The Apple-silicon Air line begins with M1 (2020), followed by the 13-inch M2 (2022), 15-inch M2 (2023), M3 (2024), M4 (2025) and M5 (2026). Apple's list contains no separate 2021 Air. Check the name and introduction year in the official MacBook Air directory; the purchase date can be later.
In this guide
Identify it before choosing a part
- M1: 2020
- M2: 13-inch in 2022 and 15-inch in 2023
- M3: 13- and 15-inch in 2024
- M4: 13- and 15-inch in 2025
- M5: 13- and 15-inch in 2026
“M-series MacBook Air” is not enough to select a display, battery, case or keyboard. Send the complete About This Mac name and the serial number privately. If it will not start, the serial on the case or original box can help identify it. Even two models with the same screen size can have different identifiers and parts.
Before testing: when to stop
If the battery is swollen, the screen is lifting, one area becomes unusually hot or there are signs of liquid, do not charge or keep trying to power on. Turn the device off if you can do so safely and arrange an inspection. Do not press a lifted screen or touch loose glass.
What changes from M1 to M2, M3, M4 and M5
- M1 appears only as a 13-inch model in this family. It charges through either of its two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports and supports one external display.
- The M2 generation includes a 13-inch and then a 15-inch model and adds MagSafe 3. Its Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports still accept charging and DisplayPort; Apple lists one external display.
- M3 comes in 13- and 15-inch sizes. It can run two external displays only with the lid closed and Apple’s requirements met; opening the lid disconnects the second display.
- M4 and M5 come in 13- and 15-inch sizes and can run up to two external displays alongside the built-in display. That changes what counts as a normal result during a display test.
Apple sources for these distinctions: Air M1 specifications, Air M2 specifications, dual displays on M3, and M4 and M5 display limits.
Charging, battery and startup
Start with a suitable adapter and cable, a known-good outlet and no hubs. Disconnect accessories and hold Power/Touch ID for about 10 seconds. Apple silicon has no manual SMC reset, as Apple's no-power instructions explain. For intermittent charging, test the source, cable, ports, battery and board separately; do not assume the battery is automatically at fault.
Display, keyboard, heat and liquid
- For a black screen, note sound, trackpad response and external-monitor output; each is a diagnostic clue.
- For keys or trackpad, record whether the fault is constant, limited to certain keys or followed liquid exposure.
- Heat is assessed with active processes, sensors and internal condition; temperature alone does not prove a board fault.
- After liquid: shut down, unplug, and do not use a charger, rice or heat. Do not keep attempting startup.
On a stable Mac, Apple Diagnostics starts by holding Power for startup options, then Command-D.
Put data before intervention
Back up before service when the Mac is safe to use. If it has no power or was wet, state that the files are the priority. Do not erase or reinstall macOS before a data assessment. We do not promise a universal SSD upgrade or swap on these platforms; the available route depends on the exact architecture and condition of the logic board.
Diagnosis and options in Bucharest
For the Air M5 and other recent generations, model and part confirmation must come before an estimate. Start by sending the model and problem on WhatsApp using the button below. Inspection and any further tests help identify the cause. We confirm the part option, price and timing before you approve the repair. NEXX GSM is an independent workshop, not an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Workshop details: MacBook repair in Bucharest.
Still having the problem?
Tell us the model and what you have tried. We will continue from the issue in this guide.
A draft opens for you to complete before sending. Do not send passwords or device passcodes.
Repairs in Bucharest, Sector 4 · Calea Șerban Vodă 43. Cost and timing are confirmed after inspection, before repair.
FAQ3
Is there a 2021 MacBook Air in this family?
Not as a separate model introduced in 2021. Apple lists the M1 Air from 2020 and then the M2 Air from 2022.
Do you reset the SMC on Air M1–M5?
No manual SMC reset exists on Apple-silicon Macs. Their shutdown and startup steps differ from Intel.
Can you price a repair from “Air M3” alone?
We also need the size, exact model/year, symptom and inspection. The part, price and timing are confirmed before work.