The latest addition to Apple’s MacBook Air line, the 13-inch and 15-inch models equipped with the M3 chip, has commenced its global rollout. Initially made available for pre-order earlier this week, these devices are now reaching the hands of consumers, with deliveries unfolding across various regions.
Notably, customers in Australia and Japan had an early opportunity to purchase the new MacBook Air directly from retail stores, with the official launch date being today, March 8.
This development follows closely after Apple provided review units to journalists and content creators, stirring anticipation and discussions on social media platforms.
Central to the excitement surrounding these new MacBook Air models is the inclusion of the M3 chip. This chip, which debuted in last year’s MacBook Pro and iMac models, is crafted using advanced 3-nanometer technology, marking a significant leap in performance with a reported 60% speed increase over the M1 chip.
Among its notable features, the M3 chip introduces hardware ray-tracing acceleration, significantly enhancing 3D applications and gaming experiences. The chip’s design also caters to the demands of artficial intelligence (AI)-driven tasks, underscoring its adaptability to future technological trends.
The M3 MacBook Air models boast substantial improvements in memory and storage capabilities, offering configurations of up to 24GB of RAM and 8TB of SSD storage. Even at the entry level, customers receive an 8-core GPU, with an option to upgrade to a more potent 10-core graphics processor for those seeking enhanced performance.
Apple has also paid close attention to the aesthetic and practical aspects of the new MacBook Air, making it available in midnight, starlight, space gray, and silver finishes. The midnight version has received a special anodization treatment to minimize the appearance of fingerprints, a thoughtful detail first introduced with the M3 MacBook Pro.
In terms of pricing, the 13-inch M3 MacBook Air starts at $1,099, while the 15-inch model is priced from $1,299 in the United States. Apple continues to offer the 13-inch M2 MacBook Air at a lower price point of $999, presenting a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences.
For those seeking additional savings, Amazon is noted as a source for potentially more attractive deals on the MacBook Air.
