The first Apple Silicon MacBook Air M1 is five, and it really did change everything

Five years ago, Apple launched the first MacBook Air with its custom M1 chip, marking a revolutionary shift from Intel processors to Apple Silicon. The M1 delivered unprecedented performance and battery life up to 17-20 hours, transforming MacBooks into computing powerhouses that outpaced Intel Core i7 systems. Apple's successful transition included comprehensive app compatibility and developer support, completing the full Mac lineup switch by 2023. This breakthrough changed the laptop industry and forced competitors like Windows and Qualcomm to catch up years later.