Apple this week announced new M3-powered 13- and 15-inch MacBook Air models. The laptops can be ordered now and deliveries and in-store availability will begin on Friday, March 8.
The new MacBook Air models boast improved external display support, Wi-Fi 6E, and more. Let’s take a look at what’s new.
M3 Chip
The new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models are now powered by Apple’s latest M3 chip to provide faster performance and improved power efficiency.
Early benchmark results show the M3 chip’s CPU performance is up to 20% faster than the M2 chip that powered previous MacBook Air models.
The M3 chip brings hardware-accelerated ray tracing for improved graphics rendering in games, along with AV1 video decoding to the MacBook Air.
Support for Two External Displays
The new MacBook Air models bring support for two external displays. However, the second display can only be used when the MacBook Air’s lid is closed.
When the lid is closed, a second display with up to 5K resolution at 60Hz can be connected. With the lid is open, the new models support only one external display, but it is up to 6K resolution at 60Hz.
Upgraded Microphones
Apple says the microphones in the new MacBook Air models offer “enhanced voice clarity in audio and video calls” compared to the previous models. The microphones also gained support for “Voice Isolation” and “Wide Spectrum” modes.
Wi-Fi 6E Support
The new MacBook Air models support Wi-Fi 6E which Apple says will provide “up to twice as fast” wireless download speeds compared to the previous models with Wi-Fi 6. Wi-Fi 6E enables faster wireless speeds and reduced signal interference with compatible devices and routers. Wi-Fi 6E is now supported across the entire current-generation Mac lineup.
Fingerprint Seal for Midnight Color
The new MacBook Air is available in four colors: midnight (which features a breakthrough anodization seal to reduce fingerprints), starlight, space gray, and silver.
The MacBook Air is available with a base price of $1,099. Pre-orders for the new MacBook Air began on Monday, with orders to begin arriving to customers on Friday, March 8.
