The Evolution of Apple’s M-Series Chips: A Closer Look at the M3 MacBook Air
As a seasoned reviewer of MacBooks, I’ve witnessed firsthand the rapid advancements in Apple’s production line. In just three years since the company’s transition from Intel to its own silicon, starting with the M1 chip, Apple has now introduced the M3 in the latest MacBook Air models, available in both 13-inch and 15-inch sizes.
Unboxing and Setting Up the 2024 MacBook Air M3
Yesterday, I received a brand new 2024 MacBook Air equipped with the M3 chip. Eager to experience the latest technology, I unboxed the device and set it up as my new daily driver. Although it’s a temporary replacement for my three-year-old MacBook Air M1, I already noticed a significant performance boost with the M3 chip.
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
Benchmarking the M3 Chip: A Comparison with M1
One of the first tasks I performed on the new MacBook Air M3, aside from capturing numerous photos, was to run a benchmark test using Geekbench 5. This allowed me to compare the performance of the M3 chip against its predecessor, the M1, in terms of compute and graphical power. The results were impressive, with the 13-inch model showcasing a significant leap in performance.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
| Apple MacBook Air M1 vs M3 (Geekbench 5 CPU test) | Single-core result | Multi-core result |
|---|---|---|
| Apple MacBook Air M1 (2020) | 1732 | 7556 |
| Apple MacBook Air M3 (2024) | 2370 | 10,810 |
According to my calculations, the MacBook Air M3 demonstrates a 37% improvement in single-core power and an even more impressive 43% improvement in multi-core performance compared to the M1. While the Apple Store still offers both M1 and M3 13-inch MacBook Air models, with the M1 being £/$100 less expensive, the extra power provided by the M3 chip justifies the additional cost for those who require it.
Graphical Performance: MacBook Air M3 vs M2
For those interested in graphical prowess, the 13-inch MacBook Air M3 consistently scored around 34,000 (Apple Metal) and 32,000 (OpenCL) in benchmark tests. These results are slightly higher than the 2022 MacBook Air M2 model, but not significantly so. If you require top-tier GPU performance, the Pro series, whether laptop or desktop, is the way to go.
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
Fanless Design and Enhanced Capabilities
Unlike the 2023 MacBook Pro, which I tested with the higher-specced M3 Max chip, the MacBook Air is fanless. This means that regardless of the tasks you perform, there will be no whirring sound, which contributes to improved battery life. However, the absence of a fan may result in some throttling to prevent overheating, explaining why the Pro model maintains its place in the MacBook lineup despite its higher price point.
The M3 chip also enables the new MacBook Air to support up to two 5K monitors simultaneously, a feature not yet available in the MacBook Pro line (although it is expected to arrive soon). This capability is particularly beneficial for creatives and office workers who rely on multiple desktops, all from a silent laptop.
As I continue to explore the capabilities of the M3 MacBook Air, I’m increasingly impressed by how it outperforms my current MacBook Air. I look forward to reviewing both the 13-inch and 15-inch models in greater detail, with the latter serving as an update to the 2023 M2 model.
6 Comments
The MacBook Air M3 didn’t just set the bar, it launched it into orbit!
The MacBook Air M3: Leaving rivals in the dust, who’s surprised
Eleanor Hayes: The M3 MacBook Air? More like Apple’s mic drop in the tech showdown.
The MacBook Air M3 really said, “Catch me if you can,” to its competitors, huh
M3’s power leap? Absolute game-changer, competitors are probably sweating right now.
Guess Apple’s throwing punches with the MacBook Air M3; competition better step up their game!