MacBook comparison
MacBook Air M2 vs MacBook Air M3
Compare MacBook Air M2 vs MacBook Air M3 side by side: chip, memory, storage, display, ports, launch price and how each fits in Apple history.
MacBook Air (M2)The Air’s first redesign in years: the tapered wedge gone in favour of a uniform-thin slab, with MagSafe charging restored and a brighter, bigger display.
MacBook Air (M3, 2024)A clean M3 update to both Air sizes, finally supporting dual external monitors and adding Wi-Fi 6E.At a glance
Released 2 years apart — the MacBook Air (M3, 2024) is the newer model. 7 of 13 specs differ.
Going from the MacBook Air (M2) to the MacBook Air (M3, 2024), the chip changes from the Apple M2 (8-core) to the Apple M3 (8-core). Launch price drops from $1,199 to $1,099.
- ChipApple M2 (8-core)Apple M3 (8-core)
- Launch price$1,199$1,099
Unchanged memory, storage, ports.
Specs side by side
| Spec | MacBook Air (M2) | MacBook Air (M3, 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Release | July 15, 2022 | March 8, 2024 |
| Launch price | $1,199 | $1,099 |
| Price today | $1,283 | $1,110 |
| Chip | Apple M2 (8-core) · 3.49 GHz | Apple M3 (8-core) · 4.05 GHz |
| GraphicsSame | Apple 8/10-core GPU | Apple 8/10-core GPU |
| CPU coresSame | 8 | 8 |
| MemorySame | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| StorageSame | 256 GB | 256 GB |
| Display | 13.6" Liquid Retina, 2560×1664 | 13.6" or 15.3" Liquid Retina |
| WeightSame | 1.24 kg | 1.24 kg |
| Dimensions | Flat unibody with notch | Flat unibody |
| PortsSame | 2× Thunderbolt, MagSafe 3 | 2× Thunderbolt, MagSafe 3 |
| Operating system | macOS 12 Monterey | macOS 14 Sonoma |
Highlighted cells win clear more-is-better specs (memory, storage, lighter weight). Historical pricing uses approximate US CPI; clock speeds are not full real-world performance.
Why each matters
Dropped the long-running wedge for a flat slab, and brought MagSafe and a notch to the Air.
First Air able to drive two external displays (with the lid closed).
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Last updated: 2026-08-18