M2 and M3 MacBook Air models now ship with 16GB RAM – Same price, more power

Apple has quietly upgraded the base configuration of its popular MacBook Air, setting 16GB of unified memory as the new minimum standard for both M2 and M3 models. This change is a significant improvement over the previous 8GB default, and while it’s a move that aligns the Air more closely with Apple’s other recently announced M4-powered Macs, the starting price remains the same. The base model with the M2 chip is available for $999, while the M3 variant starts at $1,099, both of which are exceptional deals considering the upgraded memory and other powerful features.

Both the M2 and M3 MacBook Airs sport Apple’s refined, ultra-slim design, with their lightweight aluminum bodies measuring just 11.3 mm thick. However, while both models feature a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, the M3 version introduces some key advancements in display technology. The M3 MacBook Air’s screen boasts an upgraded 500-nit brightness alongside support for HDR, delivering improved contrast and richer, more vibrant colors compared to the M2 model. Both models still retain P3 wide color and True Tone technology, ensuring accurate colors across various lighting conditions, but the M3 version’s enhancements make it better suited for users who value higher-quality visuals for tasks like photo editing, video watching, or content creation.

The performance capabilities between the M2 and M3 models represent a significant differentiator. The M2 MacBook Air, powered by the 8-core M2 chip, comes with an 8-core GPU in the base configuration and an option to upgrade to a 10-core GPU. The M2 chip provides up to 18% better CPU performance and 35% better GPU performance than its predecessor, the M1, making it a strong choice for everyday productivity tasks, multitasking, and even light creative work.

The M3 chip, however, takes these capabilities to the next level with Apple’s new 3-nanometer architecture. The M3 model comes with an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, designed to deliver around 20% faster performance and significantly improved energy efficiency compared to the M2. This makes the M3 model better suited for more demanding tasks, including complex photo or video editing, code compiling, and other intensive workloads. Additionally, the M3 MacBook Air is optimized for machine learning (ML) and AI-based processes, which could be particularly useful as Apple introduces new AI-powered features in macOS, like Apple Intelligence.

With macOS Sequoia, both the M2 and M3 MacBook Airs are capable of taking full advantage of Apple’s new software features, including Apple Intelligence, Apple’s first iteration of generative AI integrated into macOS. The M3 model’s enhanced processing power makes it particularly well-suited for Apple Intelligence and other ML-based features, allowing users to benefit from real-time content suggestions, automatic editing tools, and data-driven recommendations.

While the updated MacBook Air models may not yet feature the M4 chip or other advanced specs found in Apple’s latest MacBook Pro models, the increased base RAM brings them closer to the performance standards set by higher-end models. The updated configuration also enhances their value as entry-level laptops, providing a more competitive alternative to pricier models while still offering premium performance and a feature-rich experience.