In 2024, Apple updated the MacBook Air with the M3 chip. They changed their offerings and pricing and discontinued the 2020 M1 model and the 15-inch M2 MacBook Air in June 2023. So, which one should you buy?
The 2024 MacBook Air comes in two sizes: 13.6 inches and 15.3 inches, just like the previous one. The 13.6-inch model starts at $1,099, and the 15.3-inch model starts at $1,299. The 13.6-inch M2 MacBook Air from 2022 is still in the lineup, priced at $999. So you have the option to choose between the 2022 MacBook Air, the 2024 one, and the 15.3-inch 2024 one.
Students can also save at least $100 on the price of a new MacBook Air through Apple’s education pricing.
Read on to learn about the differences between the M2 and M3 MacBook Air models. This will help you decide which one is right for you and whether it’s worth the upgrade.
M2 vs M3 Chip
The main upgrade in the 2024 MacBook Air models is the M3 chip. In benchmark tests, the M3 beats the M2 by around 17% in single-core and 21% in multi-core. In GPU performance measured by metal benchmarks, the M3 is 15% better than the M2.
M2 vs M3 Chip
The M2 chip is based on the A15 Bionic chip from the iPhone 13, which was released in 2021, and the M3 chip is based on the A17 Pro chip from the iPhone 15 Pro, which was released in 2023.
In terms of the process node, the M2 chip is on an enhanced 5nm node (N5P), and the M3 chip is on a 3nm node (N3B). This allows the M3 chip to have more transistors; the M2 has 20 billion transistors, and the M3 has 25 billion transistors.
The CPU clock speed also gets a bump, with the M2 chip running at 3.49 GHz and the M3 chip at 4.05 GHz. The M3 chip also has a faster Neural Engine than the M2.
The M3 chip has a new GPU architecture, which provides a significant performance boost. One feature of this architecture is Dynamic Caching, a new technology that optimizes GPU memory allocation and usage. This technology adapts to changing task demands in real-time, ensuring that resources are used efficiently. I like this because it boosts graphics performance for heavy applications and overall power efficiency. This is especially important for graphics-heavy tasks like advanced video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming, where performance and power efficiency matter.
Also, the M3 chip has hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading, which are required for realistic graphics in modern applications and games. This allows for more detailed lighting and shadow effects.
Also, the M3 chip has AV1 video decode, which means more efficient and higher-quality video streaming from services that use this codec. This is important as more streaming services are adopting AV1 for its better compression and quality, so this is a nice feature for users who consume a lot of video content.
Apple Silicon Buyer’s Guide: Which Chip to Choose?
When considering the latest Apple Silicon chips, the M2 and M3 are popular choices for many users, from creative professionals to everyday users. Although they have the same 16-core Neural Engine, other differences will help you decide which one to choose.
M3 Performance Boost
One of the most considerable improvements in the M3 chip is the 3nm process. This new process allows for more efficient machine learning and AI execution, improving performance in apps that use these. The efficiency of this process means the M3 can handle complex computations better, making it a great choice for users who do video editing, data analysis, or any task that uses machine learning.
For example, if you’re a video editor working with 4K footage, the M3 chip’s increased processing power can reduce rendering times and improve playback performance. Data scientists who use machine learning algorithms will find that the M3 chip can accelerate model training and inference so they can get insights faster and have more efficient workflows.
Memory and Bandwidth
Both the M2 and M3 chips have up to 24GB of unified memory, which is important for multitasking and running heavy apps. However, the M3 chip uses a new process to optimize memory bandwidth. This means both chips can have the same amount of memory, but the M3 can use it more efficiently, so it can perform better in memory-heavy tasks.
For example, if you run multiple apps at the same time – a web browser, a graphic design app, and a video conferencing tool – M3’s improved memory management can keep performance smooth without lag. This is important for professionals who need to juggle multiple tasks without interruptions.
Energy Efficiency and Battery Life
Another difference between the M2 and M3 chips is energy efficiency. The 3nm process allows the M3 to perform better without more power consumption. This is good for laptop users who want a balance between power and battery life. With the M3 chip, you can expect longer battery life, so it’s a great choice for users who are always on the go or who use their laptops for extended periods without access to power sources.
Imagine working on a long flight or a day full of meetings; the M3 chip lets you focus on your work without having to always look for an outlet. This longer battery life can also contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle, as you might find yourself charging your devices less often.
Future Proof Your Purchase
When choosing between the M2 and M3 chips, you also need to consider the longevity of your investment. The M3 chip, with its new technology and improved performance, will be relevant for a longer time as software and apps evolve. By choosing the M3, you might be better prepared for future demands, so your device can run the latest apps and updates without a hitch.
M2 vs M3 Buyer’s Guide: How Much Better Is M3?
When comparing the M2 and M3 chips, it’s clear that the M3 is a big upgrade. This new chip has more transistors, better CPU and GPU performance, and better energy efficiency. These are great for many users, but how much better is it really?
Graphics Performance
The M3 chip also has better GPU performance. With a new GPU architecture and features like hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading, the M3 is designed to have better graphics. This is good for creative professionals who need high-quality visuals in their work, such as graphic designers, video editors, and game developers. The better graphics performance means more realistic rendering and smoother playback, so the M3 is a great choice for those in visually demanding fields.
Should You Upgrade?
While the M3 has improvements, the extent of its improvement doesn’t necessarily mean you should upgrade right away if you’re an M2 user. If your current workflows are still manageable and you’re happy with your device’s performance, then it’s better to wait. The M2 chip is still a great option for many users, and unless you need the latest features or perform more demanding tasks, the benefits of upgrading might not be that big.
The M3’s performance and efficiency improvements will be more noticeable for new buyers or those upgrading from older models. If you want a device that can run the latest apps and have a seamless experience, investing in the M3 chip is the way to go.
Other Changes
Aside from the chips, there are other differences between the two MacBook Air generations that you should consider when deciding to buy the latest model. These may seem small, but they can make a big difference in your overall experience.
Display Options
The M2 MacBook Air (2022 and 2023) only has a 13.6-inch display, while the 15.3-inch model is no longer available. The M3 MacBook Air (2024) gives you the option to choose between 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch display sizes. This is great for those who want a bigger screen for multitasking, creative work, or just enjoying media. The bigger display is more productive, especially for those who work with multiple windows or apps at the same time.
External Display Support
Another big difference is external display support. The M2 MacBook Air can only support one external display, which is enough for casual users. However, the M3 MacBook Air takes it a step further by allowing up to two external displays when the lid is closed. This is great for professionals who need multiple monitors for their workflow, like graphic designers, video editors, and data analysts. The ability to connect multiple displays can be more productive and create a more immersive working environment.
Audio
Both models have Voice Isolation and Wide-Spectrum microphone modes to enhance voice clarity during audio and video calls. However, the M3 MacBook Air is designed to have even better voice clarity, so it’s perfect for those with frequent virtual meetings or online collaborations. The improved audio can make a big difference in communication, so your voice will be heard clearly, even in noisy environments.
Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, the M2 MacBook Air has Wi-Fi 6 while the M3 MacBook Air has Wi-Fi 6E. This newer standard has better performance, lower latency, and better handling of multiple devices on the same network. For those who rely on fast and stable internet connection—especially in environments with many devices connected—this upgrade can make a big difference, making tasks like streaming, gaming, and video conferencing smoother and more reliable.
Design
The M2 MacBook Air has an anodization seal to reduce fingerprints, especially with the Midnight finish. This design feature helps keep the laptop looking clean and polished even with heavy use. The M3 model probably has this feature, too, but the overall design and finish might have some subtle changes that make it look more refined.
Conclusion
In summary, the M3 MacBook Air is a minor upgrade over the M2, focusing on performance rather than new features. The M3 chip is perfect for those who have older MacBook Air models like the M1 or Intel-based models or those who don’t have a MacBook Air at all.
For most users, unless you can utilize the specific benefits of the M3 chip—like its faster processing and support for two external displays—and need maximum performance in its super portable form factor, then it’s not worth getting the M3 MacBook Air over the M2 MacBook Air. The M2 is still great for everyday use, so it’s a good option for those who don’t need the latest features.
But if future-proofing is crucial to you—especially if you tend to keep your computer for many years—the extra $100 to get the latest model might be worth it. The M3’s performance and efficiency upgrades will give you peace of mind, knowing your device can handle future software updates and demanding apps.
If you work with multiple monitors, the M3’s support for two external displays might be the deciding factor. This can be a big productivity booster, especially for professionals who need lots of screen real estate for tasks like coding, graphic design, or data analysis.
If you’re buying a new MacBook Air from Apple and looking at the 15.3-inch model, the M3 is your only option since the M2 15.3-inch has been discontinued. But it’s worth noting that the M2 15.3-inch MacBook Air is still available through second-hand markets, refurbished, and third-party retailers for prices way below the $1,299 starting price of the new M3. If you want the larger display, you might want to look for one of these deals on an M2 before buying the new M3 from Apple.
For most users, upgrading from M2 to M3 MacBook Air is not necessary. The performance upgrades are nice but may not make a big difference for those who are already happy with their M2. Upgrading from the M2 13-inch MacBook Air to the M3 15-inch MacBook Air might be justified because of the bigger display, but overall, there’s not much that’s new and meaningful in the latest generation.
Also worth noting is that in late 2024, Apple made 16GB of memory standard across all MacBook Air models. This makes the newer models more valuable as you’ll get better at multitasking outside the box.
In summary, while the M3 MacBook Air has some nice upgrades, it’s important to consider your needs and usage before you decide. Whether you go M2 or M3, both will be great, and you’ll have a solid laptop for years to come.