Apple Launches MacBook Air With M3 Processor
According To Bloomberg’s Mark Gorman, Apple Plans To Launch Updated Macbook Air Models With The M3 Chip Next Year.
These new 15-inch MacBooks will hit the market in 2024 and offer significant performance and energy efficiency gains over their predecessors.
The MacBook Air series includes a 13-inch model introduced in June 2022 and a 15-inch version recently announced. Both models use Apple’s M2 chip, manufactured using TSMC’s 5nm process. However, the M3 chip will be built on TSMC’s 3nm process, significantly improving CPU and GPU performance.
Gorman also notes that the M3 processor will likely have the same CPU and GPU cores as the M2 chip. This continuity in the number of seats shows that Apple’s focus on the M3 chip optimizes energy efficiency and overall system performance.
In addition, Gorman emphasizes that Apple is simultaneously developing new iMac and 13-inch MacBook Pro models with the M3 chip. The upcoming iMac, due early next year, is expected to retain the current design language introduced in 2020.
A recent benchmark test showed that the M2 Ultra chip was twice as fast as the fastest Intel-based Mac. And the M3 chip for the new MacBook Air models predicts performance efficiency.
As we reported, the 15-inch MacBook Air, expected to be priced at $1,299, has several key differences compared to its 13-inch counterpart. Most importantly, a larger screen and increased speakers, with six instead of four.
Also, Apple has started shipping a new 70-watt USB-C power adapter for the MacBook Air series, replacing the old 67-watt adapter. When purchasing the 15-inch MacBook Air, users can choose between a 35W Dual USB charger and a newer 70W adapter.