Aesthetically, they have the same design.
The Magic Keyboards and trackpads are essentially the same, including the quite useful Touch ID/power/sleep button.
Ultimately, it all comes down to size.
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
The MacBook Air 15-inch offers significantly larger palm rests, which makes my typing experience that much better.
And that’s what it comes down to more space.
Is that worth an extra $200?
Our guide onwhere to buy the MacBook Air M3features all the latest offers and availability.
The system is configurable to up to 24GB of memory, and 2TB SSD.
The recycled aluminum chassis is all clean lines and buffed corners.
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
The dimensions of this M3-sporting MacBook Air match those of the last 15-inch model.
That’s still pretty lightweight for a 15-inch model.
MacBook Air 13-inch over this one.
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
I hope that future MacBook Airs get the awesome space black option.
The MacBook Air 15-inch M3 design is, in some ways, cleaner than that of the MacBook Pro.
I like the look of it.
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
Apple’s Magic Keyboard remains one of my favorite ultraportable typing experiences.
There’s a pleasing amount of travel and response and, of course, lots of room to work.
Similarly, the force touch trackpad is huge and responsive.
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
The ports are also useful for data and power.
They both sit on one side of the laptop, next to the MagSafe charge port.
On the other side is that vestigial 3.5mm headphone jack that audiophiles will appreciate.
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
Apple should add one more USB-C port on this side of the laptop.
Maybe they will the next time they redesign the MacBook Air.
One of the big (get it?)
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
selling points of the 15-inch MacBook Air is the expansive Liquid Retina display.
It supports 1 billion colors and and the P3 wide color gamut.
This means that everything from the depressing Netflix movieSpacemanto games likeDeath Stranding Directors Cutlooks excellent.
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
That 1080p camera is also excellent forGoogleMeets, and Zoom conferences.
Every iteration builds on the last in spectacular fashion.
With the M3, my MacBook Air 15-inch is fast, flexible, and ready for just about anything.
Its Geekbench 6 numbers are noticeably higher than those of the previous-class M2 MacBook Air 15-inch.
The result came instantly and looked real but also dreamy.
It would not, however, create the slide images.
Running Adobe Firefly(Image credit: Future)
The MacBook Air 15-inch M3 is also an able gaming system.
I playedDeath Stranding: Directors CutandAsphalt 8(with a connected PlayStation Controller).
The M3 is well-equipped to handle HD-level gameplay on both games.
(Image credit: Future)
In that setting, I could still see the texture ofLea Seydoux’s skin.
On the connectivity front, Apple upgraded the WiFi from Wifi 6 to WiFi 6E.
Bluetooth is the same as it was on the last model: 5.3.
A Microsoft Copilot test(Image credit: Future)
Part of the reason you want this (or really and MacBook) is because of the platform.
MacOS is not only a mature operating system.
it’s one that manages to feel unencumbered by its years of existence.
A DiffusionBee test(Image credit: Future)
Apple’s managed to marry its fast and efficient Apple silicon with a desktop-class OS without any noticeable compromises.
This is a system that works, is flexible, and never crashes.
Better yet, all your favorite apps already work on it.
I absolutely love a laptop that can deliver a full day of work without being plugged in.
Apple promises 15 hours of web browsing and 18 hours of video streaming.
We got over 15 hours of continuous web browsing.
Should you buy the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M3)?
It’s light for 15 inches but also over 3 lbs.
However, its also prone to overheating, and the touch bar is annoyingly inaccessible.
I’ve been testing laptops and technology for over 30 years.
Read more about how we test
First reviewed March 2024
