M3 MacBook Air vs. M2 MacBook Air: What’s the difference?

The M3 is here, but is it worth the upgrade?
By Chance Townsend  on 
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 The image depicts a comparison between two Apple MacBook computers, differentiated by their processors, the M3 and the M2. On the left, there is a MacBook with a colorful display showing various multimedia editing timelines, representing the M3 chip, which is also shown above the laptop. On the right, there is a MacBook displaying a swirling blue abstract design, representing the M2 chip, with its icon displayed above. Centered between the two laptops is a blue "VS" symbol, indicating a versus comparison. The background is a light pattern with purple accents around the laptops and chip icons.
Credit: Bob-Al Greene / Mashable

Rejoice! The M3 Macbook Air is finally available but is it really worth all the applause?

Apple revealed its upgraded Macbook Air on Monday, with its 13-inch and 15-inch models now available for pre-order. The M3 Air will ship on March 8, meaning that's not enough time to decide if you're ready to upgrade to the new laptop. Or if you're a bit of a penny-pincher (these laptops are still super expensive), you can stick with a new M2 Macbook Air.

It's a tough decision if you're a fan of Apple's sleek design and powerful performance, as both the M3 and M2 Macbook Air models offer significant benefits. That's why we broke it down for you so you have an easier time deciding before Friday.

M3 Macbook Air vs M2 Macbook Air: Price

Let's be real, these are expensive laptops, and as time goes on newer models will get even more pricey. That's why it's not a surprise to see that the 15-inch M3 Macbook Air is available for $1,299. It's the cost of a new processor and its larger size.

  • 13-inch M2 Macbook Air (256GB, 8GB RAM) - $999

  • 13-inch M2 Macbook Air (512GB, 8GB RAM) - $1,199

Apple 15" MacBook Air (M2, Midnight)
$1,099.00 at B&H Photo Video
$1,299.00 Save $200.00

The 13-inch version of the M3 starts at $1,099 which is the same price as the M2 when it launched in 2022. However, now that it's been two years since that initial launch you can grab the 13-inch M2 Macbook Air for just $999.

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  • 13-inch M3 Macbook Air (256GB, 8GB RAM) - $1,099

  • 13-inch M3 Macbook Air (512GB, 8GB RAM) - $1,199

  • 13-inch M3 Macbook Air (512GB, 16GB RAM) - $1,299

If you want more storage or memory, that'll cost you extra of course. The 15-inch M3 can cost you up to $1700 if you want 512GB of storage and 16GB of RAM — which is about the cost of rent for a small closet in New York City.

  • 15-inch M3 Macbook Air (256GB, 8GB RAM) - $1,299

  • 15-inch M3 Macbook Air (512GB, 8GB RAM) - $1,499

  • 15-inch M3 Macbook Air (512GB, 16GB RAM) - $1,699

M3 Macbook Air vs M2 Macbook Air: Size and Design

The design of the new Macbook Air has not changed much. The M2 was already a redesign meant to get rid of the tapered look of its predecessor and align visually with the Macbook Pro. The M3 also comes in the same four colorways as the M2.

  • M2 Macbook Air colors: Midnight, Starlight, Space Gray, Silver

  • M3 Macbook Air colors: Midnight, Starlight, Space Gray, Silver

Apple also says that this new gen of Macbook Air will be made of "50 percent recycled content" as the company has made a big deal of environmental initiatives in recent months.

  • 13-inch M2 Macbook Air: 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44in (2.7 pounds)

  • 13-inch M3 MacBook Air: 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44in (2.7 pounds)

  • 15-inch M3 MacBook Air: 13.40 x 9.35 x 0.45in (3.3 pounds)

M3 Macbook Air vs M2 Macbook Air: Performance

Imagine if the M2 is a really good, energy-efficient car. Now, the M3 is the newer model of that car but with a more powerful engine that doesn't use up more fuel – in fact, it's a bit better on fuel, runs smoother on the highway (even when it's packed with luggage or towing a trailer), and has an upgraded stereo system for clearer sound. Plus, it's got a slightly better way of handling the road, making your ride smoother and more enjoyable, especially on long trips.

That's a long unnecessary analogy (especially given Apple's recent car cancellation) but it's an apt comparison. The M3 is faster, smarter, and more powerful — a beast of a machine that can handle heavy tasks like gaming and video/photo editing.

More MacBook Air deals

Topics Apple MacBook

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Chance Townsend
Assistant Editor, General Assignments

Currently residing in Chicago, Illinois, Chance Townsend is the General Assignments Editor at Mashable covering tech, video games, dating apps, digital culture, and whatever else comes his way. He has a Master's in Journalism from the University of North Texas and is a proud orange cat father.

In his free time, he cooks, loves to sleep, and finds great enjoyment in Detroit sports. If you have any stories, tips, recipes, or wanna talk shop about the Lions/Tigers/Pistons/Red Wings you can reach him at [email protected]


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