Apple introduced yesterday a significant update in its range of MacBook Air, marking the transition from the M2 chip to the newer and more powerful M3. The change comes with adjustments in price and available configurations, posing an important decision for potential buyers: Which model to choose, the MacBook Air M2 or the new M3? We break down all the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
Innovation and Performance: The Heart of the Change
The most notable leap between the new 13 and 15 inch MacBook Air with the M3 chip and the previous model is found in their chips. The M2 chip, based on the iPhone 13's A15 Bionic, introduced significant improvements over its predecessor, with a 5nm manufacturing process, 20 billion transistors, and an increased clock speed. On the other hand, the M3, based on the A17 Pro from the iPhone 15 Pro, advances to a 3nm technology, increasing the transistor count to 25 billion and the clock speed to 4.05 GHz. This improvement translates to approximately a 17% better performance in single-core tasks and 21% in multi-core tasks, with a 15% increase in GPU performance.
The M3 chip also introduces a new GPU architecture that significantly improves energy efficiency and performance in intensive graphic tasks, benefiting users who perform advanced video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming. It also supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing, AV1 video decoding, offering high-quality and efficient video streams.
Display Connections, Internet Speed, Sizes, and Prices
Besides the chip, there are other notable differences. While the M2 only supports one external monitor, the MacBook Air with M3 allows the connection of up to two external displays when the lid is closed. Likewise, the M3 supports Wi-Fi 6E, offering a faster and more stable internet connection.
Moreover, the new MacBook Airs feature improvements in small but notable details like increased voice clarity in audio and video calls, as well as an anodized finish to reduce fingerprints on the Midnight color.
Finally, a significant change: the MacBook Air with M3 is available in two sizes, 13 and 15 inches, whereas the MacBook Air with M2, after the launch of the M3 version, is only available in a 13-inch size.
In terms of price, the M2 model now starts at $999, while the MacBook Air M3 starts at $1099 for the 13-inch version and $1299 for the 15-inch version. A laptop that undeniably provides us with a broader range of performance options, establishing itself at the summit of Apple's laptop technology.
At Hanaringo | Apple launches new straps for the Apple Watch: these are the Spring 2024 Colors