M1 Air, M1 Pro or Wait for M2? How It Played Out
Updated September 2026: in late 2021 I was choosing between the new M1 Pro MacBook Pro, the 2020 M1 MacBook Pro and the 2020 M1 MacBook Air to replace my 2012 MacBook Pro, and wondering whether to wait for M2. I have rewritten it to show how the choice played out.
I had used macOS as my main system for years and planned to stay with Apple. My 2012 MacBook Pro had started giving problems, so I needed to upgrade. The 2021 M1 Pro MacBook Pro was fast, with a mini-LED screen and a notch, and looked future-proof, but it was over my budget. The 2020 M1 MacBook Pro was a little over budget too, performed similarly to the Air, and there were rumours the Touch Bar would be dropped, so buying it felt impractical. The M1 MacBook Air fitted my needs and budget, but with M2 expected soon, buying the older model seemed hard to justify.
When did the M2 MacBook Air arrive?
Apple announced the M2 MacBook Air in June 2022, with a new flat design, a larger display with a notch and MagSafe charging. It also cost more than the M1 Air, which Apple kept selling at the lower price.
Was the Touch Bar rumour right?
Mostly. The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models launched in 2021 had already removed it. A 13-inch MacBook Pro with M2 still kept the Touch Bar in 2022, before that model was eventually replaced.
Was waiting for M2 worth it?
For many buyers, not really. The M2 was faster, but the M1 Air remained cheaper and good enough for everyday work. Waiting made sense mainly for those who wanted the new design.
How should you choose between generations today?
- Memory first: 16 GB matters more than a newer chip for multitasking.
- Price gap: buy the older model if the saving is large.
- Software support: a newer chip is likely to be supported for longer.
- Screen and ports: Pro models add better displays and more ports.
Is a MacBook Pro worth it over an Air?
Only if you need sustained performance, the brighter display or extra ports. For writing, browsing and office work, an Air is enough.
What is the lesson from this decision?
There is always a better chip coming. Buy when your current laptop is holding you back, and choose the model that fits your work and budget now.