The subsequent article was initially published on March 4 and is now updated as of March 5.
Casting its net toward enticing new customers, Apple recently launched two new MacBook Air models. These laptops are powered by the robust M3 chip, promising rapid performance for users. Interestingly, a subtle closed-door offer lies hidden in the recesses of Apple’s online store.
Touching upon the intriguing additions to the MacBook Air’s line-up, Apple distinctly paves the way for a promising tech journey with these highly-anticipated updates. With their display sizes being the primary contrasting element, both the 13-inch and 15-inch models bear largely similar specifications. Equipped with options for an 8-core or a 10-core GPU, memory choices ranging from 8GB, 16GB to 24GB RAM, and a diverse selection of storage partitions from a minimal 256GB to an extensive 2TB, these models offer generous customization.
Powered by the proprietary Apple Silicon M3 chipset, these laptops offer an increment in performance up to the tune of 21 percent when compared to the M2 chipset.
Updating the information relayed on March 5, Zac Hall reports that Apple has graciously extended to customers a feature that, until now, had been reserved for its premium tier of macOS laptops. The M3 MacBook Air models possess the capability of simultaneously driving two displays. This opens up two distinct opportunities – having the laptop display and an external monitor operate in tandem, or running two external monitors when the laptop lid is closed.
This particular addition directly answers the demands of users who prefer docking their laptops and using external peripherals for a comprehensive computer experience. While being an integral part of the M3 MacBook laptops’ set-up, including both the new M3 MacBook Air versions as well as the base M3 MacBook Pro launched late last year, this feature will be unlocked with macOS Sonoma 14.4 which is currently undergoing testing phases.
It’s crucial to take note of a unique offer that accompanies the launch of the M3 MacBook Air models. Apart from expanding its premium range, this move also urges the rest of the portfolio to shift a rung down. This modification has only come about four years since the introduction of the M1 Air, marking a moment where Apple has decided to gracefully retire its first-ever Silicon Air model.
This translates into an opportunity for the M2 MacBook Air, as it can now wield the iconic $999 price tag for the first time. Due to Apple’s methodical upgradation strategies, M2 and M3 Air laptops exhibit minor differences, with software compatibility and memory and storage options being uniform on both.
The only concrete contrasting parameter lies in the M2 and M3 silicon specifications. Their differences resign to users’ choice of performance requirements: while the M3 offers more power and potential, the M2 already possesses abundant prowess suiting the average user’s necessities.
While the appeal of paying $100 more for 20% more power might seem marginal, Apple’s persuasive powers might lure the uninformed into purchasing the new M3 MacBook Air. However, for budget-conscious or discerning customers, the M2 MacBook Air’s price point of $999 presents a tempting offer.
If the behind-the-scenes of product design intrigues you, why not also examine how Jony Ive envisioned reinventing the MacBook. Follow the author on Twitter or LinkedIn and visit his website for more engaging reads.
Vocabulary List:
- Subsequent (adjective): Coming after something in time following.
- Enticing (adjective): Attracting or tempting.
- Robust (adjective): Strong and healthy vigorous.
- Recesses (noun): Hidden or remote parts inner places.
- Promising (adjective): Likely to develop positively or succeed.
- Intriguing (adjective): Fascinating or interesting.
