The M3 MacBook Air is probably the least exciting Air to be released in the last 5 years. It’s so similar to the previous version that unless you look closely, you won’t notice it. Still, there’s some differences that should be taken into consideration before you buy one.

00:00 Introduction
00:30 Who Is The MacBook Air For?
01:39 Everyday Performance
03:51 Laifen Electric Toothbrush
05:23 Battery Life
06:38 Dual External Monitors?
06:59 Anodization Seal Is A Gimmick
07:15 Expensive RAM and SSD Upgrades
09:59 Pricing Is Weird

#macbookair

M3 MacBook Air Review – Why Does Apple KEEP Doing This?

Apple’s MacBook Air lineup has consistently pushed the boundaries of what an ultra-thin laptop can achieve. With the release of the M3 MacBook Air, Apple continues this trend, offering improvements in performance, efficiency, and usability. But while it’s an impressive upgrade, some familiar limitations remain—raising the question: why does Apple keep doing this?

Design & Build Quality

The M3 MacBook Air retains the signature sleek and minimalist design Apple is known for. It’s available in 13-inch and 15-inch variants, both crafted from a lightweight aluminium unibody. The 15-inch model, in particular, provides a compelling option for users who want a larger display without the bulk of a MacBook Pro.

The MagSafe charging port makes a return, freeing up the two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports for other peripherals. However, port selection remains a weak point, as power users may still need external dongles to accommodate additional devices.

Performance – M3 Chip at the Core

The Apple M3 chip introduces notable speed improvements, particularly in graphics processing. This is the first MacBook Air to feature hardware-accelerated ray tracing, making it a viable option for light gaming and creative workloads.

For everyday tasks such as:

  • Web browsing
  • Office applications
  • Video calls
  • Light photo & video editing

The M3 handles everything smoothly. However, for power users, particularly those working with 4K video editing, 3D modelling, or professional software like Logic Pro or Final Cut Pro, the MacBook Air still falls short compared to the MacBook Pro. Apple continues to differentiate the two lines by keeping ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate), Mini LED, and more powerful GPUs exclusive to the MacBook Pro.

Display – Gorgeous but Familiar

The Liquid Retina display continues to impress with its sharp visuals, vibrant colours, and deep contrast. It offers 500 nits of brightness, which is great for indoor use but may still struggle in bright outdoor environments.

While the colour accuracy and resolution are excellent, some users were hoping for OLED or Mini LED technology, but Apple has reserved that for its Pro models.

Battery Life – Still the Best in Class

Battery life remains one of Apple’s greatest strengths. The M3 MacBook Air can last up to 18 hours on a single charge, depending on usage. This makes it one of the longest-lasting laptops on the market, perfect for:

  • Students
  • Business professionals
  • Frequent travellers

Even under heavy workloads, the M3 chip’s efficiency ensures excellent battery performance.

Keyboard & Trackpad – No Surprises Here

Apple’s Magic Keyboard remains one of the best laptop keyboards available, offering great tactile feedback and a comfortable typing experience. The Force Touch trackpad is large, responsive, and precise, making it one of the best trackpads in any laptop.

Speakers & Audio – Solid for an Air

The MacBook Air M3 delivers impressive stereo sound, particularly on the 15-inch model, which has a richer bass response due to its larger chassis. While it won’t replace external speakers, it’s more than capable for media consumption, casual music listening, and video calls.

Port Selection – The Same Old Story

Apple continues to limit the MacBook Air to just two Thunderbolt ports and a headphone jack. While the reintroduction of MagSafe helps, allowing one port to remain free, power users will still need adapters for HDMI, USB-A, or SD card slots.

This is a deliberate decision by Apple to push pro users towards the MacBook Pro line.

Who Is the M3 MacBook Air For?

This laptop is perfect for: ✔️ Students
✔️ Office workers
✔️ Writers and general users
✔️ Casual photo and video editors
✔️ Light content creators

However, it may not be the best choice for: ❌ Heavy 4K video editors
❌ 3D designers
❌ Users needing multiple ports without dongles
❌ Gamers looking for AAA gaming performance

Final Verdict – Why Does Apple KEEP Doing This?

Apple’s M3 MacBook Air is a fantastic device, but it continues Apple’s trend of artificially segmenting its lineup. The lack of a 120Hz display, limited port selection, and absence of higher-end GPU options means that pro users are still nudged towards the MacBook Pro.

However, for the average consumer, this remains one of the best laptops money can buy—offering class-leading battery life, stunning design, and an incredibly efficient processor. If you don’t need Pro features, the M3 MacBook Air is a near-perfect choice.

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