Without telling anyone, Apple is now shipping Macbook Air M2 taking advantage of a minimal novelty, certainly, but not negligible either. The latest versions of the device indeed adopt the Bluetooth 5.3 standard… instead of the 5.0 offered with the original model.
Did you buy a MacBook Air M2 when it launched? Well, not content with having paid full price for it (1,499 euros minimum against 1,299 euros currently), you have also inherited dated Bluetooth connectivity… and now replaced. We actually learn from Neowin that Apple is now shipping 13-inch MacBook Air M2s equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 versus 5.0 so far.
A (small) logical upgrade…
This decision to upgrade the version of the Bluetooth standard supported by the MacBook Air M2 13, however, is of implacable logic. Apple is actually just upgrading its 13.6-inch model to the 15.3-inch model announced at the last WWDC, which we tested recently. The latter is indeed equipped with the Bluetooth 5.3 standard.
Note that this change is imperceptible for the majority of users. For advanced users, however, the contribution of Bluetooth 5.3 is not completely trivial. It brings together a bunch of features (which can be viewed in full here) that Bluetooth 5.0 did not offer. Among these novelties:
- The Subrating connection;
- Improved periodic advertising (via Bluetooth LE);
- Improved encryption key size control;
- Improved channel classification;
- The removal of the AMP (Alternate MAC and PHY) extension.
Bluetooth 5.3 already outdated?
It should be pointed out, however, that Bluetooth is no longer the very latest version of the Bluetooth standard, a version 5.4 having been introduced earlier this year. At present, however, it remains uncommon on the market and compatible devices are quite few at this stage.
Let’s also remember that another new feature has been added to the MacBook Air M2 13… or rather to its control options. When purchasing from the Apple Store, it is indeed possible to opt now for a 70-watt USB-C charger for 20 euros more. Also offered as an option with the MacBook Air 15, this charger mainly allows you to take advantage of fast charging.
Source : Neowin
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