Comparison · Laptops · Desk research
MacBook Air 13-inch (M3) vs MacBook Air (M2, 2022)
Quick Answer
MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, Support 118551, 2024) and MacBook Air (M2, Support 111867, 2022) share the 13.6-inch 2560×1664 Liquid Retina panel (500 nits), MagSafe 3, 52.6 Wh, Apple’s 18-hour video / 15-hour wireless-web claims, 256 GB base SSD, and Support listings for both 8 GB and 16 GB unified floors. M3: 8-core CPU (4 performance + 4 efficiency), 8- or 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine, 100 GB/s, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 1080p FaceTime HD, 2.7 lb / 1.24 kg. M2.
The verdict
MacBook Air 13-inch (M3) or MacBook Air (M2, 2022) — quote the two manufacturer sheets.
Why: Consecutive 13-inch Airs. Distinct from M5 vs either year. Both Support pages list a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina 2560×1664 panel at 224 ppi and 500 nits, MagSafe 3, 52.6 Wh, up to 18 hours video / 15 hours wireless web, 256 GB base SSD, and 8 GB or 16 GB unified floors. MagSafe already arrived on M2 — this is not the MagSafe-arrival URL. M3 (Support 118551, 2024) is 8-core CPU (4+4), 100 GB/s, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 1080p FaceTime HD. M2 (Support 111867, 2022) is 8-core CPU (4+4), 100 GB/s, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, 1080p FaceTime HD. The printed hop is Wi-Fi 6E and the M3 chip year — not a panel or MagSafe war.
Buy MacBook Air 13-inch (M3) if
You want leftover 13-inch M3: Wi-Fi 6E and 2024 M3 silicon — and you will read whether that unit is 8 GB or 16 GB.
Buy MacBook Air (M2, 2022) if
You already own an M2 Air. MagSafe and the 13.6-inch 500-nit panel are already there.
Spec comparison
Caption lock: 13-inch vs 13-inch. M3 from Support 118551. M2 from Support 111867.
| Spec | 13-inch Air (M3) | Air (M2, 2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Year introduced | 2024 | 2022 |
| Chip | Apple M3; 8-core CPU (4+4); 8- or 10-core GPU; 16-core NE; 100 GB/s | Apple M2; 8-core CPU (4+4); 8- or 10-core GPU; 16-core NE; 100 GB/s |
| Unified memory | 8 GB and 16 GB floors listed | 8 GB and 16 GB floors listed |
| Base SSD | 256 GB | 256 GB |
| Display | 13.6-inch 2560×1664; 224 ppi; 500 nits | 13.6-inch 2560×1664; 224 ppi; 500 nits |
| Battery | 52.6 Wh; 18h video / 15h wireless web | 52.6 Wh; 18h Apple TV movie / 15h wireless web |
| Ports | MagSafe 3; two Thunderbolt / USB 4; 3.5 mm | MagSafe 3; two Thunderbolt / USB 4; 3.5 mm |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E; Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 6; Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Camera | 1080p FaceTime HD | 1080p FaceTime HD |
MagSafe is already on M2
Do not write “finally MagSafe” on this pair.
Frequently asked questions
Did MagSafe arrive on M3?
No. MagSafe 3 is already on Support 111867 (M2). The MagSafe-arrival URL is /laptops/macbook-air-m2-vs-macbook-air-m1/.
Did the display change?
Not on the numbered rows. Both list 13.6-inch 2560×1664 at 224 ppi and 500 nits.
Is every M3 Air 16 GB?
No. Support 118551 lists both 8 GB and 16 GB unified floors. Same class of split exists on M2 Support.