Intel Shipping New 1.7GHz-1.8GHz MacBook Air-Class Processors - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Intel Shipping New 1.7GHz-1.8GHz MacBook Air-Class Processors

094654 mba

CNet reports that Intel has added new MacBook Air-class processors to their price list yesterday.

The processors, which appeared Sunday on Intel's updated processor price list, are faster than current power-efficient Sandy Bridge chips used in skinny laptops such as the Samsung Series 9.

Apple is expected to use this type of Intel chip in its upcoming MacBook Air refresh. The Air, to date, has used older-generation Intel Core 2 Duo chips.

We previously covered the rumors about these new processors which could be used in Apple's upcoming MacBook Air. The specs for the new chips are listed here:

• Core i7-2677M: 2 cores, 1.8GHz (turbos to 2.9GHz), 4MB cache, 17 watts, $317
• Core i7-2637M: 2 cores, 1.7GHz (turbos to 2.8GHz), 4MB cache, 17 watts, $289
• Core i5-2557M: 2 cores, 1.7GHz (turbos to 2.7GHz), 3MB cache, 17 watts, $250

The new MacBook Air is rumored to launch in June or July, but Apple may be holding its release for OS X Lion to ship.

Related Roundup: MacBook Air
Buyer's Guide: MacBook Air (Neutral)
Related Forum: MacBook Air

Popular Stories

8 CarPlay Features in iOS 27 Feature

Which iOS 27 CarPlay Features Actually Work in Your Car?

Thursday September 17, 2026 4:17 am PDT by
In iOS 27, available now, CarPlay gets its biggest update in years, but some features depend on what type of car you have rather than your iPhone model. Some of the biggest additions won't do anything in the vast majority of vehicles on the road today. Here's how the new features pan out. Works in Any CarPlay Vehicle Custom widgets: In iOS 27, CarPlay is no longer limited to Apple's handful ...
Apple Watch New Charging Puck

Here's Why a New Apple Watch Charging Puck Was Just Released

Wednesday September 16, 2026 8:53 am PDT by
The new Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 have hardware changes that allow for faster charging, but you will need to use the new version of the Apple Watch Magnetic Fast Charger included in the box in order to achieve this boost. If you need extra ones for your own charging stands or travel or so forth, Apple released the new version of the charger on its online store last week, with...
ios272anniversary

iOS 27.2 Could Save Your Marriage

Wednesday September 16, 2026 1:32 pm PDT by
The iOS 27.2 beta that Apple released today adds a feature that reminds you it's your anniversary when you call someone, as long as you've added the date in the Contacts app. On the date of your anniversary, when you go to call the person, you'll see a reminder that it's an important day so you don't forget to say something. The anniversary alert uses Call Context, a feature Apple added in...

Top Rated Comments

awer25 Avatar
199 months ago
How much you wanna bet it won't be a $67 upgrade to go from the lower 1.7GHz chip to the 1.8GHz ;)
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Icaras Avatar
199 months ago
Not really. It's missed sales opportunity. Anyone buying now would get a free upgrade anyway.
Missed opportunity? You mean Apple not making a high profit margin off the current Core 2 Duo MBAs is missed opportunity? :confused:

Seriously, what average consumer walking into your local Apple store even know what a "Sandry Bridge" is? Forum dwellers on the internet dabbling in tech talk is such a tiny minority in the grander scheme of things.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ratzzo Avatar
199 months ago
Excellent! I can see these becoming the most sold Apple laptop over the MBP. They are just amazing.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
42streetsdown Avatar
199 months ago
Maybe a Thunderbolt, but at the expense of one of the USBs of course.

You won't have to trade a USB port for ThunderBolt! ThunderBolt supersedes the mini DisplayPort
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
199 months ago
Man I want one of these Airs.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
199 months ago
Wow these are more powerful than the Sandy Bridge processors?

They are still Sandy Bridge, just newer, and better.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)