Apple Unveils New MacBook Air Laptops with M3 Processor
Apple has just announced the release of its latest generation MacBook Air laptops, featuring the powerful M3 system-on-chip (SoC) processor. These new models come in the same sizes as their predecessors, with options for 13.6 inches and 15.3 inches, and prices starting at $1,099 and $1,299 respectively.
The highlight of Apple’s 2024 MacBook Air laptops is undoubtedly the M3 processor. Built on TSMC’s N3B process, this cutting-edge SoC was initially introduced last year as part of the 2023 MacBook Pro lineup and is now making its way into the MacBook Air family. The M3 boasts four high-performance cores that can reach speeds of up to 4.05 GHz, along with four energy-efficient cores. It also features a 10-core GPU based on the latest graphics architecture, complete with dynamic caching, hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and hardware-accelerated mesh shading. Additionally, the M3 includes a new media engine with hardware-accelerated AV1 decoding.
In terms of specifications, the new MacBook Air models offer various configurations. The M3 supports up to 24 GB of LPDDR5-6400 memory, providing a bandwidth of 100 GB/s. However, entry-level models still come with 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD. More advanced configurations offer 16 GB or 24 GB of memory and up to 2 TB of solid-state storage.
One notable improvement is the ability of the M3 to drive two external 5K displays when the internal display is disabled. This is a new feature for the MacBook Air line and allows for enhanced productivity and multitasking capabilities.
When it comes to performance, Apple claims that the new MacBook Air laptops are between 35% and 60% faster than the 2020 models with the M1 SoC, depending on the workload. However, it’s important to approach these comparisons with caution, as companies often exaggerate their products’ advantages. It’s worth noting that MacBook Airs, due to their lack of active cooling, typically offer slightly lower performance than MacBook Pros with the same processor.
The M3-based MacBook Airs also come with several other enhancements. They now support Wi-Fi 6E, providing faster and more reliable wireless connectivity. The three-microphone array has been upgraded to deliver improved voice clarity, voice isolation, and wide spectrum modes.
In terms of connectivity, the new MacBook Air notebooks feature two Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports, a MagSafe port for charging, a 3.5-mm headphone jack, and a 1080p FaceTime HD camera.
Apple has also paid attention to aesthetics, offering the 2024 MacBook Air in four color options: midnight, starlight, silver, and space gray. The laptops are equipped with a 52.6 Wh battery that provides up to 18 hours of video playback. The 13.6-inch model measures just 0.44 inches (1.13 cm) in thickness and weighs 2.7 pounds (1.24 kilograms), while the 15.3-inch variant is slightly thicker at 0.45 inches (1.15 cm) and weighs 3.3 pounds (1.51 kilograms).
With the introduction of the M3-based MacBook Airs, Apple will be discontinuing the M2-based MacBook Air 15. However, they will continue to offer the M2-based MacBook Air 13 as their entry-level option, with prices starting at $999.
Overall, Apple’s latest MacBook Air laptops with the M3 processor bring significant improvements in performance, display capabilities, and connectivity options. Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, these sleek and powerful machines are sure to enhance your computing experience.