[2] Since then, the original MacBook's discontinuation in 2011, and lowered prices on subsequent iterations, made the Air Apple's entry-level notebook.

[3] The MacBook Air was introduced in January 2008 with a 13.3-inch screen, and was promoted as the world's thinnest notebook, opening a laptop category known as the ultrabook family.

[9] It also featured an anti-glare LED backlit display, a full-size keyboard, and a large trackpad that responded to multi-touch gestures such as pinching, swiping, and rotating.

The software does not allow playing video DVDs or audio CDs, or installing Windows:[14] for these capabilities, an external USB drive is required.

The MacBook Air contains no BFRs and PVC wiring, meets Energy Star 5.0 requirements, has a recyclable enclosure, and is rated EPEAT Gold.

[6][22] On its introduction, the MacBook Air received mixed reviews which praised its portability, but criticized the compromises it made in terms of features.

[23][24][25] The full-sized keyboard, lightness, thinness, and Multi-Touch trackpad were appreciated in reviews, while the limited configuration options and ports, slow speed, non-user-replaceable battery, small hard drive, and price were criticized.

[23][24] The flip-down hatch on the side of the original MacBook Air was a tight fit for some headphone plugs and USB devices, requiring users to purchase an extension cable.

On October 20, 2010, Apple released a redesigned 13.3-inch model with a tapered enclosure, higher screen resolution, improved battery, a second USB port, stereo speakers, and standard solid state storage.

On June 11, 2012, Apple updated the line with Intel Ivy Bridge dual-core Core i5 and i7 processors, HD Graphics 4000, faster memory and flash storage speeds, USB 3.0, an upgraded 720p FaceTime camera, and a thinner MagSafe 2 charging port.

The flash memory is difficult to access and has a 128 MB cache[43] and a mSATA connection (updated to a proprietary PCIe interface) to the motherboard.

[47][48] The 11-inch MacBook Air carried the desirable essential attributes of a netbook, but without the drawbacks of a slower processor and less capable operating system,[49] albeit at a higher price.

[50][51][52][53][54] At the low end, Apple introduced the iPad—a different form factor than the netbook, but with improved computing capabilities and lower production cost.

[55] Capitalizing on the success of the MacBook Air,[56] Intel promoted ultrabooks as a new high-mobility standard, which has been hailed by some analysts as succeeding where netbooks failed.

[57][58][59] Intel developed a set of specifications for the ultrabook, a higher-end type of subnotebook produced by various PC manufacturers and usually running Windows.

Competing directly with the Air, ultrabooks are intended to reduce size and weight, and extend battery life without compromising performance.

[68] Forrester Research analyst Frank Gillett attributes Apple's increased success in the enterprise market to the 2010 MacBook Air and the iPad.

[63] Microsoft's Surface Pro 2 has a similar size and price to the 11-inch MacBook Air;[70][71] Apple CEO Tim Cook has criticized the Surface Pro and other ultrabook hybrids running the touch-based Windows 8, that attempt to combine PC and tablet functionality in one device, saying that such devices were confusing like trying to "combine a fridge and a toaster".

[77] As of 2013, several ultrabooks such as the Sony VAIO Pro have managed smaller dimensions than the MacBook Air by using carbon fiber construction.

[98] Apple released updated models in July 2019 with True Tone display technology using the same components as the Mid 2019 MacBook Pro.

[104] Apple repair expert Louis Rossmann has criticised the Retina MacBook Air's hardware layout, noting that the fan's position makes it sub-optimal for cooling and can lead to overheating-related issues.