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

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.

SEE ALSO: Apple launches new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air with M3 chip

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

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 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

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple 13" MacBook Air (M3, Space Gray) at B&H Photo Video

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

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple 15" MacBook Air (M3, Midnight) at B&H Photo Video

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.

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• iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro: How are they different?
• M3 iMac vs. M1 iMac: What are the differences?
• Apple launches new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air with M3 chip
• The M2 MacBook Air just got a permanent price drop following the announcement of the M3 Air

• 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

• 15-inch MacBook Air (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $1,099$1,299at Best Buy (save $200)

• 15-inch MacBook Air (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $1,099$1,299at B&H Photo (save $200)

• 15-inch MacBook Air (M2, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,299$1,499at Best Buy (save $200)

• 15-inch MacBook Air (M2, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,699$1,899at Best Buy (save $200)