MacBook Air 13-Inch, M3, 2024

The Apple MacBook Air "M3" 8-Core CPU/8-Core GPU 13-Inch (2024) model is powered by a 4.05 GHz Apple M3 processor, which contains 8 cores (4 performance and 4 efficiency), an 8-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. It came with a default of 8 GB or 16 GB of "unified" onboard RAM (8 GB from March 4, 2024, to October 30, 2024, and 16 GB thereafter) and a 256 GB onboard SSD. Both RAM and SSD could be configured with larger capacities at the time of initial purchase, which also automatically upgrades the GPU to a 10-core version, but neither component can be upgraded later.

This is all housed in a uniformly thin aluminum case featuring an integrated 1080p "FaceTime HD" webcam, a four-speaker sound system, Touch ID, a backlit "Magic Keyboard," a large "Force Touch" trackpad, and a high-resolution 13.6-inch LED-backlit 2560x1664 (224 ppi, 500 nits) "Liquid Retina" display with Wide Color (P3) and True Tone technology.

The aluminum case is offered in four colors: dark blue "Midnight" (pictured, left), a warm gray "Starlight," a darker "Space Gray," and classic silver, and it weighs 2.7 pounds (1.24 kg). Apple estimates battery life between 15 and 18 hours depending on the task. It shipped by default with a MagSafe 3-equipped 30W USB-C power adapter, but for an extra US$20, it could be ordered with a 35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power Adapter or a fast-charge 70W USB-C Power Adapter.

Connectivity includes 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, two Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 ports (USB-C connector), and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

Compared to the M2 models that preceded them, the MacBook Air "M3" models use the same chassis but offer a faster architecture, enhanced external display support, faster Wi-Fi, and improved microphones. The "Midnight" color option also features a new "anodization seal to reduce fingerprints."

The base model of the M3 MacBook Air was seen as a solid iterative update. The new M3 processor offered a tangible performance boost over the M2, making daily tasks even smoother and providing more headroom for demanding applications. Key upgrades included support for dual external displays (with the lid closed) and faster Wi-Fi 6E. While it retained the same chassis as its predecessor, the internal enhancements were meaningful. It was considered an excellent entry point into the Mac ecosystem, offering future-proof performance and features that refined an already winning formula.