Apple released the new MacBook Air yesterday, but what has changed with the laptop? These are the differences between the MacBook Air M2 and the MacBook Air M3!
Apple launches MacBook Air M3
Apple yesterday announced the first new product of 2024 in the Netherlands, because the MacBook Air with M3 chip has been unveiled! The laptop has made the transition from M2 to M3 as expected, but Apple has made more changes. Are you curious about the new laptop? We have listed the differences between the MacBook Air M2 and MacBook Air M3 for you.
Overview
Difference between M2 and M3
The biggest difference between the laptops is the new processor. The MacBook Air 2024 runs on the M3 chip, the MacBook Air 2023 uses the M2 chip. Both the 13- and 15-inch versions are switching to the new processor. This is made according to a different process, which means that many more transistors fit on the chip.
Apple still used 5nm technology for the M2 chip, but this has been adjusted to 3nm for the M3 chip. The end result: a faster chip with the same power consumption, which can run even better games and more advanced apps. You will especially notice this difference with heavier graphic tasks, which the laptop can handle effortlessly. In addition, the new M3 chip means that the battery drains less quickly than was the case with the MacBook Air with M2.
Better battery life
That is an important difference between the two laptops, especially when performing heavy tasks. The M3 chip can handle those demanding tasks more easily, with the battery draining less quickly than with the MacBook Air M2. You will especially notice this when you perform graphically demanding tasks, while the battery life is the same for simple tasks. The MacBook Air still lasts 18 hours of video playback.
This especially applies to both the 13- and 15-inch versions of the MacBook Air, regardless of the chip. Switching to the new MacBook Air with M3 chip is therefore especially recommended if you regularly perform heavy tasks on the laptop. In that case, you will notice a clear difference in battery consumption between the devices.
Housing has been improved
The new MacBook Air is available in four colors: midnight, starlight, space gray and silver. That has not changed, because the MacBook Air with M2 chip is available in exactly the same colors. We see the big difference this year in the midnight version, which has been anodized for the first time. This means that the laptop has an extra layer on the aluminum casing, which should prevent fingerprints.
This tier has only been added to the midnight variant, which is a welcome change. The MacBook Air was very sensitive to fingerprints in that color, which is being changed with the new layer. Are you planning to buy the midnight color laptop? Then it is advisable to go for the MacBook Air 2024, because it still looks better.
Connect multiple screens
A major improvement with the MacBook Air 2024 is the support for two external displays. With the MacBook Air M2 this is limited to just one external screen, but Apple has doubled that with the new MacBook. To do this, the laptop must be closed, you can then get started on two larger displays. Very useful, especially if you regularly work in the office or at home with a separate screen.
Furthermore, Apple has made no changes to the laptop’s connections. The MacBook Air with M3 has a MagSafe charging port, two Thunderbolt ports and a mini-jack connection. That is exactly the same as the MacBook Air with M2. We do see a small improvement with the microphones, because the MacBook Air 2024 has Voice Isolation and Broad Spectrum for the first time. This means your voice comes out better during (video) calls.
Faster WiFi and Bluetooth
Apple has also made minor improvements under the hood. The MacBook Air M3 is equipped with Wii 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. According to Apple itself, WiFi 6E is no less than twice as fast as the previous generation. With the new generation of Bluetooth, the MacBook Air 2024 connects even faster with other devices. The MacBook Air M2 runs smoother than the MacBook Air M3.
Furthermore, no differences between MacBook Air M2 and M3
Furthermore, Apple has added few new features to this year’s MacBook Air. The screen is unchanged, as are the dimensions and weight of the case. The Magic Keyboard has also not changed and you can still unlock the device with Touch ID. The big difference between the MacBook Air M2 and M3 is really reflected in the processor, support for external displays and a layer of protection against fingerprints.
Prices of the MacBook Air M3
Do you currently have a MacBook Air with M2 chip? Then the switch to the new generation is especially worth it if you regularly perform heavy graphic tasks. If you have an older MacBook Air that still runs on an M1 chip or lower, the difference is certainly noticeable. The new MacBook Air can be ordered from various providers since yesterday. From Friday March 8 the laptop appears in stores.
The 13-inch MacBook Air with M3 is available for a suggested retail price of 1299 euros. You can get the 15-inch MacBook Air with M3 from 1599 euros. Don’t want to pay the top price? Then the 13-inch MacBook Air with M2 is still available from 1199 euros. The 13-inch MacBook Air with M1 is no longer available from Apple, just like the 15-inch version with M2 chip. View the first pre-orders here:
- View the MacBook Air M3 at Bol
- View the MacBook Air M3 at MediaMarkt
- View the MacBook Air M3 at Coolblue
- View the MacBook Air M3 at YourMacStore
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