Quality of Design and Build
Apple tends to retain the MacBook Air's hallmark thin, lightweight aluminum body, but it frequently includes minor updates and new color choices. Apple is also known for churning out well-built products, so a "smooth" and "strong" hinge makes sense within that context.
Improved Performance Thanks to the M3 Chip
The M3 is expected to be Apple's next chip after the M2. It will offer faster CPU and GPU performance, consume less power, and be capable of performing more tasks at once. This chip generation should deliver better GPU and CPU performance than the last one, especially for creative tasks and gaming.
Battery Life
Apple's M-series chips are also known for being more power-efficient. Apple claims the MacBook Air M1 and M2 batteries last up to 18 hours, and they anticipate the M3 battery life will be even more impressive. In other words, the laptop is expected to be as reliable for all-day use as Apple promises.
Quality of the Display
Apple has slowly improved its displays, and the new Retina display offers better brightness and color accuracy. Recent MacBooks include True Tone technology, so it's no surprise to see it featured here as well.
Experience with Software
macOS Ventura is the latest version of macOS as of early 2024. This suggests that any MacBook Air released in 2025 would more than likely support this version. Features like Focus modes and deep hardware-to-software integration are key benefits of the Apple ecosystem.
Use in the Real World
One hallmark of the MacBook Air line is a lack of fans, and Apple Silicon is more efficient, allowing the device to run without a fan even under heavy load. According to Apple and user reviews of earlier models, this MacBook Air appears able to perform both simple and demanding tasks without overheating or performance drops.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Expected improvements in performance and efficiency with the M3 chip, sleek and lightweight design, improved display technology, fanless operation.
- Cons: Higher price point, typically only two Thunderbolt/USB-C ports, which may limit connectivity options.
Good Value for Money
New Apple laptops have typically been very expensive, but their selling points are speed, power efficiency, and portability. For users who prioritize these features and the Apple ecosystem, the MacBook Air with M3 chip remains a compelling choice despite the premium price.
