced on November 10, 2020, replacing the Intel-based MacBook Air. - Part of the personal computer and IBM PC compatible categories. - Preceded by the Intel-based MacBook Air (2008–2020). - Available in multiple languages, including Arabic, Catalan, English, Persian, Punjabi, Albanian, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Uzbek. - Has a sitelink count of 10 on Wikipedia. - Includes aliases such as "MacBook Air (Apple silicon)" and appears in categories like "MacBook Air (Apple silicon)" on Wikimedia Commons. ## FAQs - **What operating system does the MacBook Air (Apple Silicon) use?** It runs on macOS Big Sur, released in November 2020. - **Who developed the MacBook Air (Apple Silicon)?** Apple Inc., a company founded in 1976, developed it. - **What replaced the Intel-based MacBook Air?** The MacBook Air (Apple Silicon) replaced the Intel-based model in November 2020. - **What processor does the MacBook Air (Apple Silicon) use?** It features the Apple M1 system on a chip (SoC). - **When was the MacBook Air (Apple Silicon) announced?** It was announced on November 10, 2020. - **What industries is Apple Inc. involved in?** Apple Inc. operates in the software industry (operating systems, computer programs), consumer electronics industry (smartphones, computers), digital distribution (app marketplace), electronics, information technology, mobile phone industry, and software development. ## Why It Matters The MacBook Air (Apple Silicon) represents a significant milestone in Apple's shift to its own silicon chips, addressing performance and efficiency concerns with previous Intel-based models. Its introduction marked a new era for Apple's product line, aligning with the company's broader strategy of integrating hardware and software for optimized performance. The transition to Apple Silicon also reflects Apple's commitment to innovation and control over its technology stack, setting a precedent for future product development. ## Notable For - Being the first MacBook Air to use Apple's own silicon, the Apple M1 chip, enhancing performance and efficiency. - Introducing macOS Big Sur as its operating system, marking a major version update for Apple's ecosystem. - Replacing the Intel-based MacBook Air, signaling Apple's strategic shift toward in-house chip design. - Featuring a sitelink count of 10 on Wikipedia, indicating its notable presence in digital knowledge repositories. - Available in multiple languages, reflecting its global market reach and Apple's commitment to internationalization. ## Body ### Overview The MacBook Air (Apple Silicon) is a line of notebook computers developed by Apple Inc., announced on November 10, 2020. It succeeded the Intel-based MacBook Air, marking a significant shift in Apple's hardware strategy. The model runs on macOS Big Sur, released on November 12, 2020, and features the Apple M1 system on a chip (SoC), introduced on November 17, 2020. ### Development and Release Apple Inc., founded in 1976, developed the MacBook Air (Apple Silicon) as part of its broader transition to its own silicon chips. The announcement on November 10, 2020, coincided with the release of macOS Big Sur, ensuring compatibility and performance optimization. The Apple M1 chip, introduced on the same day, was a key component in the MacBook Air's design, offering improved efficiency and power. ### Technical Specifications The MacBook Air (Apple Silicon) is equipped with the Apple M1 system on a chip, which serves as both the CPU and GPU. This configuration enhances performance and reduces power consumption compared to Intel-based models. The model is part of the personal computer and IBM PC compatible categories, aligning with Apple's broader product lineup. ### Market Positioning The MacBook Air (Apple Silicon) replaced the Intel-based MacBook Air, addressing performance and efficiency concerns with previous models. Its introduction reflected Apple's strategic shift toward in-house chip design, ensuring tighter integration between hardware and software. The model is available in multiple languages, including Arabic, Catalan, English, Persian, Punjabi, Albanian, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Uzbek, indicating its global market reach. ### Industry Impact Apple Inc. operates in various industries, including the software industry (operating systems, computer programs), consumer electronics industry (smartphones, computers), digital distribution (app marketplace), electronics, information technology, mobile phone industry, and software development. The MacBook Air (Apple Silicon) contributes to these sectors by offering a high-performance, energy-efficient notebook computer. ### Digital Presence The MacBook Air (Apple Silicon) has a sitelink count of 10 on Wikipedia, reflecting its notable presence in digital knowledge repositories. It appears in categories like "MacBook Air (Apple Silicon)" on Wikimedia Commons, further emphasizing its significance in the digital landscape. The model is also referenced in various Wikipedia languages, including Arabic, Catalan, English, Persian, Punjabi, Albanian, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Uzbek. ### Conclusion The MacBook Air (Apple Silicon) represents a pivotal moment in Apple's product evolution, combining advanced technology with seamless integration. Its development and release underscore Apple's commitment to innovation and performance, setting a new standard for notebook computers. The model's global availability and digital presence further highlight its impact on the tech industry.