Hannah Hopkins 
Feb 13, 2024
Apple unveiled its latest MacBook Pro models equipped with M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips in October 2023, effectively replacing the 13-inch MacBook Pro. Alongside, Apple also introduced the M3 iMac, signalling a wave of innovation in its product lineup. However, conspicuous by its absence was the MacBook Air, leaving many to wonder about its fate in the M3 era.
With the advent of the M3 chip, anticipation mounts for its inevitable integration into the MacBook Air lineup. The question on everyone's mind now revolves around when this evolution will occur.
M3 MacBook Air: Rumours and speculations
Here's a comprehensive overview encompassing the latest rumours, informed speculations, and insights gleaned from Apple's past patterns.
The M2 MacBook Air made its debut back in 2022, and while it's enjoyed over 18 months on the market, the introduction of the 15-inch M2 MacBook Air in June 2023 suggested a synchronised update cadence for both models.
Initial reports from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman hinted at a possible release of the 13-inch MacBook Air update during a second fall event in 2023. However, subsequent updates revised this timeline, indicating a potential rollout in 2024.
Gurman's October newsletter provided further clarity, indicating that the 13-inch and 15-inch M3 models had entered the engineering verification test stage, setting the stage for a prospective launch between the spring and summer of the following year. Fast forward to late January 2024, Gurman's sources confirmed that new MacBooks were in "deep" production, with the new MacBook Air poised to debut alongside fresh iPads in the spring.
M3 MacBook Air release date
Based on these insights, it's reasonable to anticipate the unveiling of the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air M3 updates at a spring event or during WWDC in June 2024, possibly coinciding with the launch of the Vision Pro.
Read more: M3 Macbook Air release date: Here’s everything you need to know
M3 Macbook Air price
As for pricing, while the introduction of the M2 15-inch MacBook Air saw a $100/£100 reduction in the price of the 13-inch model, expectations remain subdued regarding any price adjustments with the M3 upgrade. However, potential price revisions in markets outside the US might be on the cards to address currency fluctuations, as witnessed with previous product launches.
Design
Regarding design, the forthcoming M3 MacBook Air is expected to retain the sleek aesthetics introduced with the M2 model, characterized by a traditional form factor akin to the 14-inch MacBook Pro. As one of the slimmest and lightest offerings in its category, any major design overhaul seems unlikely at this juncture.
Display
Moving on to display, parallels are drawn between the expected specifications of the M3 model and its M2 predecessor. Although mini-LED technology could potentially enhance display capabilities, Pro-level features like ProMotion and HDR are unlikely additions.
Colours
As for colours, continuity is anticipated with the M3 MacBook Air likely to be offered in the same colour palette as its M2 counterpart, albeit with the possibility of introducing new colour variants down the line.
M3 chip
Under the hood, the M3 chip promises enhanced performance courtesy of its 3nm architecture, offering a higher transistor density compared to its predecessors. Memory configurations are expected to mirror existing standards, albeit with potential improvements in unified memory allocation and efficiency.
Battery
Battery and charging specifications are likely to remain consistent with the M2 models, albeit with minor enhancements in charging accessories and power delivery.
In essence, the impending arrival of the M3 MacBook Air heralds a new chapter in Apple's illustrious MacBook lineup, promising incremental improvements in performance, design, and user experience. As anticipation mounts, enthusiasts eagerly await its official debut, poised to embrace the next evolution in portable computing technology.
