Apple has just launched the new MacBook Air models with the powerful M3 chip, offering improved performance, battery life, and connectivity. The new laptops are available in both 13-inch and 15-inch sizes, and come in four stunning colors. Here is what you need to know about the latest MacBook Air.
M3 chip: A leap forward in performance and efficiency
The M3 chip is Apple’s latest custom silicon, built using industry-leading 3-nanometer technology. It features an 8-core CPU, up to a 10-core GPU, and up to 24GB of unified memory. Apple claims that the M3 chip makes the MacBook Air up to 60 percent faster than the previous model with the M1 chip, and up to 13 times faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air. The M3 chip also has a 16-core Neural Engine, which Apple says makes the MacBook Air the world’s best consumer laptop for AI.
The M3 chip is not only powerful, but also power-efficient. It enables the MacBook Air to have up to 18 hours of battery life, which is up to six hours longer than an Intel-based MacBook Air. The M3 chip also allows the MacBook Air to have a fanless design, which means it operates silently and stays cool.
Liquid Retina display: A stunning visual experience
The new MacBook Air models feature a Liquid Retina display, which offers a high-resolution, wide-color, and True Tone experience. The 13-inch MacBook Air has a 13.6-inch display, while the 15-inch MacBook Air has a 15.4-inch display. Both models have a resolution of 2560 by 1600 pixels, and support the P3 wide color gamut and 400 nits of brightness.
The Liquid Retina display also supports up to two external displays, which is a new capability for the MacBook Air. Users can connect up to two 6K displays, such as the Pro Display XDR, to the MacBook Air using Thunderbolt 4 ports. This allows users to have more screen real estate and productivity options.
Wi-Fi 6E: Faster and more reliable wireless connectivity
The new MacBook Air models also feature Wi-Fi 6E, which is the latest and most advanced wireless standard. Wi-Fi 6E offers faster speeds, lower latency, and less interference than Wi-Fi 6. It also supports the 6 GHz band, which has more channels and bandwidth than the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
Wi-Fi 6E can deliver up to 2x faster wireless performance than the previous generation of MacBook Air. It can also handle more devices and data on the same network, which is ideal for streaming, gaming, and working from home.
New microphone modes: Enhanced voice clarity and noise reduction
The new MacBook Air models also have a new 3-mic array, which offers enhanced voice clarity and noise reduction in audio and video calls. The new mic array has two modes: Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum.
Voice Isolation mode reduces background noise and focuses on the user’s voice, making it sound clear and crisp. Wide Spectrum mode captures more ambient sound and preserves the natural quality of the user’s voice, making it sound more realistic and immersive.
Users can switch between the two modes depending on their preference and environment. The new mic array also works with FaceTime HD camera, which offers 1080p resolution and improved low-light performance.
MagSafe charging: A safe and convenient way to power up
The new MacBook Air models also feature MagSafe charging, which is a magnetic connector that attaches to the laptop and delivers power. MagSafe charging offers a safe and convenient way to power up the MacBook Air, as it prevents accidental disconnection and damage to the laptop or the charger.
MagSafe charging also supports fast charging, which can charge the MacBook Air up to 50 percent in 30 minutes. It also works with MagSafe accessories, such as the MagSafe Duo Charger and the MagSafe Battery Pack, which can extend the battery life of the MacBook Air.
Four gorgeous colors: A personal touch to the laptop
The new MacBook Air models also come in four gorgeous colors: midnight, starlight, space gray, and silver. The colors add a personal touch to the laptop, and match the colors of the iPhone 13 and the Apple Watch Series 7.
The midnight color features a breakthrough anodization seal, which reduces fingerprints and smudges on the laptop’s surface. The starlight color is a new addition to the MacBook Air lineup, and offers a subtle and elegant look. The space gray and silver colors are classic and timeless, and suit any style and preference.
macOS: The most advanced and secure operating system
The new MacBook Air models run on macOS, which is the most advanced and secure operating system for Mac. macOS offers a smooth and seamless experience, with features such as Spotlight, Siri, AirDrop, Continuity, and Sidecar. macOS also has a rich ecosystem of apps, games, and services, such as Safari, Mail, Photos, iMovie, GarageBand, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, FaceTime, Messages, Apple Music, Apple TV, Apple Arcade, and Apple News.
macOS also offers the best security and privacy for Mac users, with features such as Touch ID, FileVault, Gatekeeper, and Activation Lock. macOS also supports the latest updates and features from Apple, such as Universal Control, AirPlay to Mac, Focus, and Quick Note.
Pricing and availability: How to get the new MacBook Air
The new MacBook Air models are available for pre-order starting today, with availability beginning Friday, March 8. The 13-inch MacBook Air starts at $999, while the 15-inch MacBook Air starts at $1,299. Both models come with a one-year free trial of Apple TV+ and three months of free Apple Music.
Apple also offers exclusive discounts for educators and students, who can save up to $200 on the new MacBook Air models, and get free AirPods with their purchase. Customers can also trade in their eligible devices and get credit toward their new MacBook Air.
The new MacBook Air models are available on Apple’s website, Apple Store app, Apple Store locations, and Apple Authorized Resellers.
