New MacBook Air and MacBook Pro Still Have 720p Camera, But Apple Promises Better Quality From M1

During today's event where Apple unveiled the new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models, there was a mention of a new image signal processor for the camera, which brings some improvements to camera quality.

apple m1 macbook air camera 720p
Apple did not, however, add new camera hardware to the two machines, and the technical specifications pages continue to list the same 720p camera used in prior-generation models.

Camera quality, especially in the ‌MacBook Air‌, has been something that Mac owners have complained about for years now. Apple has gone through many generations of the ‌MacBook Air‌ without adding any new camera hardware.

Apple says the M1 chip improves MacBook camera quality with better noise reduction, greater dynamic range, improved auto white balance, and ML-enhanced face detection so users "look their best during video calls," but we'll need to wait to see the camera tested out to see if there's a notable difference between this model and the prior model.

Related Roundup: MacBook Air
Related Forums: MacBook Pro, MacBook Air

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Top Rated Comments

ItchyRat2160 Avatar
61 months ago
Jeeesssssssssssuuuusssss christ. They're really going to phone it in for this first round, aren't they?
Score: 60 Votes (Like | Disagree)
fromgophonetoiphone Avatar
61 months ago
The 720p webcam today is laughable, although the # of people who struggle with internet connectivity to reliably stream 720p video is also shockingly high.
Score: 46 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Lounge vibes 05 Avatar
61 months ago
These first generation apple powered MacBooks really seem like they were rushed out the door.
The mid to late 2021 MacBook pros are rumored to stretch that screen from 13.3 to 14.1“, use mini LED instead of LCD, possibly include face ID, and have a 12 core model on the higher end.
those sound like the ones to buy.
Score: 32 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jayducharme Avatar
61 months ago
How much more would a 1080p camera have cost them? Don't they have any iPhone 5 or 6 cameras that they could have used instead? If they're touting this as a good alternative during the pandemic, the least they could do is put a decent camera in it.
Score: 32 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Johnny907 Avatar
61 months ago
Oh good, so we'll look like a machine processed potato? Looks like the external webcam gets to remain part of my travel kit.
Score: 29 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Dydegu Avatar
61 months ago
This is wild. I thought for sure the Pro would have a 1080p webcam. Hopefully the new 16" next year will have one.
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)