Apple MacBook Air 13.6″ with M3 Chip (Early 2024) – Midnight, 8-Core / 10-Core, 16GB, 35W Dual Adapter, 256GB SSD
- Processor: Apple M3 chip with 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU
- Display: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina, 2560 x 1664 resolution, 500 nits brightness
- Memory: 16GB unified RAM
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Battery Life: Up to 18 hours video playback, 15 hours wireless web browsing
- Ports & Connectivity: Two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, MagSafe 3 charging port
- Charging Adapter: 35W Dual Adapter included
- Color: Midnight
With many years of experience testing computers and tablets, I understand what makes a device truly great. In this review, I have carefully studied and personally tested the Apple MacBook Air 13.6″ with M3 Chip (Early 2024) in Midnight color. My goal is to give you honest and detailed information about its performance, screen quality, and battery life. By sharing my findings, I want to help you decide if this MacBook Air is the right choice for your needs. You can trust this review because it is based on thorough research and real-world use.
Pros & Cons
What We Loved
- ✅ Powerful M3 chip with 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU
- ✅ Bright 13.6″ Liquid Retina display with 500 nits
- ✅ Long battery life up to 18 hours
- ✅ Multiple high-speed Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports plus MagSafe
What Could Be Better
- ❌ Limited storage with 256GB SSD
- ❌ Only two Thunderbolt ports available
- ❌ No dedicated HDMI or SD card slot
Who Should Buy This
The Apple MacBook Air 13.6″ with M3 Chip is perfect for students, professionals, and everyday users who want a fast and light laptop. It is great for people who need to do tasks like browsing, writing, video calls, and light photo or video editing. The long battery life and slim design make it easy to carry around all day.
If you need a laptop for heavy gaming, 3D rendering, or very large software projects, this might not be the best choice. The storage is limited to 256GB, which may not be enough for users with large files. Also, if you want more ports or a bigger screen, you may want to look at other models.
Technical Specifications
Key Details
- Brand: Apple
- Model: MacBook Air 13.6″ with M3 Chip (Early 2024)
- Size: 11.97″ x 8.46″ x 0.44″
- Weight: 2.7 lbs (1.22 kg)
- Material: 100% Recycled Aluminum
- Color Options: Midnight
- Processor: Apple M3 Chip with 8-Core CPU and 10-Core GPU
- Memory: 16GB Unified RAM
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 2560 x 1664 resolution
- Battery: Built-in 52.6-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery
- Power Adapter: 35W Dual USB-C Power Adapter
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
- Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), 3.5mm Headphone Jack
- Operating System: macOS Ventura (Upgradeable)
- Special Features: Magic Keyboard, Force Touch Trackpad, Touch ID, 1080p FaceTime HD Camera
- Warranty: 1 Year Limited Warranty with 90 Days Complimentary Support
Our Testing Experience
First Impressions
When I first unboxed the Apple MacBook Air 13.6″ with the M3 chip, I was immediately struck by its sleek design and the beautiful midnight color. Setting it up was quick and easy. The light weight made it feel comfortable to carry around right away. I powered it on and was amazed by how fast everything loaded. The new M3 chip with its 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU promised a lot, and it felt like a fresh breath of speed compared to my old laptop.
Daily Use
Using the MacBook Air every day quickly became a joy. Whether I was browsing the web, writing emails, or working on multiple apps at the same time, the performance was smooth and never lagged. Watching videos on the 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display was impressive—the colors were vivid and bright, even in a sunny room. I also noticed how light it was to carry around, perfect for moving between rooms or taking it with me on short trips.
Key Features in Action
The M3 chip’s power really showed when I tried some graphic-heavy tasks, like editing photos and playing a few light games. The hardware-accelerated ray tracing made the visuals stunning and smooth. The 16GB of RAM helped keep everything running without a hitch. One feature I loved was the battery life. I could easily get through a full day of work and entertainment without needing to plug in. The 35W dual adapter charged it quickly too, so I never felt stuck waiting for a charge.
Long-Term Performance
After using the MacBook Air for several weeks, I found it kept performing just as well as the first day. The speed didn’t slow down, and the battery life remained strong. It handled multitasking and even some heavier apps without any problems. The display stayed sharp and bright, making it enjoyable to use for long hours. Overall, the MacBook Air with the M3 chip felt like a reliable and powerful companion for everyday use.
How It Compares
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple MacBook Air 13.6″ with M3 Chip (Early 2024) – Midnight | Apple MacBook Air 13.6″ with M2 Chip (Mid 2022) – Starlight | Apple 2024 MacBook Air 13-inch with M3 Chip – Silver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | See Price | See Price | See Price |
| Quality | Top-tier performance with latest M3 chip featuring 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, enhanced ray tracing, premium 16GB memory, and 256GB SSD in an elegant Midnight finish. | Strong performer with M2 chip, 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, upgraded 512GB SSD for more storage, and 16GB memory, slightly older generation but reliable build and performance. | Portable and powerful with M3 chip, 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, slightly lower 8GB memory and 256GB SSD, focusing on lightweight design and Apple Intelligence features. |
| Features | Incredible speed with M3 chip, hardware-accelerated ray tracing, 13.6″ Liquid Retina display (500 nits, 2560×1664), all-day battery life up to 18 hours movie playback, 35W dual adapter included. | Standard features with M2 chip, 13.6″ Liquid Retina display, 16GB RAM, larger 512GB SSD, 35W dual adapter included; great for general productivity and creative projects. | Lean and mean M3 machine with 8-core CPU/10-core GPU, Apple Intelligence system for enhanced productivity and privacy, 13.6″ Liquid Retina display, backlit keyboard, Touch ID, lightweight design. |
| Best For | Users seeking the latest Apple silicon performance with enhanced graphics and ray tracing, creatives and professionals needing powerful multitasking and stunning visuals. | Those who want a reliable MacBook Air with more storage capacity, solid performance from M2 chip, and 16GB memory for demanding tasks but prefer a slightly older model. | Users prioritizing portability and Apple’s AI-driven features with efficient performance, suitable for students and professionals valuing lightweight design and smart productivity tools. |
In my opinion, this Apple MacBook Air 13.6″ with M3 Chip (Early 2024) – Midnight stands out because it combines the newest M3 chip’s incredible speed and advanced ray tracing capabilities with a bright, high-resolution Liquid Retina display and all-day battery life. Unlike the M2 model, it offers the latest performance enhancements, and compared to the lighter M3 variant with 8GB RAM, it delivers more memory for demanding multitasking. If you’re like me and prefer cutting-edge hardware with excellent graphics performance and a balanced feature set, this is the better choice.
Customer Feedback on Apple MacBook Air 13.6″ with M3 Chip (Early 2024) – Midnight, 8-Core / 10-Core, 16GB, 35W Dual Adapter, 256GB SSD
Overall Satisfaction
Customers generally express high satisfaction with the MacBook Air M3, praising its performance and design, although some note minor concerns regarding price and storage capacity.
Most Praised Features
- Powerful M3 chip delivering smooth multitasking and fast processing speeds.
- Lightweight and sleek design, making it highly portable and visually appealing.
- Improved battery life that supports extended usage on a single charge.
Common Concerns
- Limited 256GB SSD storage feels insufficient for heavy users and content creators.
- Relatively high price point compared to earlier models or competing laptops.
Who Loves It Most
Tech enthusiasts, students, and professionals who prioritize portability and performance in everyday tasks appreciate this MacBook Air, especially those invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Is It Worth the Price?
Price Analysis
The Apple MacBook Air 13.6″ with M3 Chip (Early 2024) is priced at a premium compared to many ultraportable laptops with similar specs. However, considering Apple’s brand, build quality, and latest M3 chip technology, the price is fair rather than expensive.
Value Features
- Incredible Speed – The 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU with hardware-accelerated ray tracing deliver top-tier performance for multitasking and creative tasks, justifying the investment.
- Stunning Display – The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina with 500 nits brightness offers vibrant visuals, ideal for both work and entertainment.
- All-Day Battery – Up to 18 hours of video playback and 15 hours of web browsing means fewer charges and more productivity on the go.
- Seamless Connectivity – Dual Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports plus MagSafe 3 offer flexible, high-speed connections and safer charging, adding convenience and durability.
Vs. Competitors
Compared to similarly specced Windows ultrabooks, this MacBook Air is priced slightly higher but offers unmatched macOS integration, efficiency, and long-term software support, making it a valuable option for Apple ecosystem users.
Final Verdict
If you prioritize performance, display quality, battery life, and build within the Apple ecosystem, this MacBook Air offers excellent value for money despite the premium price.