On March 4, 2024, Apple announced its latest product – the MacBook Air laptops, featuring advancements like the M3 system-on-chip (SoC) technology for improved user experience. Available in two sizes – 13.6 inches and 15.3 inches, the devices boast a high-resolution Retina display, an extended battery life, and a quieter keyboard.
These laptops, starting at $1,099 and $1,299, respectively, promise faster and more responsive devices, offering an advanced digital experience for work and entertainment alike. Customers can pre-order these devices on Apple’s website, with shipments beginning on March 11.
The heart of the 2024 MacBook Air is the M3 SoC technology. A product of TSMC’s N3B process, it includes four top-tier cores and four energy-efficient cores, operating at a maximum speed of 4.05 GHz. Along with a ten-core GPU, these features promise superior performance and energy efficiency.
The M3 SoC has conclusively proven itself to be 35% – 60% faster than its predecessor, the M1 chip. Although due to a passive cooling method, a MacBook Air does not perform as well as the MacBook Pro with the same processor. However, both the Air and Pro models showcase impressive performance figures, powered by the M3 SoC.
The basic models have 24 GB of LPDDR5-6400 memory capacity, launching with 8 GB memory and a 256 GB SSD. High-storage options include up to 2 TB solid-state storage, making the device suitable for more rigorous tasks and applications.
These laptops are equipped with 6E Wi-Fi support, noise-isolating microphones, Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports, a MagSafe port, a 3.5-mm headphone jack, and a 1080p FaceTime HD camera. A backlit Magic Keyboard, a spacious trackpad add to the appeal, alongside the wide color support and True Tone technology of the Retina display.
With a robust 52.6 Wh battery, the MacBook Air laptops offer up to 18 hours of video playback. Compact and lightweight, they are available in a range of colors. With the debut of the M3-based series, Apple will phase out the M2 MacBook Air 15, but will continue offering the M2 MacBook Air 13 as an affordable option, priced at $999.
