Apple’s New MacBook Air Models Drive Excitement Among Tech Enthusiasts
March 5, 2024
Apple has recently unveiled its latest lineup of MacBook Air models equipped with the powerful M3 chip. As the successors of the highly popular MacBook Air range, these newly launched 13-inch and 15-inch laptops offer improved speed and enhanced performance. However, consumers should be aware of an even more enticing offer lurking in the shadows of the Apple Store.
Both the 13-inch and 15-inch models retain much of the similar specifications, with slight variations in GPU cores, RAM size, and storage options. Users can choose between an 8-core or 10-core GPU, and opt for 8 GB, 16 GB, or 24 GB of RAM, alongside storage choices ranging from 256 GB up to 2 TB.
One of the standout features of these new laptops is the integration of the Apple Silicon M3 chipset, offering an impressive performance boost of up to 21 percent compared to their predecessor, the M2 chipset.
Greater Flexibility with Dual Display Support
In a recent update, Apple has delighted consumers by unveiling a highly-requested feature for the M3 MacBook Air models. Users can now enjoy the ability to simultaneously connect and drive two external displays, or use the laptop display in combination with an external monitor even when the laptop is closed. This added functionality significantly enhances productivity, especially for professionals who prefer using external displays, keyboards, and mice to expand their workspace.
This feature is baked directly into the Apple Silicon hardware and can be utilized not only by the new M3 MacBook Air models but also by the M3 MacBook Pro. Additionally, a future update of macOS Sonoma 14.4, currently in testing, will unlock this feature for all supported M3 MacBook laptops.
Apple continues its tradition of supporting older hardware, ensuring a modern user experience across its product range. Nevertheless, not all cases allow for full feature support. Although the M2 MacBook Air is already a powerful machine for the average consumer, the added built-in dual display capability of the M3 MacBook Air sets it apart from its predecessor.
An Expanding Lineup with an Exceptional Offer
With the introduction of the M3 MacBook Air models, Apple has made room for the more expensive options within its product portfolio. As a result, the highly acclaimed M2 MacBook Air is now offered at an attractively new price point, making it available for the first time at $999.
Switching from an M2 to an M3 MacBook Air reflects minor differences in specifications. While the M3 version provides a 20 percent boost in power and performance, it may not be necessary for the average consumer who is already more than satisfied with the M2 MacBook Air. Choosing the M3 MacBook Air would only be justifiable for those craving the absolute best, who might consider the higher-end MacBook Pro models featuring the superior (yet more expensive) M3 Pro and M3 Max chipsets.
It is, therefore, crucial to determine the actual need for a $100 upgrade offering a relatively small improvement. Apple, however, surely aims to upsell its customers visiting the Apple Stores to the new M3 MacBook Air models. Still, for individuals on a budget during these uncertain times, the M2 MacBook Air at $999 provides an excellent and cost-effective alternative.
To learn more about Apple’s visionary design process and how Jony Ive aimed to revolutionize the MacBook lineup, read our captivating article on Forbes.
Disclaimer: This article has been written independently and the opinions expressed within are those of the author and not the publication.
About the Author
Ewan Spence is a renowned technology enthusiast known for his expertise in all things mobile and online media. With over a decade of experience in this ever-evolving industry, Ewan has worked with numerous publishers, media companies, and renowned publications to shed light on the impact of technology on the public and existing businesses.
Ewan Spence is a leading figure in the podcasting and new media scene and achieved a British Academy (BAFTA) nomination for his extensive coverage of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. He has made significant contributions to various media outlets, including Radio 5 Live and the BBC World Service. Connect with Ewan on Twitter and LinkedIn or visit his website for more insightful content.
