New MacBook Air and MacBook Pro Still Have 720p Camera, But Apple Promises Better Quality From M1

During today's event where Apple unveiled the new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models, there was a mention of a new image signal processor for the camera, which brings some improvements to camera quality.

apple m1 macbook air camera 720p
Apple did not, however, add new camera hardware to the two machines, and the technical specifications pages continue to list the same 720p camera used in prior-generation models.

Camera quality, especially in the ‌MacBook Air‌, has been something that Mac owners have complained about for years now. Apple has gone through many generations of the ‌MacBook Air‌ without adding any new camera hardware.

Apple says the M1 chip improves MacBook camera quality with better noise reduction, greater dynamic range, improved auto white balance, and ML-enhanced face detection so users "look their best during video calls," but we'll need to wait to see the camera tested out to see if there's a notable difference between this model and the prior model.

Related Roundup: MacBook Air
Related Forums: MacBook Pro, MacBook Air

Popular Stories

Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra Screen

Apple's CarPlay Ultra to Expand to These Vehicle Brands Later This Year

Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. In his Powe...
Apple Logo Black

Apple's Next Launch is 'Imminent'

Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by
The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models. "All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
We are still waiting for the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to come out, so the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week or two away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

New MacBook Pros Reportedly Launching Alongside macOS 26.3

Sunday February 1, 2026 5:42 am PST by
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips alongside macOS 26.3, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "Apple's faster MacBook Pros are planned for the macOS 26.3 release cycle," wrote Gurman, in his Power On newsletter today. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated for the macOS 26.3 software cycle, which runs from...
iOS 26 Home Feature

Apple Gives Final Warning to Home App Users

Tuesday February 3, 2026 8:55 am PST by
In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching. In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...

Top Rated Comments

ItchyRat2160 Avatar
68 months ago
Jeeesssssssssssuuuusssss christ. They're really going to phone it in for this first round, aren't they?
Score: 60 Votes (Like | Disagree)
fromgophonetoiphone Avatar
68 months ago
The 720p webcam today is laughable, although the # of people who struggle with internet connectivity to reliably stream 720p video is also shockingly high.
Score: 46 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Lounge vibes 05 Avatar
68 months ago
These first generation apple powered MacBooks really seem like they were rushed out the door.
The mid to late 2021 MacBook pros are rumored to stretch that screen from 13.3 to 14.1“, use mini LED instead of LCD, possibly include face ID, and have a 12 core model on the higher end.
those sound like the ones to buy.
Score: 32 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jayducharme Avatar
68 months ago
How much more would a 1080p camera have cost them? Don't they have any iPhone 5 or 6 cameras that they could have used instead? If they're touting this as a good alternative during the pandemic, the least they could do is put a decent camera in it.
Score: 32 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Johnny907 Avatar
68 months ago
Oh good, so we'll look like a machine processed potato? Looks like the external webcam gets to remain part of my travel kit.
Score: 29 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Dydegu Avatar
68 months ago
This is wild. I thought for sure the Pro would have a 1080p webcam. Hopefully the new 16" next year will have one.
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)