Apple Launches New M3 MacBook Air Laptops
Photo: Apple
Both 13-inch and 15-inch models are going to be available, as was the case with the previous M2 chip versions. The M3 chip, fabricated with an advanced 3-nanometer process, features an 8-core CPU that promises up to 60% faster performance compared to the M1 models and 13X faster than older Intel Macs. The built-in GPU also starts at an 8-core version, with a 10-core upgrade available, and now supports Hardware-accelerated ray tracing.
Apple says these news systems have up to 18 hours of battery life, same as the previous models, and I've always found MacBooks to offer excellent overall battery life. Wi-Fi gets an upgrade, with support for Wi-Fi 6E vs. Wi-Fi 6 in the M2 MacBook Air, and the MacBook Air can now drive two external displays via its Thunderbolt ports, instead of just one.
The exterior design is the same as the previous gen, constructed from a unibody aluminum chassis with the same full HD webcam and MagSafe power connection as the previous models. The MacBook Air is available in four colors -- midnight, starlight, space gray, and silver. Personally, I have the 13-inch M2 MacBook Air in midnight and the 15-inch M2 Air in starlight, and both look great, although I love the dark midnight color the best. Apple says the new midnight version features, "a breakthrough anodization seal to reduce fingerprints."
Photo: Apple
The default 13-inch MacBook Air includes the following specs:
CPU: 8-Core M3
GPU: 8-core M3
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB
Display: 13.6-inch, 2,560x1,664 Liquid Retina display
Connections: Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports, Audio jack
The default 15-inch includes the following specs:
CPU: 8-Core M3
GPU: 10-core M3
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB
Display: 15.3-inch, 2,880x1,864 Liquid Retina display
Connections: Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports, Audio jack
These new capabilities, coupled with macOS features and the ability to seamlessly integrate within the larger Apple ecosystem, should see the new MacBook Air positioned as a top choice for consumers seeking a blend of performance and portability. Whether for students, professionals, content creators, or everyday users, I have no doubt the new MacBook Air models with the M3 chip will be popular when they go on sale starting March 8.
- See the 13-inch M2 MacBook Air at Micro Center
- See the 15-inch M2 MacBook Air at Micro Center
- See top new laptops at Micro Center
- See top new desktops at Micro Center
- See top new GPUs at Micro Center
- See top new CPUs at Micro Center
