Apple discontinues Intel-based MacBook Air, other models still available with Intel chips

With its new M1 laptop chip and related hardware updates to the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and Mac mini, Apple has now stopped selling MacBook Air configurations with Intel processors in order to focus exclusively on the new models that are powered by the M1 chip. As for the Mac mini and MacBook Pro, some Intel-based configurations continue to be offered by Apple.

The baseline $999 MacBook Air model and its souped-up $1,249 configuration exclusively use the M1 chip. Older models with Intel chips may be offered by resellers while supplies last.

The M1-powered 13-inch MacBook Pro also comes in two configurations: the baseline $1,299 model and the more powerful $1,499 edition. But scroll down on the Buy MacBook Pro page and you’ll also find two previous-generation Intel configurations: the $1,799 and $1,999 models.

The same goes for the Mac mini. You get two M1 configurations: the entry-level $699 model and the higher-end $899 one. In addition, Apple’s kept the $1,099 Intel-based model on sale.

For those who haven’t been paying attention, the M1 Mac mini is also a $100 cheaper.

Apple has probably decided to continue offering these Intel configurations because the inaugural version of the M1 chip maxes out at sixteen gigabytes of RAM while built-to-order Intel configurations allow you to boost the RAM beyond sixteen gigabytes, up to 64GB of RAM on some models. For instance, the 16-inch MacBook Pro wasn’t updated yesterday and continues to use Intel chips while offering the choice between 16, 32 or 64GB of RAM.

Also, additional storage upgrades are available with Intel configurations.