Apple’s Senior Product Manager For Mac Discusses The Durability And Performance Of M3 MacBook Air Against Older Models

Just a few weeks ago, Apple released the M3 MacBook Air, which came with several impressive upgrades that greatly enhanced the machine’s performance in comparison to its predecessor. The most notable upgrade is the M3 chip, which boasts significantly faster speeds than the M2 chip found in last year’s models. This is due to the M3 chip being built on TSMC’s advanced 3nm architecture, resulting in improved performance and lower power consumption. While the external design of the M3 MacBook Air remains identical to the M2 version, an Apple executive has recently discussed the benefits of the form factor and durability in a new interview.

Expert insights on the durability and performance of the latest M3 MacBook Air from Apple’s senior product manager

In a recent interview with The Points Guy, Evan Buzye, Apple’s senior product manager, discussed the newly released M3 MacBook Air and its portability and durability. As previously mentioned, the M3 MacBook Air maintains the same sleek design as its predecessor, which is not a drawback as the device remains modern and offers all the features of a high-end product.

According to Buzye, while Apple has made improvements to the device’s internal components, they have not made any compromises to its durability. He also mentions that the M3 MacBook Air retains its lightweight design, making it ideal for individuals who enjoy traveling.

Buzye said Apple worked hard so that the width didn’t come at the expense of durability. The new MacBook Air is built with an all-aluminum unibody enclosure that’s “designed to be super durable.”

“[In the lab,] they do a lot of different things to be able to make sure that whatever situation you are in, whether it’s in your backpack or you’re carrying it, it meets our standards for reliability.”

Buzye credited the new M series chips for the M3 MacBook Air’s slimmer design and improved performance. The slim profile was specifically tailored for travelers, with two sizes available to cater to different users.

One particular aspect of the new processor that might appeal to travelers is the introduction of more efficient video streaming for services like Netflix. This will allow you to stream for longer, according to Buyze. While the new chips might pack a mighty punch, they also were the “secret sauce” to making the computer so portable. “How do we get that thin-and-light design that fits on the tray table?” Buzye asked. He answered by explaining that the “transition to Apple silicon [processor chips] … was really the game changer where we could actually make these new designs that we had only imagined making before.”

In addition to retaining the same design, the M3 MacBook Air also boasts a new chip and upgraded WiFi 6E, providing faster download and upload speeds when used with compatible routers. Buzye also compared the new model to its predecessor, noting that the performance gain when upgrading from the M2 to the M3 MacBook Air will be minimal. However, upgrading from an M1 or Intel-based MacBook Air to the M3 model will result in a significant improvement in performance.

The starting price for the 13-inch M3 MacBook is $1,099, while the 13-inch M2 MacBook Air with base storage capacity is priced at $999. The 15-inch M3 MacBook Air base model is available at $1,299, but the M2 version of the 15-inch MacBook Air has been discontinued by the company.