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Apple Discontinues M2 and M3 MacBook Air
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Besides, the M1 MacBook Air was already a HUGE boost from the last Intel version, the 8-core graphics model being very close in power to the first M1 MacBook Pro.
Same. My M1 Air still gets the job done very nicely, but I still want to stick with it until the it won't support the newest MacOS versions anymore. By that time I'll likely already have a new Apple Silicon Mac Mini with Pro chip as my main desktop, so I may still use the Air for another year before replacing it, likely with a 14" MacBook Pro.
Unsold inventory at major retailers won’t last until Black Friday.
I just ordered a new iPad Air M3, but I'm coming from a 4th gen iPad Air so it'll be a big step up in performance. Pretty much any M level chip is overkill in an iPad Air so it'll last me quite awhile.
"Specs & benchmarks don't matter"
(unless Apple numbers are better...then, suddenly, SPECS and BENCHMARKS MATTER!)
Since the price was set before the tariffs were officially turned on, I wonder if every Apple invoice will now have a new line item for the Trump tariffs. I don't see Apple wanting to give up their significant profit margins.
We can also buy with the education discount with no verification which looks like a great deal right now
The M2 is still available for education institutions for $799. Damn, I’m actually really happy with this pricing!
My M1 Pro 14” still serves me quite well, so even though that Sky Blue is SO TEMPTING, I don’t see myself upgrading for at least 3-4 years.
My M1 Pro 14” still serves me quite well, so even though that Sky Blue is SO TEMPTING, I don’t see myself upgrading for at least 3-4 years.
I do not know what this means. Every single manufacturer of laptops out there moves on to a newer chip combo on a regular basis. Which does not mean that older gens should be "thrown out".
What does your comment mean? Should Apple never release the new chip in a MBA so M2/M3 always stays the "newest" for those product lines?
I'm also surprised they didn't keep the M2 around as an entry level option. Just recently got a 16GB M2 Air as a present for my niece. It was very affordable and she's delighted with it! Can't imagine the M4 selling for that sort of price any time soon...
Apple should compare Intel chips and M1 chips to the current version of the M series. Consumers will be more likely to upgrade if the newer chips are worth more, and only if they find a reason to upgrade.
But the battery life comparisons wouldn't look too good if they compared M4 to M1? After all, the M4 iPad Pros have worse battery life compared to the M1 version. Wouldn't surprise me if the same was true for MacBook Air?
They just released new iPads using the M3. (Probably to make use of the supply of M3 chips from the N3B line now that they're no longer using them in Macs?!)
P.S. nice avatar!
You realize that every major manufacturer introduces new laptops every few months to a year, don't you...?
Do you have a 15" MBA?
I'm happy to recycle it for you ... I'll even pay for the shipping
Let's get rid of that junk!
I upgraded my day one M1 Mac mini at work just because it aged out and we had the funding to replace it. Honestly I struggle to tell the difference when I use my M4 mini vs it, even when really pushing it when running containers and what not. It's tough for me to recommend anyone upgrade from any Apple Silicon machine at this point.
And each upgrade costs $300 instead of $250 because the CAD has weakened.
Upgrading from 256 GB to 512 GB for $250 from 2021 to 2024 always felt like a ripoff.
Doing that in 2025 for $300 feels like downright fraud.
I bought 4 TB for this price last year (Samsung 990 PRO).
The price reduction on the M4 model is probably the most significant development. Sure, it has only 2 TB4 ports instead of the rumored 3, and Wi-Fi 6E instead of 7, but for the average user the M4 Air is a good value.
Many people keep computers for 5 years, particularly those buying the Air.
It makes sense if they want to attract Intel Mac users to upgrade. The M1 and newer Airs are all so fast that it’s not worth upgrading unless you specifically need more ram or onboard storage.
Apple devices don’t seem to retain their value like they used to. The introduction of more memory in the recent models has caused the value of MacBooks, iPhone, iPads sold just 6 or 12 months ago to drop off a cliff.
But you buy when you need and they will probably be supported for a while yet just without the latest Apple intelligence features.
I’m expecting to get at least 6 or 7 years out of my M2 MacBook Air. For what I do on it a shorter upgrade cycle is not worth it.
But you buy when you need and they will probably be supported for a while yet just without the latest Apple intelligence features.
I’m expecting to get at least 6 or 7 years out of my M2 MacBook Air. For what I do on it a shorter upgrade cycle is not worth it.