# MacBook Air (Intel-based)

> discontinued line of notebook computers by Apple Inc (2008 to 2020), replaced by Apple Silicon MacBook Air in November 2020

**Wikidata**: [Q106743392](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q106743392)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacBook_Air_(Intel-based))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/macbook-air-intel-based

## Summary
The MacBook Air (Intel-based) was a line of subnotebook computers designed, developed, and marketed by Apple Inc. from 2008 to 2020. It was discontinued in November 2020 and replaced by the Apple Silicon MacBook Air, marking Apple's transition to proprietary processors. Known for its ultra-thin design and portability, it played a significant role in popularizing the ultrabook category.

## Key Facts
- **Discontinued**: November 2020, after 12 years in production (2008–2020).
- **Manufacturer**: Apple Inc., a multinational technology company based in Cupertino, California.
- **Generations**: Three distinct generations (1st: 2008–2009, 2nd: 2010–2017, 3rd: 2018–2020).
- **Replaced By**: MacBook Air (Apple Silicon), announced in November 2020.
- **Brand**: Part of the MacBook product line, emphasizing lightweight and compact design.
- **Classification**: Subnotebook and computer model series, distinct from the later Apple Silicon models.

## FAQs
### Q: When was the Intel-based MacBook Air discontinued?
A: The Intel-based MacBook Air was discontinued in November 2020, when Apple transitioned to its proprietary Apple Silicon processors.

### Q: What replaced the Intel-based MacBook Air?
A: It was replaced by the MacBook Air (Apple Silicon), which features Apple’s M1 chip and subsequent processors.

### Q: How many generations of the Intel-based MacBook Air were produced?
A: Three generations were released: 1st (2008–2009), 2nd (2010–2017), and 3rd (2018–2020).

## Why It Matters
The MacBook Air (Intel-based) revolutionized the laptop market with its ultra-thin design and emphasis on portability, setting a new standard for ultrabooks. As one of Apple’s flagship products, it contributed to the company’s reputation for innovation in consumer electronics. Its discontinuation in 2020 signaled Apple’s strategic shift toward self-designed processors (Apple Silicon), reducing reliance on Intel and reshaping the tech industry’s approach to hardware development. The Intel-based models remain notable for their longevity across three generations and their role in bridging the gap between traditional laptops and modern, efficient mobile computing devices.

## Notable For
- **Ultra-Thin Design**: Launched in 2008 as one of the thinnest laptops available, influencing industry design trends.
- **Three Generations**: Spanned 12 years with incremental updates, reflecting evolving processor and hardware capabilities.
- **Transition Catalyst**: Its replacement by Apple Silicon models marked a pivotal moment in Apple’s move toward proprietary chip architecture.

## Body
### Release and Discontinuation
- **First Released**: Early 2008, positioned as a premium ultraportable laptop.
- **Discontinued**: November 2020, coinciding with the launch of the Apple Silicon MacBook Air.

### Generations
- **1st Generation (2008–2009)**: Featured 13.3-inch displays and Intel Core 2 Duo processors.
- **2nd Generation (2010–2017)**: Introduced unibody aluminum construction and Intel Core i5/i7 processors.
- **3rd Generation (2018–2020)**: Updated with Retina displays and Intel Core i3/i5/i7 processors, maintaining the ultra-thin profile.

### Specifications
- **Key Features**: Emphasis on lightweight design (starting at 1.29 kg), long battery life, and solid-state storage (SSD).
- **Processor**: Exclusively used Intel processors across all models, differentiating it from later Apple Silicon versions.

### Transition to Apple Silicon
- **Replacement**: The Apple Silicon MacBook Air, announced in November 2020, offered improved performance and energy efficiency using Apple’s M1 chip.
- **Legacy**: The Intel-based line remains a benchmark for pre-Apple Silicon portable computing.

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