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Why Do Old and New Versions Have a Separate Power Button on MacBook Air?

September 15, 2022
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Have you tried turning it on and off again? — Let’s be honest; you’ve probably heard this annoying sentence at least once in your life. Whether your device is frozen or lagging, the first advice you often hear is to reboot it. But as simple as this process is, sometimes the power button can be hard to find, especially on Mac devices. But fear not. In this blog, we’ll be listing down everything. From finding the power button on your MacBook Air to getting it to restart, we have all the tips and tricks you need.

When was The First MacBook Air Released?

On the 15th of January, 2008, the world was introduced to the first-ever MacBook Air. With a 13.3-inch screen surface and a thin yet sleek build, MacBook Air was marketed as the world’s thinnest laptop. However, since then, the line has been discontinued. Still, the popularity of the MacBook Air remains, making it one of the most sought-after laptops out there.

Why Did the Power Button on Macbook Air Change?

With the newer generations of MacBook Air, especially the ones after 2018, there was a massive change in the physical aspect of the notebooks. The keyboard layout changed, and so did the power button on them.

Usually, laptops or notebooks have a very distinct power button located at the top corner of the keyboard. However, in the newer generations, the beloved icon with a half circle and a vertical line on top are no longer there. That’s because Apple wanted to integrate a Touch ID into the latest versions. This allowed the notebooks to look sleeker, with high-security features.

What Does the Power Button on MacBook Air Look Like?

In models released before 2018, the power button on MacBook Air is on the top right-hand corner of the keyboard. You can easily spot it by keeping an eye out for the common power symbol. It sits at the top-most row, beside the F11 and F12 keys.

In the later versions, though, you might find the power icon missing. In its place is a blank touch ID key that acts as an all-in-one button. The best part is that you can easily spot this key since it’s unmarked, especially since it’s in the same place as the previous power button.

What Can The Power Button on Your Macbook Air Do?

Again, it depends on what MacBook Air model you have. If it’s an older generation piece, there’s not much you can do besides the basics. For example, you can use it to turn on your notebook or force restart the device if it acts up. Moreover, you can also use it to put your laptop to sleep when needed.

With a touch ID, however, you can do so much more. It can:

  • Unlock your device
  • Authorize online purchases
  • Offer an additional boost for security
  • Make use of Apple Pay
  • Allow access to third-party apps

What Should I Do If The Power Button on My MacBook Air Doesn’t Work?

Chances are if your MacBook Air won’t turn on, no matter how many times you’ve tried to press the power button, it might need to be repaired. Just like how you repair an iPhone screen, your MacBook Air also requires a cleanup. If repairing it does nothing, it might be time for you to switch to a newer model altogether.

Long Story Short

In conclusion, finding the power button on MacBook Air isn’t that difficult. But it can be a little disorienting, especially if you shift from an older version to a newer one with 0 knowledge beforehand. Nonetheless, if you want to transition to a brand-new version of the MacBook Air, contact Just Mac at (888) 470-5622.

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