Apple MacBook Air 13 (2024)
| Manufacturer | Apple Inc. |
|---|---|
| Product family | MacBook Air |
| Release date | January 2024 |
| Discontinued | No |
| Operating system | macOS Sonoma |
| System on a chip | Apple M3 |
| CPU | 8-core CPU (4 performance cores + 4 efficiency cores) |
| Memory | 8GB, 16GB, or 24GB LPDDR5-6400 |
| Memory slots | Soldered |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB SSD |
| Storage slots | Soldered |
| Display | Screen size: 13.6 inch Panel type: IPS Resolution: 2560 x 1664 Brightness: 500 Nits sRGB: 99.9% P3: 98.4% VRR: No |
| Graphics | Integrated 8-core or 10-core GPU |
| Sound | Quad-speaker system with Spatial Audio support |
| Camera | 1080p FaceTime HD camera |
| Touchpad | Force Touch trackpad |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E Bluetooth 5.3 2 x USB 4/Thunderbolt 3 ports 1 x MagSafe 3 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Dimensions | H: 0.44 inches (1.1 cm) W: 11.97 inches (30.4 cm) D: 8.46 inches (21.5 cm) |
| Mass | 2.7 pounds (1.2 kg) |
| Battery | 52.6 Wh Li-Polymer |
| Keyboard | Backlit |
| Chassis | Color: Silver, Starlight, Space Gray, Midnight Materials: Anodized aluminum |
| Number pad | No |
| Fingerprint reader | Yes |
| Facial recognition | No |
| Predecessor | Apple MacBook Air 13 (2023) |
| Website | Apple |
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The Apple MacBook Air 13 (2024) is a high-end ultraportable laptop featuring the Apple M3 SoC, designed for excellent performance in general productivity tasks. It offers a sharp QHD+ Retina display, a comfortable keyboard, and a large, responsive touchpad. The laptop is noted for its portability, battery life, and premium build quality, making it suitable for both professional and casual use.[1]
Primary Hardware
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Processor
The MacBook Air 13 (2024) is powered by the Apple M3 SoC, which includes an 8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores. The M3 chip is Apple's first to be manufactured using the 3-nanometer process, allowing for higher clock rates without significantly increasing energy consumption.[1]
The M3 processor provides snappy performance, especially in short and medium loads, handling everyday tasks with ease, including web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. However, during prolonged tasks, the performance cores' frequency drops significantly, which may affect performance in demanding applications like video rendering or gaming.[2] The M3 chip shows significant performance improvements, being roughly 22% faster in single-threaded tasks and 20% faster in multi-threaded workloads compared to the M2 chip.[3]
Benchmarks:
- Geekbench 6: Single-Core: 3,026, Multi-Core: 12,034[4]
- Cinebench R23: Single-Core: 1,900, Multi-Core: 10,074[4]
Graphics
The MacBook Air 13 (2024) features an integrated Apple M3 GPU, available in configurations with either 8-core or 10-core options. The 10-core variant offers slightly better graphics performance, making it suitable for creative tasks and casual gaming.[1]
The integrated GPU delivers good performance for everyday tasks and light gaming, but it may struggle with more demanding applications. The GPU performance is 20% better than the M2 GPU, with consistent performance in battery use.[4] Gaming performance is improving, with native support for titles like _Total War: Pharaoh_ and _Baldur's Gate 3_.[4]
Benchmarks:
Memory
The MacBook Air 13 (2024) can be configured with 8GB, 16GB, or 24GB of LPDDR5 RAM running at 6,400 MHz. The RAM is soldered and not user-replaceable, which may limit upgrade options in the future.[1]
While 8GB is sufficient for most everyday tasks, users who multitask heavily or run memory-intensive applications may find it lacking. The 16GB model provides reasonable headroom for multitasking, ensuring smooth performance even with multiple applications running simultaneously.[5]
Storage
The MacBook Air 13 (2024) offers storage configurations of 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB SSD. The base model features two NAND chips for improved speed.[1]
The SSD offers decent read and write speeds, significantly improved by the use of two NANDs in the base model. This results in faster boot times and application loading, enhancing overall user experience.[2]
Benchmarks:
- Blackmagic Disk Speed Test: Read - 2,905.7 MB/s, Write - 3,242.6 MB/s[4]
Co-processors
The MacBook Air 13 (2024) includes a 16-core Neural Engine, which enhances AI tasks, providing efficient processing for machine learning applications. This feature is particularly beneficial for tasks such as image processing and video editing, where AI can optimize performance.[1]
Input Devices
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Keyboard
The MacBook Air 13 (2024) features a backlit Magic Keyboard with Touch ID for secure authentication. The keyboard offers comfortable key travel and clicky feedback, making it suitable for extended typing sessions. The backlighting is even and effective in low-light conditions, enhancing usability in various environments.[2]
Touchpad
The MacBook Air 13 (2024) comes with a large Force Touch trackpad, providing precise cursor control and pressure-sensing capabilities. It supports multi-touch gestures, providing a seamless navigation experience. The trackpad remains one of the best in mobile devices, with excellent integration with macOS, precise gesture recognition, and consistent click response across the entire surface.[4]
Webcam
The MacBook Air 13 (2024) is equipped with a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, delivering good image quality with color accuracy, making it suitable for video calls without the need for an external webcam.[5]
Microphone
The MacBook Air 13 (2024) features a three-mic array with directional beamforming, providing clear audio quality suitable for video calls and voice recordings. The directional beamforming helps isolate the speaker's voice, reducing background noise.[2]
Output Devices
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Display
The MacBook Air 13 (2024) features a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1664. The display offers excellent color accuracy and brightness, covering 100% of the sRGB and Display-P3 color gamuts. The high resolution provides sharp images and text, making it ideal for creative work and media consumption.[2]
The display is sharp and bright, but it has low contrast, which can make blacks appear gray in dim settings. It is suitable for most lighting conditions, including outdoor use.[3]
Benchmarks:
Audio
The MacBook Air 13 (2024) comes with a quad-speaker system with support for Spatial Audio. The speakers produce high-quality sound with clear low, mid, and high tones. The support for Spatial Audio enhances the listening experience, making it suitable for music, movies, and gaming.[2]
Connectivity
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WiFi
The MacBook Air 13 (2024) supports Wi-Fi 6E, providing access to the 6GHz band. This allows for faster speeds, lower latency, and reduced signal interference, enhancing overall connectivity.[3]
Benchmarks:
Bluetooth
The MacBook Air 13 (2024) comes with Bluetooth 5.3.[4]
SD Card Reader
The MacBook Air 13 (2024) does not include an SD card reader.[1]
USB
The MacBook Air 13 (2024) is equipped with two USB 4/Thunderbolt 3 ports and one MagSafe 3 port. The limited number of ports may be a drawback for some users, particularly for those needing an SD card reader or HDMI connection.[5]
Display Outputs
The MacBook Air 13 (2024) can support two external displays when closed, with a maximum resolution of 6K at 60Hz. This feature enhances productivity for users who require multiple screens.[3]
Case
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The MacBook Air 13 (2024) features a sturdy aluminum chassis with a sleek and compact design. The build quality is outstanding, with little to no flex, and the finish is resistant to scratches. The laptop is available in Silver, Starlight, Space Gray, and Midnight colors.[5]
The new Midnight color variant has a coating to reduce fingerprint marks, making it easier to maintain its appearance.[4]
Maintenance
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The MacBook Air 13 (2024) is difficult to open, as most components are soldered and not user-replaceable. This limits the ability to perform repairs or upgrades.[3]
Cooling System
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The MacBook Air 13 (2024) features a passive cooling system, allowing for silent operation. The absence of a fan means the laptop is completely silent during operation, which is a significant advantage for users who prefer a quiet workspace.[2]
Heat
The laptop can become quite warm during extended use, particularly under heavy loads. However, the keyboard remains comfortable to use even during intensive tasks.[2]
Energy Management
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Power Consumption
The MacBook Air 13 (2024) comes with a 30W USB-C power adapter, with some models featuring a 35W dual USB-C adapter. The laptop is efficient, providing excellent battery life for light use.[3]
Battery Life
The MacBook Air 13 (2024) is equipped with a 52.6Wh battery. The battery life is outstanding for light use and video playback, lasting over 11 hours. This impressive battery life makes it suitable for users who need to work on the go without access to a power outlet.[3]
Benchmarks:
Biometrics
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The MacBook Air 13 (2024) features a fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button, providing quick and secure access to the device.[3]
Software
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The MacBook Air 13 (2024) runs on macOS Sonoma and comes with various preinstalled applications, providing a user-friendly experience right out of the box. The software is optimized for the hardware, ensuring smooth performance.[2]
Accessories & Warranty
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The MacBook Air 13 (2024) comes with a 30W or 35W USB-C power adapter and a USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable (2 m).[1]
Reviews Summary
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Overall Sentiment
The MacBook Air 13 (2024) is praised for its strong performance, portability, and battery life, making it a top contender in the thin-and-light laptop category. It is suitable for users who prioritize mobility and efficiency, offering a premium build and high-quality display.[5][2][3][4]
Problems Summary
- Limited port selection may require additional adapters for some users.
- Soldered RAM and storage limit upgradeability.
- Not optimized for gaming or heavy workloads.
- Can become warm under load.
Community Reception
Overall Sentiment
Problems Summary
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 "Apple MacBook Air 13 (2024) Specifications". Apple.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 "Apple MacBook Air 13 M3 Review". LaptopMedia.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 "Apple MacBook Air 13 (2024) Review". RTINGS.
- ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 4.11 4.12 4.13 4.14 4.15 4.16 "Apple MacBook Air 13 M3 Review". NotebookCheck.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 "MacBook Air 13-inch M3 Review". LaptopMag.