Apple - MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop - M3 chip Built for Apple Intelligence - 16GB Memory - 512GB SSD - Starlight
Apple - MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop - M3 chip Built for Apple Intelligence - 16GB Memory - 512GB SSD - Starlight
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Screen Size
13.6"System Memory (RAM)
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Specifications
- Screen Size13.6 inchesScreen Resolution2560 x 1664Touch ScreenNoBrightness500 nitsProcessor ModelApple M3Storage TypeSSD
- Key Specs
- Screen Size: 13.6 inches (Size of the screen, measured diagonally from corner to corner.)
- Screen Resolution: 2560 x 1664 (Screens come in a range of resolutions (measured in pixels, horizontal x vertical). The higher the resolution, the greater the picture quality.)
- Touch Screen: false (Touch-screen devices make navigating more intuitive. Using a touch-screen display, you can do things such as tap to select, hold and drag to move items, swipe to scroll, and pinch to zoom.)
- Brightness: 500 nits (A measure of the total light output.)
- Processor Model: Apple M3 (Your computer's processor is like its brain. Working in combination with system memory, the power of the processor determines the complexity of software you can run, how many programs you can have open at the same time, and how fast those programs will run. Most computers feature an AMD, Intel or Snapdragon processor.)
- Storage Type: SSD
- Total Storage Capacity: 512 gigabytes
- System Memory (RAM): 16 gigabytes (Random-access memory (RAM) is a computing device's short-term data storage, which allows active information to be accessed quickly. The size and type of RAM determines how efficiently the device can handle large amounts of information at one time. For example, gaming or video editing requires more RAM for optimal performance.)
- Graphics: Apple M3 10-core (Often referred to as a "graphics processing unit" (GPU), this device is responsible for displaying image content and decoding/encoding video content in programs and games.)
- Display Connector(s): 2 x Thunderbolt (The number and type of connectors used to connect to an external display.)
- Battery Life (up to): 18 hours (Battery life will vary depending on the product configuration, product model, applications loaded on the product, power management setting of the product and the product features used by the customer. As with all batteries, the maximum capacity of this battery will decrease with time and usage.)
- Battery Chemistry: Lithium-ion
- Backlit Keyboard: true (Integrated lights allow for visibility of the keys in low-light conditions.)
- General
- Brand: Apple
- Model Number: MXCU3LL/A
- Product Name: MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop - M3 chip Built for Apple Intelligence - 16GB Memory - 512GB SSD
- Color: Starlight
- Year of Release: 2024
- Display
- Display Type: LED
- Screen Size: 13.6 inches (Size of the screen, measured diagonally from corner to corner.)
- Screen Resolution: 2560 x 1664 (Screens come in a range of resolutions (measured in pixels, horizontal x vertical). The higher the resolution, the greater the picture quality.)
- Touch Screen: false (Touch-screen devices make navigating more intuitive. Using a touch-screen display, you can do things such as tap to select, hold and drag to move items, swipe to scroll, and pinch to zoom.)
- Brightness: 500 nits (A measure of the total light output.)
- Processor
- Processor Brand: Apple
- Processor Model: Apple M3 (Your computer's processor is like its brain. Working in combination with system memory, the power of the processor determines the complexity of software you can run, how many programs you can have open at the same time, and how fast those programs will run. Most computers feature an AMD, Intel or Snapdragon processor.)
- Processor Model Number: Apple M3
- Number of CPU Cores: 8-core (A core, or "brain" of a CPU, allows it to receive and execute instructions. Each core can work independently or together to perform parallel operations.)
- Storage
- Storage Type: SSD
- Total Storage Capacity: 512 gigabytes
- Solid State Drive Capacity: 512 gigabytes (The amount of data that can be stored on the device's solid state drive (SSD). SSD is a flash-based storage with faster speeds than a hard disk drive (HDD).)
- Memory
- System Memory (RAM): 16 gigabytes (Random-access memory (RAM) is a computing device's short-term data storage, which allows active information to be accessed quickly. The size and type of RAM determines how efficiently the device can handle large amounts of information at one time. For example, gaming or video editing requires more RAM for optimal performance.)
- Type of Memory (RAM): Not provided (Each type of RAM delivers a different level of speed, bandwidth, energy efficiency and performance.)
- Graphics
- Graphics Type: Integrated (Dedicated graphics uses a separate graphics card for processing video images. Because it does not use memory from the system's RAM, there is no extra burden on the CPU and graphics are processed more efficiently. Integrated graphics shares system RAM to process video images.)
- GPU Brand: Apple
- Graphics: Apple M3 10-core (Often referred to as a "graphics processing unit" (GPU), this device is responsible for displaying image content and decoding/encoding video content in programs and games.)
- Compatibility
- Operating System: macOS Sonoma 14 (The operating system manages all software and hardware, including files, memory and connected devices. Most importantly, it lets you interact with your device and your programs in a visual way; otherwise, you'd be typing computer code to get anything done.)
- Voice Assistant Built-in: Siri (A digital assistant built into the device that uses voice commands to answer questions and control smart devices.)
- Works With: Apple Home (Compatible with or able to be connected to other smart devices or applications.)
- Connectivity
- Display Connector(s): 2 x Thunderbolt (The number and type of connectors used to connect to an external display.)
- Number of Thunderbolt Ports (Total): 2
- Headphone Jack: true (The device features an interface that allows for the connection of headphones.)
- Microphone Input: false (The device features an input for connecting an external microphone.)
- Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (The manner in which a device sends data to another device over a short distance without the use of wires or cables.)
- Wireless Standard: AX (The wireless networking protocol used by the device. Each iteration of the protocol is based on the 802.11 standard developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standards Association. Denoted by letters following 802.11 (802.11a, 802.11ac, etc.), each version, published in alphabetical order, encompasses all previous versions.)
- Wireless Networking Standard: Wi-Fi 6E (The wireless networking standard used by the device. Each iteration of the standard developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance corresponds to an existing IEEE 802.11 protocol; for example, standard 802.11ac (or AC) is termed Wi-Fi 5. Refers specifically to the standard the device is designed to use, but ultimately determines product interoperability and backward compatibility including previous versions.)
- Power
- Power Supply Input: MagSafe
- Battery Life (up to): 18 hours (Battery life will vary depending on the product configuration, product model, applications loaded on the product, power management setting of the product and the product features used by the customer. As with all batteries, the maximum capacity of this battery will decrease with time and usage.)
- Battery Cells: 4-cell
- Battery Chemistry: Lithium-ion
- Camera
- Front-Facing Camera: true
- Front Facing Camera Video Resolution: 1080p (Refers to the number of pixels, both horizontally and vertically, used by the camera facing the user to capture video. The higher the resolution the finer the video detail that can be seen.)
- Built-In Microphone: true
- Features
- Backlit Keyboard: true (Integrated lights allow for visibility of the keys in low-light conditions.)
- Media Card Reader: false (A hardware device that allows for access to data on a memory card and enables the transfer of its files to a computer. These devices may have one or multiple slots for various types of memory cards, and may be integrated into the computer or available as an external device.)
- Audio Technology: Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos
- Mac Features: Touch ID sensor
- Casing Material: Aluminum
- Dimensions
- Product Height: 0.44 inches (The out of box height of the item. Height is measured as the vertical distance from the bottom of the item to the top as it would be primarily used or placed.)
- Product Width: 11.97 inches (The out of box width of the item. Width is measured as the horizontal distance from one side of the item to the other as it would be primarily used or placed.)
- Product Depth: 8.46 inches (The out of box depth of the item. Depth is measured as the distance from the front of the item to the back as it would be primarily used or placed.)
- Product Weight: 2.7 pounds (The out of box weight of the item.)
- Certifications Listings & Approvals
- ENERGY STAR Certified: true (Devices carrying the ENERGY STAR service mark, such as computer products and peripherals, kitchen appliances, and other products, generally use 20% to 30% less energy than required by federal standards.)
- EPEAT Qualified: true (The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) was designed to provide an environmental assessment tool for purchasers. In order to qualify for EPEAT, a product must meet all 23 required criteria.)
- EPEAT Level: Gold (The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) was designed to provide an environmental assessment tool for purchasers. In order to qualify for EPEAT, a product must meet all 23 required criteria. Products are rated Bronze, Silver or Gold based on how many of 28 optional criteria they meet (below 50%, 50%, 75%).)
- Included
- Numeric Keypad: false
- Warranty
- Warranty - Parts: Apple One (1) Year Limited Warranty
- Warranty - Labor: Apple One (1) Year Limited Warranty
- Other
- UPC: 195949636622
The M3 chip brings even greater capabilities to the superportable 13-inch MacBook Air. With up to 18 hours of battery life, you can take it anywhere and blaze through work and play.
Whats Included
- 13-inch MacBook Air with M3 chip
- USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable (2m)
- 35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power Adapter
- 13-inch MacBook Air with M3 chip
- USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable (2m)
- 35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power Adapter
Disclaimers
- Configurable options are available.
- ¹Battery life varies by use and configuration. See apple.com/batteries for more information.
- ²Apple Intelligence is available in beta on all Mac models with M1 and later, with Siri and device language set to U.S. English, as a macOS Sequoia update. English (Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, UK) language support available this December.
- Some features and support for additional languages, like Chinese, English (India, Singapore), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese, and others, will be coming over the course of the next year.
- ³The display on the 13-inch MacBook Air has rounded corners at the top. When measured as a standard rectangular shape, the screen is 13.6 inches diagonally (actual viewable area is less).
- ⁴Apps are available on the App Store. Software and content may be sold separately. Title availability is subject to change.
- ⁵Wi-Fi 6E available in countries and regions where supported.
- ⁶Available on Mac computers with Apple silicon and Intel-based Mac computers with a T2 Security Chip. Requires that your iPhone and Mac are signed in with the same Apple Account using two-factor authentication, your iPhone and Mac are near each other and have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on, and your Mac is not using AirPlay or Sidecar. Some iPhone features (e.g., camera and microphone) are not compatible with iPhone Mirroring.
- ⁷FaceTime is not available in all countries or regions.
- Configurable options are available.
- ¹Battery life varies by use and configuration. See apple.com/batteries for more information.
- ²Apple Intelligence is available in beta on all Mac models with M1 and later, with Siri and device language set to U.S. English, as a macOS Sequoia update. English (Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, UK) language support available this December.
- Some features and support for additional languages, like Chinese, English (India, Singapore), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese, and others, will be coming over the course of the next year.
- ³The display on the 13-inch MacBook Air has rounded corners at the top. When measured as a standard rectangular shape, the screen is 13.6 inches diagonally (actual viewable area is less).
- ⁴Apps are available on the App Store. Software and content may be sold separately. Title availability is subject to change.
- ⁵Wi-Fi 6E available in countries and regions where supported.
- ⁶Available on Mac computers with Apple silicon and Intel-based Mac computers with a T2 Security Chip. Requires that your iPhone and Mac are signed in with the same Apple Account using two-factor authentication, your iPhone and Mac are near each other and have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on, and your Mac is not using AirPlay or Sidecar. Some iPhone features (e.g., camera and microphone) are not compatible with iPhone Mirroring.
- ⁷FaceTime is not available in all countries or regions.
A: The keyboard is backlit.
Q: Which operating system does the MacBook Air come with?
A: The MacBook Air comes with the macOS Sonoma 14 operating system.
Q: What is the screen resolution of the MacBook Air?
A: The screen resolution of the MacBook Air is 2560 x 1664.
Q: What are the dimensions of the MacBook Air?
A: The MacBook Air has a product height of 0.44 inches, a width of 11.97 inches, and a depth of 8.46 inches.
Q: Does the MacBook Air have a built-in microphone?
A: The MacBook Air does have a built-in microphone.
Q: Which one do you recommend this one or one with a M2 and 1T of memory?
A: Just an average user here… I’ve asked myself this same question. I got the M2 (15 inch, 16gb ram, 1tb ssd) AND the M3 (13 inch, 16gb ram, 512gb ssd) and ended up returning the M3. It’s the same device… the chip isn’t much of an upgrade for the average user. There is no noticeable worthwhile difference between them… and the M3 is still a finger print magnet in midnight. You have the opportunity to get more storage … and while I’d have personally preferred a smaller 13 inch laptop… the bigger screen (and better sound etc.) in the 15 inch M2 is also a plus in terms of what you’re getting for your money since both are the same price. If you are looking for great value, go with the M2, 1TB SSD, 16GB RAM. The upgrade to M3 is not worth it at the same price… the M2 chip performs exceptionally well in daily use. Of course, it all comes down to your usage and what YOU value most. Some of the very few key differences in the M3 include: support for a second external display, WiFi 6E support and slightly faster processing (again, not even noticeable in the average user experience), current release (some prefer all things shiny and new). In avg. daily use though… no difference.
A: Best Buy offers a 15-day return policy for most items, including laptops like the MacBook Air M3. For My Best Buy Elite members, the return period is extended to 30 days. If you change your mind about the color, model, or simply aren't satisfied with the laptop, you can return or exchange it within this window. Be sure to keep your receipt or proof of purchase and return the item in its original condition for a hassle-free exchange or refund.
Q: Is this model 10 GPU or 8 GPU?
A: 10 GPU
Reviews
Customer Images
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
- Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Perfect for Engineering Students
As a computer engineering master’s student, I needed a laptop that balances performance, portability, and battery life—and the **MacBook Air M3 (16GB/512GB)** delivers on all fronts. After **five months of heavy use**, here’s why I highly recommend it: ✅ Blazing Fast Performance The **M3 chip** handles everything effortlessly—from coding (VS Code, Docker, ML libraries) to multitasking across multiple IDEs and virtual machines. The **16GB RAM** ensures smooth performance even with demanding workloads, and the **512GB SSD** provides ample storage while being incredibly fast. ✅ Lightweight & Durable The **slim and lightweight design** makes it easy to carry around campus, and the build quality is solid. The Midnight color looks sleek (though it does show fingerprints). ✅ All-Day Battery Life Even with heavy use (coding, research, Zoom calls), the battery **easily lasts a full day**—no need to carry a charger. ✅ macOS & Apple Ecosystem** As a developer, macOS offers a **Unix-based environment**, making it great for programming. Integration with other Apple devices (iPhone, iPad) is seamless. ❌ Minor Drawbacks** - Only **two USB-C ports**, so a hub is necessary for peripherals. - **No active cooling**, but the M3 stays cool under normal workloads (only throttles slightly during prolonged heavy tasks). Final Verdict For students and professionals who need **power, portability, and efficiency**, this MacBook Air is an **excellent choice**. The M3 chip + 16GB RAM future-proofs it for years. **5/5 – Worth every penny!**
This review is from Apple - MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop - M3 chip Built for Apple Intelligence - 16GB Memory - 512GB SSD - Midnight
AvinashD Posted
- Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Apple MacBook Air M3 (512GB SSD, 16GB Memory, Silv
I recently upgraded to the Apple MacBook Air M3 (512GB SSD, 16GB RAM, Silver), and it has completely exceeded my expectations. As soon as I opened the box, I was struck by how lightweight and slim it is—Apple really nailed the balance between portability and power with this design. The silver finish looks premium and elegant, making it a perfect fit for both professional and personal use. Performance-wise, the M3 chip is a serious upgrade. Everything from multitasking to running demanding apps feels incredibly smooth and responsive. I use my MacBook for everything from video editing to light gaming, and it handles it all with ease. The 16GB of RAM makes multitasking effortless, and I can switch between multiple apps and tabs without any lag or slowdowns. The 512GB SSD is plenty of storage for my files, and the speed at which apps load and files transfer is impressive. The Retina display is crystal clear, with vibrant colors and sharp details, whether I’m working on creative projects or just watching content. The battery life is also incredible—easily lasting a full day of work or study, even with heavy usage. The keyboard is comfortable to type on, and the trackpad is super responsive, making navigation and gestures feel seamless. The fanless design means the MacBook Air stays quiet, even during long sessions, and it never gets hot to the touch. If you’re looking for a laptop that combines power, portability, and stunning design, the MacBook Air M3 is hard to beat. It’s perfect for students, professionals, and anyone who wants a sleek, high-performance machine. Highly recommend!
This review is from Apple - MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop - M3 chip Built for Apple Intelligence - 16GB Memory - 512GB SSD - Silver
StevenL Posted
- Rated 4 out of 5 stars
I love this computer.
I absolutely love this device. Equipped with the latest M3 chip and 16GB of RAM, my MacBook Air delivers impressive performance across a variety of tasks. From everyday productivity to light creative workloads, the M3 chip also ensures smooth multitasking and responsiveness. Not only that but with the 512GB SSD, it provides ample storage space for my files and applications, offering fast read and write speeds that enhance overall performance. I chose the midnight color variant as it adds a sophisticated touch, with its deep, lustrous finish that complements its ultra-thin look. The aluminum chassis feels premium and sturdy, making it ideal for anyone (like myself) who values a lightweight yet durable laptop. While it may not be a powerhouse for intensive tasks like video editing or gaming, it definitely excels in everyday productivity and multimedia consumption. If you prioritize lightweight design, long battery life, and the seamless Apple ecosystem, the MacBook Air is a solid investment and definitely would recommend!
This review is from Apple - MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop - M3 chip Built for Apple Intelligence - 16GB Memory - 512GB SSD - Midnight
Daniel Posted