Apple unveils M3 MacBook Air aimed at consumer AI applications

Apple today unveiled new M3-powered MacBook Air 13 and 15-inch models. The new Airs are up to 60 percent faster than the model with the M1 chip and up to 13x faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air. Pricing The 13-inch MacBook Air with M3 starts at $1,449 (CAD) and $1,299 (CAD) for education, and the 15‑inch MacBook Air with M3 starts at $1,749 (CAD) and $1,599 (CAD) for education. Both are available in midnight, starlight, silver, and space grey. The models are available for preorder now for shipping and in-store availability on March 8.

AI on device

Apple is finally using AI in their marketing for these laptops in anticipation of huge AI software update in June. The consumer focus of the MacBook Air positions it as a strong choice considering the entire PC market is pivoting ot on-device AI in forthcoming PCs, ostensibly at a higher cost.

"MacBook Air can also run optimized AI models, including large language models (LLMs) and diffusion models for image generation locally with great performance" the company claims in its release.  

Apple's advantage is that it has had neural engines in its iPhones, iPads, and Apple Silicon Macs for years, which has brought pricing down for these AI-intensive chips. These are also the first consumer laptops with 3 nanometer processors cores, which offer astounding speed and performance but with up to 18 hours of battery life on a charge. An added bonus, these are the first MacBook Airs with Apple SIlicon that can drive up to two dual 4K displays (provided the clamshell is closed). This makes the new 13 and 15-inch MacBook AIr ideal for remote and office workers that like their external displays.