Apple indeed released new Mac Book Airs yesterday.  They feature significantly improved M2 processors.   If you are shopping for a new Mac Book Air — these would be the ones to get.  However, even Apple customers cannot avoid inflation.    The prices have gone up to $1199 for the 256 GB hard drive model and $1499 for the 512 GB model (up from $999 and 1249 previously).  The larger hard drive model is most appropriate if there are a lot of photos and music involved.  There is also a 1 TB offering for an additional cost.

Apple is still going to sell the M1 Mac Book Air in 256 GB as a starter model for $999, however now that this model is 1.5 years old — that will mean a 1.5 year shorter lifespan with software updates.  I would only recommend this one if a client absolutely needed to save that $200.   M2 Mac Book Air should be the first choice.