It turns out a rumor about Apple announcing new hardware this week was true all along, although only in segments. The company only launched the M3 MacBook Air but missed out on any new iPads.
Apple MacBook Air with M3 is up to 60 percent faster
The new Apple MacBook Air now comes with the base M3 chip in an 8-core CPU setup but can be configured with a 10-core GPU. Apple touts the same 18-hour battery life as the M2 version but claims the new chip is 60 percent faster than the M1 MacBook Air and 13 times faster than the fastest Intel-powered MacBook Air.
There are also enhancements to the use of AI via the faster and more efficient Neural Engine of the chip. Furthermore, the new GPU improves video playback and streaming with the added AV1 video engine on top of superior gaming performance with Game Mode via macOS Sonoma.
Like with the M2 MacBook Air (review) last year, it will be offered in 13- and 15-inch display sizes with a brightness of 500 nits. The pair deliver the same array of ports, including two USB-C with Thunderbolt and a 3.5 mm audio jack. However, the M3 MacBook Air now features Wi-Fi 6E and three microphones with voice isolation support and clearer voice output.
More importantly, Apple will support up to two external displays with the MacBook Air’s lid closed. Similarly, Apple will enable the same feature to the M3-powered MacBook Pro (review) via an update.
M3-powered Apple MacBook Air price and availability
How much does it cost? The M3-powered MacBook Air 13-inch retails from $1,099 in a 8/256 GB configuration while the 15-inch with the same memory configuration begins from $1,299. Color options include Space Gray, Midnight Black, Silver, and Starlight. The M3-powered MacBook Air in 13- and 15-inch variants is open for pre-orders with initial shipments arriving as early as Friday.
In line with the launch of the new MacBook Air, Apple has discontinued the M1 MacBook Air and M2 MacBook Air 15-inch. However, you can still purchase the M2 MacBook Air 13-inch for $999.
Although the M3 MacBook Air has already been unveiled, Apple could still announce the OLED iPad Pro and iPad Air with M3 in the coming weeks. It could also shine the spotlight on the upcoming iPad tablets following the MacBook Air’s footsteps.
What are your thoughts about the new MacBook Air laptops? Do these upgrades make them worth picking up? Share your answers with us in the comments.
