Apple’s Macbooks, While Adhering To Common Principles, Have Fundamental Differences. Macbooks Produced By Apple, Along With Products Like the Surface, Are Among The Best Laptops In The World.

These laptops have an eye-catching design and are very slim while offering significant processing power. Although the thickness of the MacBook in the new generation has increased a little, this laptop is still very compact and easy to carry.

In recent years, Apple released three laptops: MacBook (or, more colloquially, MacBook Retina), MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro. The production of standard MacBook series laptops has ended, and at the moment of writing this article, Apple only has MacBook Air and MacBook Pro in the market.

The latest Apple MacBook models in the market
Parameter/product name	MacBook Air 2020	MacBook Air 2022	MacBook Pro 13-inch 2020	MacBook Pro 13-inch 2022	MacBook Pro 14-inch 2021	MacBook Pro 16-inch 2021
base price	$999	$1,199	$1,299	$1,299	$1,999	$1,299
Display	13.3 inches (1,600×2,560) LCD	13.6 inches (1,664 x 2,560), LCD	13.3 inches (1,600×2,560) LCD	13.3 inches (1,600×2,560) LCD	14.2 inches (1,964 x 3,024), mini LED	16.2 inches (2,234 x 3,456), mini LED
Processor	M1 (CPU unit with eight cores / GPU unit with 7 or 8 cores)	M2 (CPU unit with eight cores / GPU unit with eight seats)	M1 (CPU unit with eight cores / GPU unit with 7 or 8 seats)	M2 (CPU unit with eight cores / GPU unit with ten seats)	M1 Pro or M1 Max (CPU unit with ten cores / GPU unit with 16 or 32 seats)	M1 Pro or M1 Max (CPU unit with ten cores / GPU unit with 16 or 32 seats)
Storage memory	256 GB to 2 TB	256 GB to 2 TB	256 GB to 4 TB	256 GB to 2 TB	512 GB to 8 TB	512 GB to 8 TB
RAM	8 or 16 GB	8 to 24 GB	8 to 32 GB	8 to 24 GB	16 to 32 GB	16 to 64 GB
port	Two Thunderbolts, one headphone jack	Two Thunderbolts, a headphone jack, a magsword	Two Thunderbolts, one headphone jack	Two Thunderbolts, one headphone jack	Three Thunderbolts, one headphone jack, one MagSafe, one HDMI, one SD card reader	Three Thunderbolts, one headphone jack, one MagSafe, one HDMI, one SD card reader
touch bar	Well	Well	Yes	Yes	Well	Well
Battery charging (Apple’s official claim)	18 hours	14 hours	20 hours	18 hours	17 hours	21 hours
Weight	1.27 kg	1.22 kg	1.36 kg	1.36 kg	1.59 kg	2.13 kg

Apple’s MacBook Pro family currently includes the 13-inch M2 model, the 14-inch M1 Pro / M1 Max model, and the 16-inch M1 Pro / M1 Max model. MacBook Air is available in M1 and M2 models.

Apple has primarily completed the migration to the logo architecture and will provide the best support for Apple silicon-powered MacBooks in the coming years. The MacBook family of products has wholly migrated to a proprietary processor based on the ARM (Apple Silicon) architecture, and currently, no Intel-powered MacBooks are sold through official retailers. Of course, old used MacBook laptops with Intel chips are still available in the Iranian market, which we do not recommend buying.

Apple offers a good variety of laptops in the form of the MacBook family

Apple’s MacBooks include impressive notebooks designed for home, student, and office use. That’s why knowing the difference between MacBook Air and Pro is essential for those looking for a new laptop.

The 13.6-inch MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro 2022 both use the new M2 chip and are Apple’s latest laptops on the market. The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros arrived in late 2021 and are more suitable for professional users.

Many users know the difference between the Macbook Air and the Pro in the professionalism of the Pro model. However, the Air model has advanced to the extent that it performs several crucial heavy processing. Meanwhile, the change in the design of the MacBook Air has made this laptop much more attractive.

List of the most critical differences between MacBook Air and Pro

The difference between MacBook Air and Pro is an issue that should be examined from different angles. When users enter the market, they encounter MacBooks that are often remarkably similar, but each one is specific to a specific group of consumers. If you are faced with the question, “MacBook Air or Pro is better,” you should first define your needs for a laptop.

Whether MacBook Pro or Air is better for you is an important issue. The difference between MacBook Air and Pro is more significant in some areas, such as the display. However, the internal structure of these laptops also has a series of contrasts. Choosing the right laptop can help you do what you want.

Unlike the MacBook Pro, the MacBook Air series laptops do not have a fan and create a bottleneck for the processor in heavy processing earlier than the MacBook Pro. A computer with a fan reduces the power of the processor later. If the processor gets too hot in computers and smartphones, its performance drops, so the device is not damaged.

MacBook Air doesn’t have a fan, limiting the chip’s performance early on

14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros are equipped with two lovers; in this respect, they have the best possible version. 13-inch MacBook Pros have a fan.

At the time of the unveiling of the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros, the design of Apple laptops changed significantly, and these products had a unique appearance. MacBook Air 2022 also arrived with the same design as MacBook Pro 2021. Meanwhile, the MacBook Pro 13-inch 2022 still uses the old method based on the Touch Bar (touch bar).

The difference between MacBook Air and Pro is that it makes the Pro model more exciting for most laptop users. MacBook Pro generally performs better in heavy processing, and one of the reasons for this is the use of a fan. So if you do heavy processing, we recommend you buy a MacBook Pro.

MacBook Air and Pro hardware comparison

In 2020, Apple unveiled the first laptops that had a dedicated processor. Apple’s promises were so exciting that many users couldn’t believe the numbers they saw on the screen were real, but the MacBook Air review and the MacBook Pro review showed that Apple’s claims were consistent with reality.

The M1 chip that arrived in 2020 caused quite a stir. This chip was used in both MacBook models, and its new model, the M2, made its way to both of Apple’s top-selling laptops again in 2022.

Late last year, Apple launched the new MacBook Pro 14-inch and MacBook Pro 16-inch laptops, which use the upgraded M1 Pro and M1 Max chips. These two chips are even more potent than M2, and the fact that the laptops in question have two fans will cause the chip to face performance loss later.

The difference between MacBook Air and Pro in terms of hardware depends on the laptops being compared; For example, if you compare the 2022 MacBook Air with the 2022 MacBook Pro, there won’t be much of a difference, but when the 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pros enter the equation, things will be very different.

MacBook Pro 14 and 16 inches are head and shoulders above the rest of the models in terms of hardware.

Apple’s 13-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air have 8GB of RAM in the base configuration, but the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros come with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.

The speed of the SSD drive in the basic configuration of Apple’s 2022 laptops is slow and annoying. In the basic structure of the previous generation, Apple used two SSD modules, and their parallel operation provided excellent speed. In the basic form of the MacBook Pro 13-inch 2022 and MacBook Air 2022, one 256 GB module is used instead of two separate modules. This makes it surprising that the SSD speed of the base configuration of 2022 MacBooks is half that of 2020 MacBooks. In designs equipped with 512 GB SSD and more, this problem is not seen. On the other hand, MacBook Pro 14 and 16 inches have a 512 GB SSD drive in the basic configuration, which consists of two modules and offers very high speed.

Apple MacBooks are generally lightweight and very portable laptops. Meanwhile, MacBook Air has the lowest weight, and you can quickly put it in your bag and take it to different places. The heaviest Apple laptop is the 16-inch MacBook Pro. Of course, this laptop is also considered a portable product, and putting it in a backpack or bag is not annoying.

MacBook Pro and MacBook Air are known for having high-quality speakers. Both laptops play sounds with good power. However, the MacBook Pro is much better. 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pros significantly influence playing high-quality sounds and double the pleasure of watching movies.

Comparison of design and capabilities of MacBook Pro and Air

The difference between MacBook Air and Pro capabilities directly depends on the hardware. The MacBook Air – especially in 2022 – has become a reasonably powerful laptop and even allows video editing. One of the exciting points about the MacBook Air 2022 is the use of the new design language that Apple started in 2021.

Meanwhile, the MacBook Pro 13-inch 2022 still uses the old design. This laptop has a touch bar above the keyboard. The Touchbar initially arrived with exciting promises, but in practice, it didn’t turn out to be very attractive, and not many people welcomed it.

In 2021, with the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro, Apple showed that it was not interested in continuing to use the Touch Bar, but in 2022, it reintroduced the 13-inch MacBook Pro with the Touch Bar. At first glance, we don’t know why the MacBook Pro 13-inch uses the old design. In any case, we do not doubt that the MacBook Pro 13-inch 2022 will be the last Apple laptop with a touch bar. All Apple laptops host a fingerprint sensor on top of their keyboard.

Apple no longer wants to use the Touch Bar.

Apple has increased the thickness of the body in the new MacBook generation, but we are still dealing with a thin laptop (this statement applies especially to the MacBook Air 2022). The new design shows an edge flat on one side and curved on the other. This bending makes the device have a more ergonomic design. In 2023, the iPhone 15 will likely also use a similar method.

MacBook Pro 14 and 16 inches, like MacBook Air 2022, have a very narrow border around the screen and are equipped with a notch for the first time. This design is inspiring at first glance. In addition to using a screen with a narrow border, Apple has diversified the colors in the new MacBook Air generation. The black color of the MacBook Air 2022 became very popular when this laptop was released. Unfortunately, the 2021 MacBook Pros only come in gray and silver.

Apple MacBooks have always been criticized for their port limitations. This limitation is seen in the MacBook Pro 13-inch 2022. MacBook Air 2022 performs better in this field thanks to the Magsafe charging port.

The 2021 MacBook Pros are much better in terms of port variety. Surprisingly, these laptops have an SD memory card slot, an HDMI port, and a MagSafe charging port. The use of MagSafe has made the new generation MacBooks provide an additional Thunderbolt port to the user when charging. Unfortunately, the MacBook Pro 13-inch 2022 does not have a MagSafe port.

MacBook Air or Pro is better for programming?

The difference between MacBook Air and Pro in terms of hardware makes these two laptops have the different processing power. When programming, the processing power of the computer, as well as its charging, becomes significant. It is generally believed that the MacBook Air is not suitable for programming, but is this claim valid?

Apple’s MacBook Air is suitable for most laptop programming-related tasks; however, if you use your laptop professionally and don’t mind paying extra, the MacBook Pro can be a more logical choice.

MacBook Pro has more processing power, and if you go for the 14 and 16-inch 2021 models, you won’t need to replace your laptop anytime soon. MacBook Pro allows you to manage multiple monitors at the same time. The MacBook Pro has a more powerful graphics unit than the MacBook Air, and a fan provides a more stable performance.

If you’re programming, buy a MacBook with at least 16GB RAM.

On a MacBook, you can program for all other platforms. If you’re looking to code for Windows, you should use virtual machines on your MacBook. Knowing the difference between MacBook Air and Pro becomes even more critical if you’re looking to develop an app for the App Store. It would be best to run the main macOS and iOS development tools on Apple laptops through Xcode.

MacBook Air generally does not cause programming problems, but we recommend you not prepare the basic configuration. Avoid getting a basic setup even if you’re interested in a 13-inch MacBook Pro. Eight GB of RAM is quickly occupied, and the slow speed of the SSD can be annoying.

The difference between the 13-inch MacBook Air 512GB configuration and the 14-inch MacBook Pro is not slight, but the difference between these two laptops justifies the price difference. We recommend buying a MacBook with at least 16GB of RAM for programming.

Is MacBook Air more powerful or MacBook Pro?

The difference between MacBook Air and Pro is evident in processing power, provided you compare MacBook Air with 2021 MacBook Pros. The 2022 MacBooks (Pro and Air) have the same processor, and their processing power is somewhat similar. Of course, MacBook Pro 2022 uses a more powerful graphics unit.

Apple does not offer any configuration of the MacBook Air with the powerful M1 Pro and M1 Max processors. In general, the MacBook Pro is a more powerful laptop than the MacBook Air, but don’t forget that the MacBook Air has a more robust performance than most Windows laptops on the market, thanks to the M2 processor.

MacBook Air performs general processing quickly, has no problem opening heavy applications such as Photoshop and generally provides a smooth user experience.

If you are looking for a beast without horns, you should go for the 2021 MacBook Pro, especially the 16-inch model. This laptop uses the M1 Max processor and 64 GB of RAM in its most powerful configuration. Such a laptop does all the heavy processing, like drinking water.

Price comparison of MacBook Air and MacBook Pro

MacBook Pro series laptops are generally more expensive than MacBook Air because they have more power. Secondly, their internal structure is slightly different due to the use of a fan. MacBook Pros often have a better display.

When writing this article, new MacBooks can be purchased at a price of about 45 million Tomans. The latest 2022 laptops are the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro M2, which carry a price tag of $1,199 and $1,299, respectively, in the base configuration. Of course, we do not recommend preparing the basic design due to using a not-very-fast SSD.

The price of the MacBook Pro 14-inch 2021 in the basic configuration is $1,999, and you can buy this laptop in Iran for about 65 million tomans. More robust arrangements cross the border of 100 million tomans.

Apple MacBooks are expensive laptops, but they are worth buying. A MacBook is the best choice in most scenarios if you use a computer professionally and for income.

Comparing the screen size of MacBook Air and Pro

The difference between MacBook Air and Pro is significant in terms of display. The 2021 MacBook Pros are the first Apple laptops (and the first in the Mac family in general) to use a 120Hz display. ProMotion technology, previously used in the iPad and iPhone, has now made its way to the MacBook. The 120 Hz display of MacBook Pro 14 and 16 inches 2021 offers a pleasant experience to the user.

Apple’s two high-end 2021 laptops are the first MacBooks on the market with mini LED displays (other Apple MacBooks use LCD panels). Mini LED panels have many more LEDs than LCD panels, which means that the screen has more exposure areas. LCD panels are equipped with LED backlights; however, mini LED panels use smaller lights of 0.2 mm, as the name suggests.

2021 MacBook Pros have an exceptional display

Since there are more LED lights and exposure areas in mini LED displays, these panels display blacker and brighter colors and generally have better contrast. Mini LED displays have a performance close to OLED in terms of deep black color display and HDR presentation, but they do not face problems such as an internal burn.

Except for the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro, the rest of Apple’s laptops use LCD screens. The 2020 and 2022 MacBook Pros have a 13.3-inch display. The MacBook Air 2020 also uses a screen with the exact dimensions, but the MacBook Air 2022 is equipped with a 13.6-inch screen thanks to the reduction of the bezels. Despite following the design language of the 2021 MacBook Pros, the MacBook Air 2022 uses an LCD.

The 2021 MacBook Pros have a very high resolution, and their display has a 16:10 ratio, meaning it holds more screen content. If you’re looking for a MacBook that offers the best visual experience, the 2021 14-inch and 16-inch models are the best.

The difference between battery life and charging of Macbook Pro and Air

In 2020, Apple significantly improved the charging performance of its laptops by migrating to M series processors and saying goodbye to Intel processors. The MacBook Air M1 lasted nearly 15 hours in tests. The MacBook Pro M1 charged almost 17 hours of Zoomit’s tests, which was remarkable.

The MacBook Air M2 and MacBook Pro M2 lasted about 14 and 26 hours in the Zoomit tests. The 26-hour charging time of the MacBook Pro M2 is impressive. The MacBook Pro 14-inch 2021 played about 18 hours of video in Zoomit’s tests. The 16-inch MacBook Pro has not yet reached Zoomit. However, experts say this laptop also has an excellent charging capacity.

In the field of charging, the MacBook Pro M2 is the best current Apple laptop. The 18-hour charging time of the MacBook Pro 2021 is impressive, considering that this laptop has a 120 Hz display. Of course, other products of this company charge well, and you can use them for a full working day.

Weaknesses and strengths of the MacBook Pro

MacBook Pros made by Apple are at the highest market level in design and build quality. Apple MacBook Pro has a solid and durable aluminum body. Unlike many laptops, the MacBook Pro’s body snaps into place with firm pressure, and the laptop’s lid has almost no movement. Opening the MacBook with one hand without the need to hold the bottom shows off the quality of the product’s hinge.

The notch-based design may feel strange to the user when first encountering the MacBook, but like the iPhone notch, you can get used to the MacBook Pro notch after a short while.

MacBook Pro has a compelling speaker and offers an exciting listening experience. Apple has overcome its keyboard woes, and it feels satisfying to type on the MacBook Pro’s keyboard. A fingerprint sensor makes entering the laptop more accessible and faster. Taking into account the MacBook Pro 13-inch 2022, Apple has also abandoned the Touch Bar, which is good news. The MacBook trackpad works very well with haptic feedback, and its large dimensions make it easier to work with.

MacBook Pro challenges the best on the market.

Apple’s MacBook Pro is equipped with a high-quality display, and this statement is especially true for the 2021 models. The bright, fluid, and lively collection of the MacBook Pro, which is based on mini LED technology, has an excellent viewing angle and covers a wide range of colors.

Another strength of the MacBook Pro is its processing power. M series chips, while low-power, have a lot of energy and make it possible to do heavy work. The MacBook Pro also offers excellent charging.

One of the MacBook Pro’s weaknesses is that it is impossible to upgrade laptop parts. The MacBook Pro uses a system-on-a-chip, with RAM and storage attached to the main chip. In this way, the user cannot upgrade the components.

The MacBook Pro in 2021 is equipped with more ports, but the low port variety of Apple laptops is somewhat annoying. Also, the high price of the MacBook Pro makes it impossible for everyone to get this laptop.

Weaknesses and strengths of MacBook Air

A high-quality body is an integral part of the MacBook. Like the MacBook Pro, the MacBook Air uses an eye-catching body whose parts are assembled precisely. Touching the aluminum body of the MacBook Air conveys an excellent feeling to the user. The low weight of the MacBook Air makes it easy to carry this laptop.

The large and accurate trackpad and the use of a high-quality keyboard are among the other strengths of the MacBook Air. Like the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air laptops use fingerprint sensors and offer good charging performance.

Despite having an LCD panel, the MacBook Air is also attractive in terms of the visual experience of a laptop. The colors on the MacBook Air display have acceptable accuracy. The resolution of 1,600 x 2,560 pixels is excellent for a 13-inch display. MacBook Air, like MacBook Pro, by default, has many practical applications, such as iMovie, which is helpful for video editing.

The new generation MacBook Air is available at a base price of $1,199. The $1,199 makes it an expensive notebook, especially in the Iranian market. This laptop is more focused on general users and students.

The impossibility of upgrading RAM and other parts is also one of the weaknesses of MacBook Air. Despite this laptop’s upgrade to the new generation, the webcam still does not have an excellent performance. Also, due to the lack of a fan, the MacBook Air creates a bottleneck for the processor earlier than the MacBook Pro and is unsuitable for heavy tasks.

Common Questions

What is the difference between MacBook Air and Pro?

The difference between MacBook Air and Pro comes down to design, price, processing power, and hardware.

Which is the best Apple MacBook laptop?

Each series of Apple MacBooks is specific to a specific group of users. MacBook Air is more beneficial for everyday work, and MacBook Pro is for professional work and heavy processing.

What is the price of a MacBook Air and Pro in Iran?

The price of the MacBook Air M2 and Apple MacBook Pro are different in different configurations, but it starts from around 45 to 50 million Tomans.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the MacBook Air and Pro?

The MacBook Air and Pro are great laptops because of their attractive design and great power, but there is no option to upgrade parts. One of the weaknesses of the MacBook Air is the lack of a fan.