Apple MacBook Air 15 (M3, 2024) Review: Big Screen, Bigger Value

The Apple MacBook Air 15 (M3, 2024), launched in March 2024, is a premium ultraportable laptop that blends a spacious 15.3-inch display with the efficient M3 chip. Priced from $1,299, it’s a sweet spot between the 13-inch Air and the pricier MacBook Pro 14-inch, offering stellar battery life, silent performance, and dual-monitor support. This SEO-optimized review explores real-time pricing, specs, user sentiment, and expert insights to help you decide if the MacBook Air 15 (M3) is your ideal laptop in 2025.

Why Choose the MacBook Air 15 (M3)?

Introduced as Apple’s first 15-inch Air in 2023 (M2), the 2024 M3 model refines the formula with a faster M3 chip, Wi-Fi 6E, and dual external display support (lid closed). At 3.3 pounds and 0.45 inches thin, it’s portable yet offers a larger screen than the 13-inch Air ($1,099) for multitasking and media. While not as powerful as the MacBook Pro, it’s ideal for students, hybrid workers, and creatives who don’t need Pro-level performance. Refurbished units are emerging, offering savings of ~15%.

Key Specifications

• Display: 15.3-inch Liquid Retina (2880 x 1864, 500 nits, True Tone, P3 color)
• Processor: Apple M3 chip (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine)
• Memory: 8GB unified memory (configurable to 16GB or 24GB)
• Storage: 256GB SSD (configurable to 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB)
• Battery Life: Up to 18 hours (video playback), 15 hours (web browsing)
• Ports: Two Thunderbolt 4/USB-C, MagSafe 3, 3.5mm headphone jack
• Camera: 1080p FaceTime HD
• Audio: Six-speaker system with Spatial Audio
• Weight: 3.3 pounds (1.5 kg)
• Colors: Midnight, Starlight, Space Gray, Silver
• Price: Starts at $1,299 (new), ~$1,099 (refurbished, estimated)

Performance: M3 Muscle for Everyday Tasks

The M3 chip, built on a 3nm process, delivers a 20% performance boost over the M2 and up to 60% over the M1, per Geekbench 6 tests. It’s designed for Apple Intelligence (macOS Sequoia) and handles:

• Productivity: 15+ browser tabs, Microsoft 365, and Zoom with no lag.
• Creative Work: Edits 4K videos in iMovie and RAW photos in Photoshop, though exports are slower than M3 Pro (e.g., 13 minutes for a 10-minute 4K video vs. 3 minutes on M3 Max).
• AI Tasks: On-device processing for tools like Pixelmator Pro and CapCut, generating images in DiffusionBee in ~28.5 seconds.
• Gaming: Runs Death Stranding smoothly but drains battery faster (~4–5 hours).

The fanless design ensures silent operation but may throttle during sustained heavy tasks. Compared to Intel Core Ultra 7 laptops, the M3 excels in efficiency but trails in video encoding. X users like @BrandonButch highlight its speed, calling it “up to 13x faster than Intel-based Airs.”

Design and Display: Premium and Spacious

The MacBook Air 15 (M3) retains the flat, MacBook Pro-inspired design from 2022, available in four colors. Midnight finish attracts fingerprints, while Starlight shimmers subtly. The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display offers:

• Sharp 2880 x 1864 resolution and P3 color accuracy.
• 500 nits brightness, adequate but outshone by mini-LED MacBook Pros.
• 60Hz refresh rate, lagging behind Windows OLED competitors (e.g., 120Hz).

The display notch houses the webcam but doesn’t support Face ID. The Magic Keyboard and Force Touch trackpad are class-leading, with precise typing and a spacious feel. At 3.3 pounds, it’s lighter than the 16-inch MacBook Pro (4.8 kg) but heavier than the 11-inch MacBook Air (2.4 kg).

Battery Life: Endurance Champion

Apple claims 18 hours for video playback and 15 hours for web browsing, validated by tests showing 14–16 hours for mixed tasks. It outlasts most Intel-based laptops but matches the M2 Air’s endurance. Intensive tasks like gaming can reduce battery life to ~4 hours. The MagSafe 3 charging and optional 70W USB-C adapter support fast charging.

Ports and Connectivity

• Two Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports: Support 40Gbps data, charging, and DisplayPort.
• MagSafe 3: Prevents cable mishaps.
• 3.5mm headphone jack: Supports high-impedance headphones.
• Wi-Fi 6E: Faster than Wi-Fi 6, improving streaming and downloads.
• Dual external displays: Supports two 5K @ 60Hz monitors (lid closed), unlike M2’s single-monitor limit.

Critics note the lack of ports (no USB-A, SD card, or HDMI) and that both USB-C ports are on the left side.

Camera and Audio: Built for Calls and Media

The 1080p FaceTime HD webcam uses the M3’s image signal processor for sharp video, outperforming many Windows laptops. The six-speaker system with Spatial Audio delivers “bombastic, punchy” sound, ideal for music and movies. The three-mic array with Voice Isolation enhances call clarity but isn’t as crisp as AirPods Pro 2.

macOS Sequoia and Apple Intelligence

Running macOS Sequoia, the M3 Air supports Apple Intelligence features like:

• Writing Tools: AI text editing.
• Image Playground: Generates cartoon-style images.
• Siri Enhancements: Context-aware assistance (still evolving).

While AI features are promising, some X users note they’re not yet transformative. Most apps, including Adobe and Microsoft 365, are optimized for M-series chips.

Pricing and Availability (June 2025)

• New: Starts at $1,299 (8GB/256GB, 10-core GPU). A 16GB/512GB model costs $1,699, and 24GB/1TB is $1,949.
• Deals: Amazon and Adorama offered $1,199 (base) and $1,599 (16GB/512GB) with promo code APINSIDER.
• Education: $1,199 via Apple’s education store.
• Refurbished: Limited availability at Apple’s Refurbished Store (~$1,099 projected, ~15% off). Back Market lists renewed units at ~$1,000–$1,200.
• International: Rs. 139,990 in India, ~£1,299 in UK, AU$2,199.

Check Apple, Amazon, or Best Buy for deals, especially post-WWDC or Black Friday.

Refurbished Quality and Outlook

Apple’s refurbished MacBook Airs undergo rigorous testing, battery replacement, and cleaning, coming with a 1-year warranty and AppleCare+ eligibility. Refurbished M3 Airs are starting to appear, offering savings of ~$200. Back Market and Amazon Renewed provide alternatives with 30-day returns. Reddit users report near-new quality, though stock is limited for 16GB models.

User Feedback and Sentiment

• X Posts: @theapplehub praised the $1,299 price and M3 speed. @TailosiveTech noted the M3 Air lacks mini-LED and ports compared to refurbished M3 Pro MacBook Pros.
• Reddit: Users like u/Secret_Monitor9629 prefer the M3 Pro MacBook Pro for $100 more, citing better display and ports, but others call the 15-inch Air “versatile” for its screen size and battery life.
• Reviews: PCMag and TechRadar awarded Editor’s Choice for design and performance, though some criticize the 8GB base RAM.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Large, vibrant 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display.
• Fast M3 chip for daily and light creative tasks.
• Up to 18-hour battery life.
• Silent, fanless design.
• Dual external display support (lid closed).

Cons

• 8GB base RAM and 256GB storage are limiting.
• 60Hz display lacks HDR and high refresh rate.
• Only two USB-C ports, both on left side.
• Fingerprint-prone Midnight finish.

Should You Buy in 2025?

The MacBook Air 15 (M3) is a top pick for:

• Students: Education pricing ($1,199) and portability suit campus life.
• Hybrid Workers: Dual-monitor support and battery life are ideal for home and office.
• Creatives: Handles light photo/video editing with a spacious screen.

Alternatives

• MacBook Air 15 (M4): $1,199, with 16GB base RAM and better performance.
• MacBook Pro 14 (M3): $1,699 for mini-LED, 120Hz, and more ports.
• MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo: ~$1,200 with Intel Core Ultra, competitive performance but lacks macOS ecosystem.

If you own an M2 Air, upgrading isn’t urgent unless you need dual displays or Wi-Fi 6E. M1 or Intel Mac users will see a major leap. For budget buyers, wait for refurbished M3 units or check M4 Air deals.

Conclusion

The Apple MacBook Air 15 (M3, 2024) is a premium, big-screen ultraportable with a fast M3 chip, stunning display, and up to 18 hours of battery life. Starting at $1,299, it’s a versatile choice for work, study, and light creative tasks. While the 8GB base RAM and limited ports are drawbacks, deals as low as $1,199 and emerging refurbished options enhance its value. For those seeking a large-screen Mac without Pro-level costs, the M3 Air is a winner in 2025.

FAQs: Apple MacBook Air 15 (M3, 2024)

1. Is the MacBook Air 15 (M3, 2024) worth buying?

Yes, at $1,299 ($1,199 with education discount), it offers a 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display, powerful M3 chip, and up to 18 hours of battery life, perfect for students, professionals, and light creatives.

2. How does the M3 chip compare to M2 and M4?

The M3 is about 20% faster than the M2 and 60% faster than the M1 for CPU tasks. The M4, found in newer models, is roughly 30% faster but starts at a lower price with 16GB base RAM.

3. What’s new in the MacBook Air 15 (M3)?

It features the M3 chip, Wi-Fi 6E, support for two external 5K displays (lid closed), and a preconfigured 16GB RAM/512GB storage option for better performance.

4. Is 8GB RAM and 256GB storage enough?

For basic tasks like browsing and Office apps, yes, but 16GB RAM and 512GB storage ($1,699) are better for multitasking or storing media. RAM and storage can’t be upgraded later.

5. How long does the battery last?

It lasts up to 18 hours for video playback and 14–16 hours for web browsing or mixed tasks, outperforming most Intel-based laptops and matching the M2 Air.

6. Can it connect multiple monitors?

Yes, it supports two 5K displays at 60Hz with the lid closed, a big upgrade over the M2 Air’s single-monitor limit.

7. Are refurbished MacBook Air 15 (M3) units available?

Limited refurbished units are available, starting around $1,099. Third-party retailers may offer renewed models at $1,000–$1,200 with 30-day return policies.

8. Where can I buy the MacBook Air 15 (M3)?

Buy from Apple ($1,299, or $1,199 for education), Amazon ($1,199 with deals), Adorama (with promo codes), or Best Buy. International prices vary, like Rs. 139,990 in India.

9. How does it compare to the MacBook Pro 14 (M3)?

The Pro ($1,699) has a mini-LED 120Hz display, extra ports (HDMI, SD card), and stronger performance for pros. The Air is lighter and more affordable for everyday use.

10. What macOS version does it run?

It runs macOS Sequoia with Apple Intelligence features like Writing Tools and Image Playground. Free updates are available through the App Store.