13-Inch MacBook Air Models Now Have 8GB RAM Standard

In addition to releasing the next-generation 12-inch MacBook with faster specs and a Rose Gold color option, Apple has announced that its two 13-inch MacBook Air configurations now ship with 8GB of RAM as a standard option starting today.

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13-inch MacBook Air models previously had 4GB of RAM for stock configurations, with 8GB of RAM available as an upgrade option for built-to-order models. 11-inch MacBook Air models continue to have 4GB of RAM for base configurations.

Apple did not make any other changes to the MacBook Air lineup, which is awkwardly positioned between the ultra-thin 12-inch MacBook and the MacBook Pro. In fact, there is some speculation that the MacBook Air might eventually be discontinued, but for now it lives on with older Broadwell processors and no Retina display.

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Top Rated Comments

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Jimmy James

33 months ago

Finally. It's 2012 already.

Rating: 16 Votes

Brad9893

33 months ago

4GB of RAM felt outdated to me in 2011. Shame on Apple for still selling premium, high-end computers with 4GB of RAM until 2016. Good grief...

Rating: 11 Votes

Razeus

33 months ago

Still has little life in it left? Still can't believe they were only putting 4GB in these things. I know Apple is always behind the technology curve when it comes to laptops, but come on. It's about time.

Rating: 8 Votes

dumbclub

33 months ago

Shouldn't the 8GB be either standard or an option?
I don't see how it can be a "standard option"?

Rating: 6 Votes

kyykesko

33 months ago

There's nothing awkward about Macbook Air. It's the only usable thin cheap Macbook around. The other options are a machine with more ports and more power and in the other end the ultrathin small useless toy people want to buy to show they have so much money they can afford to buy a computer you can't use for anything useful. At least Air still has a proper keyboard.

Rating: 6 Votes

duaneu

33 months ago

My MBP doesn't have a touch screen or finger print scanner, but it doesn't feel behind to me. I have a Surface as well, but a FP scanner isn't necessary, it's just a bell/whistle.

I would love Touch ID on a Mac.

Rating: 6 Votes

Glassed Silver

33 months ago

They did, its called the Macbook

Hmm, amazing.
So when I moan about the MacBook being underpowered, I'll be referred to the MacBook Air.
Then I look into this thread "ready to complain" here (wasn't going to, but let's just assume I was) and I get sent back to MacBook.

Alternatively, if I want "an Apple laptop that's fit for my needs" asking for the MBA format with Retina and reasonable 2016-times specs I'll be referred to buying a product that carries the "Pro" tag, even though I may not even want to buy a Pro device.
Then again, we all know "Pro" has little meaning anymore at Apple, so there's that.

Oh and whatever I end up choosing, I'm supposed to just pony up the dough or shut up I guess...

I do remember when Apple offered reasonable specs and great consumer laptops at reasonable prices.
Reasonable accounting for "the Apple tax" of course which always seemed justified considering the build quality.
However, the newer the models, the weaker the quality actually is and the higher the premiums are for configuring your device.
RAM has always been expensive to buy from Apple, but the CPU upgrades and similar things were reasonably priced.

My iMac 27" from '11 is equipped with a Core i7 CPU which has been an ~€100 upgrade option.
That's REASONABLE. Not a bargain, but I paid that happily knowing what I get in return.

Let's look at today's i7 upgrade price:

Are you having a laugh, Apple?

Glassed Silver:mac

Rating: 5 Votes

mbh1976

33 months ago

They should've put a Retina display on the Air.

They did, its called the Macbook

Rating: 4 Votes

keysofanxiety

33 months ago

If anybody's interested, I just confirmed with an Apple advisor that there's no BTO to 16GB - just 8GB standard. Not that I expected otherwise, but the info's there if you neeed it.

Rating: 4 Votes

Mr. Dee

33 months ago

Not the darling anymore. This might the last year it gets upgrade. Its a future of while supplies last. Apple will probably carry this model for the next 3 years as the budge configuration. The MacBook Retina is too limited for today, it will of course be the future, I need to connect more stuff to my computer and an adapter defeats the purpose.

Rating: 2 Votes

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