Highlights
- Key Specs
- Screen Size: 15.3 inches (Size of the screen, measured diagonally from corner to corner.)
- Screen Resolution: 2880 x 1864 (Retina) (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: MXD33LL/A
- Product Name: MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop - M3 chip Built for Apple Intelligence - 16GB Memory - 512GB SSD
- Color: Starlight
- Year of Release: 2024
- Display
- Display Type: LED
- Screen Size: 15.3 inches (Size of the screen, measured diagonally from corner to corner.)
- Screen Resolution: 2880 x 1864 (Retina) (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: Siri (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: 6-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: 0.45 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: 13.4 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: 9.35 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: 3.3 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: 195949638541
The M3 chip brings even greater capabilities to the superportable 15-inch MacBook Air. With up to 18 hours of battery life, you can take it anywhere and blaze through work and play.
Whats Included
- 15-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.
- ⁵The display on the 15-inch MacBook Air has rounded corners at the top. When measured as a standard rectangular shape, the screen is 15.3 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.
- ⁷ aceTime is not available in all countries or regions.
Q: How do I transfer data from old MacBook to new one, how do I set up if buy tomorrow?
A: It is super easy, macbooks transfer data as the phones do, you just put them one beside the other one and then you need to open Finder window, go to Applications, open the Utilities folder, then double-click Migration Assistant and follow the onscreen instructions
A: The lid will need to be closed in order to use 2 monitors. This will make the existing Keyboard and Trackpad unavailable, so you will need external mouse and keyboard.
Q: What case do I need to protect it? Is it a 2024 model?
A: You can buy one at Best Buy or Amazon. Type in size of MacBook, year 2024, and chip number. I bought case for my 13 inch MacBook at Best Buy and a keyboard cover from Amazon. I also bought a HDMI & USB adapter from Best Buy to use my USB stick on new MacBook M3. I hope this information helps.
A: I received a 35W dual port usbc brick and magsafe cord. Cheers!
A: 16 gigs should be plenty of RAM for Python programming. Frankly, 8 gigs might suffice, depending on how involved your project is.
A: No, these shouldn't make any sound at all. I'd exchange your device for a new one. These should feel absolutely rock solid and quiet with no pressure points or squeaks.
A: Yes there is 1TB. There is no SKU for 1TB. So you will have to order it thru apple website.
Apple - MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop - M3 chip Built for Apple Intelligence - 16GB Memory - 512GB SSD - Starlight
Configure your Mac
System Memory (RAM)
16GBColor
Starlight
Reviews
Customers are saying
Customers are pleased with the MacBook Air's large screen size, fast performance, and excellent battery life. Many appreciate its lightweight design and ease of use, finding it easy to navigate. While some wish for more ports and find the price high, the positive feedback on performance and portability outweighs these concerns. The sleek design is also frequently praised.
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 or points for an honest, helpful review.
- Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Macbook in best price and service from best buy
I purchased the 15-inch MacBook Air from Best Buy last month, and it has exceeded my expectations in every way. This model strikes a perfect balance between performance, design, and portability. The larger 15-inch Liquid Retina display is a game-changer—vibrant colors, sharp details, and ample screen real estate make multitasking and media consumption incredibly immersive. Despite its size, the laptop remains incredibly lightweight and easy to carry around, thanks to its iconic thin design. Powered by Apple’s M2 chip, the performance is outstanding. Whether I’m working on multiple tabs, streaming high-definition videos, or running demanding applications, the MacBook Air handles it all seamlessly. Battery life is phenomenal, lasting a full day with ease, which is perfect for long study sessions or workdays. The keyboard and trackpad maintain Apple’s industry-leading standards, offering a comfortable and responsive experience. The sound quality from the six-speaker system is surprisingly rich for a laptop this thin, making it ideal for music and video playback. Best Buy provided a smooth shopping experience, and I got a great deal on the laptop. This MacBook Air is worth every penny, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a premium, powerful, and portable machine.
Posted by Nishad
- Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great machine for just about anyone
This is a great machine for overall use. It has far more power than needed for most everyday tasks and can even handle some Python development with no issues. I have not tried compiling any large projects, but I suspect it could hold its own against your higher-end Windows laptops. It is much faster with Python than the new Windows CoPilot+ machine I had for a couple weeks before going back to Mac. I like the 15" over the 13" (I had the 13" MacBook Pro for work and the display was just too small when using it as a laptop and not connected to my other monitors). Web Browsing: I have had no issues. It is more than sufficient for browsing/working in web-apps. Local Apps: Again, no issues with MS Office apps and PyCharm for my personal activities. Weight: The claimed weight is the same as the Windows CoPilot+ machine I tried, but for some reason it feels heavier. The Windows machine was even a 16" with an OLED screen (beautiful screen on that Samsung device). Still, easy to carry around. Power: The battery on this is great! I have not "tested" it, but I have used it away from power for several hours and it maintains the state of charge very well while sleeping. The charging "brick" seems a bit small, but since it sips power when doing basic tasks, I suspect that won't be an issue in the long run. Display: MacBooks have had great displays for years and this one is no exception, it looks great. Not much else to say other than I wish Apple would provide the same great display with a touchscreen as I think Samsung has been able to do this well.
This review is from Apple - MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop - M3 chip Built for Apple Intelligence - 16GB Memory - 512GB SSD - Midnight
Posted by Tomb
- Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Almost Perfect
Pros: I love the screen size! Coming from 13”, the 15” screen is definite and noticeable upgrade in screen real estate. The midnight blue color is gorgeous. Seriously, gorgeous. It looks like a deep navy blue in most lighting, and like a dark hunter green in incandescent light. Under office lighting, it looks like a greeny-blue gunmetal color. The resolution of the retina screen is unmatched. No pixels here. IMO, this is 50% why you buy a mac. The keyboard feels good, if not slightly cramped, but I’m normally using the Ergo split desktop keyboard so this might be just me. The computer itself runs efficiently in every aspect. It’s fast, it has no problem with overheating, it handles multiple tasks or multiple tabs in your browser without issue. Cons: Last night it refused to accept the correct login password for any of the user accounts becaues the accepted password was 1 character longer than the input box. Be careful with this. It’s a software problem rather than a hardware problem. I tried to shut it down and it flashed half a pink screen at me before doing so. Eventually, it let me in after several more restarts I don’t now why. I’m not sure if I need to exchange this exact computer or it was a one time issue. I changed the passwords to something shorter, but the pink screen flash is concerning. Midnight black is known for smudging and fingerprinting. So far, I’ve had zero issue. If it becomes a problem, I’ll exchange it for a different color. I wish they sold this model in the space black. The speakers are on the back of the lower half, near the hinge. This results in a sort of muddy sound that I don’t recommend if you’re listening to music. You’re better off connecting to a bluetooth speaker like the JBL portable speakers or something similar. It’s heavier than I expected and not featherlight like the 13” Macbook air M1. I hope that in future macs, they can make the notch at the top smaller and not as wide. You can see in the photo that it takes up quite a bit of space, and it’s going to take up space if you're in full screen watching a movie. Dimming the keyboard backlight is no longer available via the keyboard itself, and must be done with a mouse click under the control center on the upper right. Battery life is not as great as I expected. It’s down to 35% after ~10.5 hours of use. This sounds like a lot, but the hopeful part of me wishes for 3 days of usage out of one charge. It looks like the battery will need recharging from zero at around 12 hours of usage. Neutral: If screen real estate is your top priority and you have extra money, I’d spend $350 more to get the 16” pro M3 while on sale. The 15” Air is not a “travel” laptop. This thing is big, so much bigger than the 13”. 2” is the size difference, but it feels like a lot more. I wouldn’t get this as a laptop to put in your backpack and walk around college with it. Ram and storage: I read recently that 16 gbs is the new benchmark for the minimum amount of ram anyone needs with upcoming technology. Since the ram is soldered to the logic board, you cannot upgrade it in the future. Get enough ram to future proof your laptop and ensure this will still be usable in up to 5 years. It’s doubtful 8 gbs will be sufficient if you want to do more than just web browsing on your computer. The storage size of the hard drive is less relevant if you plan to use an external drive and store your files there, connecting it to your computer with a cord. If you don’t plan to do that, 256 gbs is good for minimal to low moderate photo storage and few to no extra programs and software. Anything greater than these parameters means you should go with 500 gbs, again, to future proof your computer. You can’t upgrade the storage space later. One last positive: I like that I can place a setting where a finger tap anywhere on the trackpad = a click. Using just the designated space along the bottom of the trackpad to click with your thumb makes the click feel difficult and awkward to press.
This review is from Apple - MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop - M3 chip Built for Apple Intelligence - 16GB Memory - 512GB SSD - Midnight
Posted by Grace