The anticipation for the M3 MacBook Air has been building since Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman hinted at its release. Initially expected in the fall of 2023, Apple surprised the market by pushing the release to 2024. This aligns with Apple’s update schedule, which often sees new versions of the MacBook Air and Pro models in the fall. The exact release date remains a topic of speculation, but most predictions point towards a spring or summer launch in 2024.
M3 MacBook Air: Price
The price of the M3 MacBook Air is expected to reflect Apple’s trend of maintaining competitive pricing, despite market changes. The M2 MacBook Air, launched in June 2023, saw a price increase due to exchange rate fluctuations, especially in the U.K. market. Consumers can anticipate a slight increase from the M2’s price point, factoring in the new features and inflation rates.
M3 MacBook Air: Design
When Apple unveiled the M2 13-inch MacBook Air, it marked the model’s first major redesign. This update saw the removal of the iconic tapered design, replacing it with a more conventional style akin to the 14-inch MacBook Pro.
Given that this new design has only been featured in one iteration of the MacBook Air so far, it’s unlikely that Apple will introduce significant changes in the M3 version. This is not necessarily a drawback, as the current design is already among the most compact and lightweight options available:
- The 15-inch MacBook Air M2 measures 13.40 x 9.35 x 0.45 inches (34.04 x 23.76 x 1.15 cm) and weighs 2.8 pounds (1.51 kg).
- The 13-inch MacBook Air M2 is sized at 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches (30.41 x 21.5 x 1.13 cm) and tips the scale at 2.7 pounds (1.24 kg).
- The 13-inch MacBook Air M1, with its varied thickness, measures 11.97 x 8.36 x 0.16-0.63 inches (30.41 x 21.24 x 0.41-1.61 cm) and weighs 2.8 pounds (1.29 kg).
M3 MacBook Air: Display
The M3 MacBook Air is expected to retain the same display features as the M2 model. The 13-inch version uses a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2560 by 1664 pixels, offering a maximum brightness of 500 nits, P3 color support, and True Tone technology. This is an improvement over the 13.3-inch Retina displays of the M1 13-inch MacBook Air and the 13-inch MacBook Pro, which have resolutions of 2560 by 1600 pixels. The M1 Air’s display has a brightness of 400 nits, compared to the 13-inch Pro’s 500 nits.
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However, advancements may be on the horizon with new mini-LED technology. These LEDs, brighter yet more power-efficient at current brightness levels, are rumored by DigiTimes to be incorporated into the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. It’s conceivable that Apple might also integrate this technology into the upcoming MacBook Air models.
Additionally, the M3 MacBook Air is likely to maintain the display notch at the top for its 1080p FaceTime camera, which doesn’t affect the 16:10 aspect ratio of the usable screen space.
For external display connectivity, the M3 MacBook Air uses its Thunderbolt ports. The device can support one external display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz. If more displays are needed, users can explore third-party hardware and software solutions for additional connectivity options.
M3 MacBook Air: Colors
Apple has been experimenting with colors in recent years. The M3 MacBook Air is expected to come in various hues, including Midnight, Silver, Space Gray, and Starlight, offering a range of options to suit personal tastes.
M3 MacBook Air: Specs
The M3 chip, following the success of the M2, will likely feature an 8-core CPU and GPU, with options to upgrade. Built on a 3nm process, it promises enhanced performance and efficiency. The MacBook Air might offer up to 48GB of unified memory, a significant leap from previous models.
M3 MacBook Air: Battery and Charging
The current M2 13-inch MacBook Air features a 52.6-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery, while its 15-inch counterpart boasts a 66.5-watt-hour battery. It’s anticipated that the forthcoming M3 models will maintain similar battery capacities.
However, the M3 chip is expected to enhance power efficiency compared to the M2, potentially leading to longer battery life. Apple’s present estimation for the Air’s battery life includes “up to 18 hours of Apple TV app movie playback” and “up to 15 hours of wireless web usage.” These figures could see an increase with the introduction of the M3 Air.
In terms of charging, the options available for the current Air models are likely to continue. The M2 13-inch MacBook Air priced at $1,099/£1,149 comes with a standard 30W USB-C Power Adapter. The higher-end model, costing $1,399/£1,449, includes a 35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power Adapter, allowing simultaneous charging of two devices. Both models are equipped with a USB-C to MagSafe 3 power cable. Additionally, the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models are compatible with fast charging, using a 70W USB-C Power Adapter or other top-rated MacBook Air chargers.