Apple MacBook Air 15 (2023)

Apple MacBook Air 15 (2023)

Manufacturer	Apple
Product family	MacBook Air
Release date	June 2023 (2023-06)
Introductory price	USD 1050 to 2500
Discontinued	No
Operating system	macOS Sonoma
CPU	Apple M2 Apple M3
Memory	8, 16, or 24 GB unified memory
Memory slots	None (soldered)
Storage	256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB SSD
Storage slots	None (soldered)
Removable storage	None
Display	Screen size: 15.3 inch Panel type: IPS Coating: Glossy Resolution: 2880 x 1864 PPI: 224 Aspect ratio: 16:10 Brightness: 500 Nits sRGB: 100 % P3: 100 % VRR: No Screen-to-body ratio:
Graphics	Apple M2 8-core or 10-core GPU Apple M3 8-core or 10-core GPU
Sound	Four-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio support
Camera	1080p FaceTime HD camera
Touchpad	Force Touch trackpad
Connectivity	WiFi 6 (M2) or 6E (M3) Bluetooth 5.3 2 x Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports 1 x 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack
Dimensions	W: 13.4 inches (34 cm) D: 9.35 inches (23.7 cm) H: 0.45 inches (1.1 cm)
Mass	3.34 pounds (1.51 kg)
Power brick	30W or 35W USB-C power adapter
Battery	52.6 Wh (M2) or 66.5 Wh (M3) Li-Polymer
Keyboard	Backlit Magic Keyboard
Chassis	Color: Silver, Space Gray, Starlight, Midnight Materials: 100% recycled aluminum
Number pad	No
Fingerprint reader	Yes (Touch ID)
Facial recognition	No
Predecessor	Apple MacBook Air 13 (2022)
Website	Apple

All statements attributed to reviews are the reviewer's own opinion. Note that these claims were accurate at the time of publication and may be dated when you are reading this article. Read more.

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   The Apple MacBook Air 15 (2023) is a mid-range laptop designed for everyday use, featuring Apple's M2 and M3 chips. It offers a larger screen size compared to its 13-inch predecessor, while maintaining a thin and light design. The MacBook Air 15 is available in various configurations, making it suitable for a wide range of users.

Primary Hardware

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Processor

The MacBook Air 15 (2023) can be configured with the following processors:

• Apple M2 chip with 8-core CPU (4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores)
• Apple M3 chip with 8-core CPU (4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores)

The M2 chip includes an 8-core or 10-core GPU, while the M3 chip offers an 8-core or 10-core GPU with hardware-accelerated ray tracing. Both chips feature a 16-core Neural Engine and 100GB/s memory bandwidth.

Reviewers note that the M2 chip provides sufficient performance for everyday tasks, including demanding applications like Adobe Photoshop and video editing. The CPU performance remains stable under load and does not drop in battery mode. The M3 chip, while not extensively reviewed, is expected to offer similar or slightly improved performance due to its newer architecture and additional features like hardware-accelerated ray tracing.

Benchmarks:

• Cinebench R15 Multi: Ø1063 (sustained load) (M2)
• Cinebench R23 Multi: Ø8654 (M2)
• Geekbench 5.5 Multi-Core: 8991 (M2)
• Blender v2.79 BMW27 CPU: 616.7 Seconds (M2)

Graphics

The MacBook Air 15 (2023) comes with integrated GPUs as part of the M2 and M3 chips:

• Apple M2 chip with 8-core or 10-core GPU
• Apple M3 chip with 8-core or 10-core GPU

The M2 GPU supports hardware-accelerated H.264, HEVC, ProRes, and ProRes RAW, while the M3 GPU adds support for hardware-accelerated ray tracing and AV1 decode engine.

Reviewers highlight that the integrated GPU in the M2 chip performs well for everyday tasks and high-resolution video playback. However, it experiences a performance drop of around 25% under sustained load. The M3 GPU, with its additional features, is expected to offer improved performance in graphics-intensive applications.

Benchmarks:

• 3DMark Wild Life Extreme: 6869 Points (M2)
• GFXBench 4K Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen: 48.6 fps (M2)
• Geekbench 5.5 OpenCL Score: 27696 Points (M2)
• Blender v3.3 Classroom METAL: 237 Seconds (M2)

Memory

The MacBook Air 15 (2023) is available with the following memory configurations:

• 8 GB unified memory
• 16 GB unified memory
• 24 GB unified memory

The unified memory architecture allows for high performance and efficiency. The RAM is soldered and not user-upgradable.

Reviewers note that the 16 GB RAM configuration provides sufficient performance for multitasking and demanding applications, ensuring smooth operation even with multiple applications running simultaneously. The 24 GB model shows slight performance improvements in specific scenarios, such as exporting images in Lightroom, but the overall gains are not significant enough to justify the additional cost for most users.

Benchmarks:

• Export times in Lightroom: 16GB model finished in 1:18, while 24GB model finished in 1:08

Storage

The MacBook Air 15 (2023) can be configured with the following SSD options:

• 256 GB SSD
• 512 GB SSD
• 1 TB SSD
• 2 TB SSD

The SSD is a high-speed PCIe 3.0 SSD, which offers fast data access and storage. However, it is slower compared to PCIe 4.0 options.

Reviewers indicate that the SSD offers good performance for everyday use, with fast read and write speeds that meet the needs of most users. However, the 256 GB SSD is noted to be slower compared to some older M1 machines, which may impact productivity for users who rely on fast storage.

Benchmarks:

• Blackmagic Disk Speed Test Read: 2847.5 MB/s (1 TB SSD)
• Blackmagic Disk Speed Test Write: 3017.3 MB/s (1 TB SSD)
• AmorphousDiskMark: 100% performance rating

Co-processors

The MacBook Air 15 (2023) features a 16-core Neural Engine, which enhances machine learning tasks and performance.

Input Devices

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Keyboard

The MacBook Air 15 (2023) comes with a backlit Magic Keyboard featuring 78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 full-height function keys and 4 arrow keys in an inverted-T arrangement. It also includes Touch ID for secure authentication and an ambient light sensor for automatic backlighting.

Reviewers praise the keyboard for its comfortable typing experience, with good feedback and a well-designed layout that enhances typing speed and accuracy.

Touchpad

The MacBook Air 15 (2023) features a large Force Touch trackpad, providing precise cursor control and pressure-sensing capabilities. It enables Force clicks, accelerators, pressure-sensitive drawing, and Multi-Touch gestures.

Reviewers note that the trackpad is highly responsive and integrates well with macOS gestures, allowing for intuitive navigation and control.

Webcam

The MacBook Air 15 (2023) includes a 1080p FaceTime HD camera with an advanced image signal processor and computational video for improved image quality.

Reviewers highlight that the webcam offers good quality for video calls, with decent low-light performance and clarity.

Microphone

The MacBook Air 15 (2023) is equipped with a three-mic array with directional beamforming, Voice Isolation, and Wide Spectrum microphone modes. The M3 model features enhanced voice clarity in audio and video calls.

Reviewers note that the microphone provides clear audio quality, making it suitable for video conferencing and voice recordings.

Output Devices

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Display

The MacBook Air 15 (2023) features a 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display with the following specifications:

• Resolution: 2880 x 1864
• Brightness: 500 nits
• Wide color (P3) support
• True Tone technology

Reviewers praise the display for its brightness, color accuracy, and excellent viewing angles. However, it lacks HDR support, which may be a consideration for users focused on HDR content.

Benchmarks:

• Brightness: 501 cd/m²
• Contrast Ratio: ~1300:1
• Color accuracy: ΔE Color 1.2 (calibrated: 0.8)

Audio

The MacBook Air 15 (2023) comes with a four-speaker sound system that supports Spatial Audio when playing music or video with Dolby Atmos on built-in speakers. It also supports Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking when using AirPods (3rd generation), AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max.

Reviewers note that the speakers provide good sound quality and volume, suitable for casual listening and media playback. The sound quality is better and louder than similar generation M2 models, though not as good as the thicker 14-inch model.

Connectivity

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WiFi

The MacBook Air 15 (2023) is equipped with the following WiFi options:

• WiFi 6 (802.11ax) for the M2 model
• WiFi 6E (802.11ax) for the M3 model

Reviewers note that the Wi-Fi performance is reliable, ensuring stable connectivity for online tasks. However, the Wi-Fi performance is limited to 80 MHz, affecting maximum transfer rates.

Benchmarks:

• iperf3 transmit: 920 MBit/s
• iperf3 receive: 858 MBit/s

Bluetooth

The MacBook Air 15 (2023) comes with Bluetooth 5.3.

SD Card Reader

The MacBook Air 15 (2023) does not include an SD card reader.

USB

The MacBook Air 15 (2023) is equipped with the following USB ports:

• Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports with support for:
  • Charging
  • DisplayPort
  • Thunderbolt 3 (up to 40Gb/s)
  • USB 4 (up to 40Gb/s)
• 3.5 mm headphone jack for audio output

Reviewers appreciate the inclusion of USB Type-C ports and a MagSafe connector, allowing for versatile connectivity options. The MagSafe allows for two Thunderbolt ports to remain available, providing flexibility for users needing multiple connections.

Display Outputs

The MacBook Air 15 (2023) supports the following display outputs:

• M2: One external display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz
• M3: One external display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz, and a second external display with up to 5K resolution at 60Hz when the MacBook Air lid is closed

Reviewers note that the limitation on external displays may be a consideration for users needing multiple monitors.

Case

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The MacBook Air 15 (2023) is available in four colors: Silver, Space Gray, Starlight, and Midnight. The chassis is made from 100% recycled aluminum, contributing to its environmentally friendly design.

Reviewers praise the design for being sleek, modern, and visually appealing while maintaining durability. The laptop is lightweight and thin, enhancing portability.

Maintenance

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The MacBook Air 15 (2023) has limited upgrade options as the RAM and SSD are soldered, making user upgrades difficult. The bottom cover is secured with screws and clips, requiring some force to open.

Cooling System

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The MacBook Air 15 (2023) features a fanless design, allowing for silent operation.

Heat

Reviewers note that the device can reach temperatures up to 45.1 °C under load, but it remains comfortable to use. The underside stays cooler at a maximum of 42 °C.

Noise

The fanless design ensures that the device operates silently without any fan noise, making it ideal for quiet environments.

Energy Management

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Power Consumption

The MacBook Air 15 (2023) ships with a 30W USB-C Power Adapter for the M2 and M3 with 8-core GPU, and a 35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power Adapter for the M2 and M3 with 10-core GPU and 512GB storage. It is also fast-charge capable with a 70W USB-C Power Adapter.

Reviewers note that the device is efficient, with power consumption influenced by screen brightness. The power supply is considered too weak for maximum performance.

Benchmarks:

• Idle: 2.2 W
• Load: 33.6 W

Battery Life

The MacBook Air 15 (2023) comes with a 52.6 Wh (M2) or 66.5 Wh (M3) Li-Polymer battery. Apple claims up to 18 hours of Apple TV app movie playback and up to 15 hours of wireless web for the M2 model, and up to 22 hours in low power mode for the M3 model.

Reviewers verify that the battery life is impressive, achieving around 16.5 hours in web surfing tests and over 7 hours at full brightness.

'BenchmarksBenchmarks:

• WiFi Websurfing: 16h 33min
• WiFi Websurfing max. Brightness: 7h 10min
• Load (maximum brightness): 3h 17min

Biometrics

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The MacBook Air 15 (2023) includes Touch ID for secure authentication and access.

Reviewers note that the Touch ID fingerprint reader works reliably and quickly, providing secure access to the device.

Software

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All SKUs ship with macOS Sonoma, which includes a variety of preinstalled software and accessibility features.

Preinstalled Software

The MacBook Air 15 (2023) comes with a suite of built-in apps, including:

• App Store
• Books
• Calendar
• Contacts
• FaceTime
• Find My
• Freeform
• GarageBand
• Home
• iMovie
• Keynote
• Mail
• Maps
• Messages
• Music
• News
• Notes
• Numbers
• Pages
• Photo Booth
• Photos
• Podcasts
• Preview
• QuickTime Player
• Reminders
• Safari
• Shortcuts
• Siri
• Stocks
• Time Machine
• TV
• Voice Memos
• Weather

Additionally, macOS Sonoma includes accessibility features such as Voice Control, VoiceOver, Siri and Dictation, Increase Contrast, Reduce Motion, Live Captions, Switch Control, and Zoom.

Linux Support

While macOS is the primary operating system, the MacBook Air 15 (2023) is generally compatible with various Linux distributions through virtualization or dual-boot setups. However, specific details on Linux support are not provided in the reviews.

Accessories & Warranty

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The MacBook Air 15 (2023) comes with a 30W or 35W USB-C power adapter and paperwork.

Apple offers a one-year limited manufacturer warranty if purchased in the US.

Reviews Summary

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Overall Sentiment

The MacBook Air 15 (2023) is considered one of the best value MacBooks, offering a large screen without the high cost associated with previous models. It is praised for its impressive battery life, silent operation, and sleek design. The performance of the M2 chip is superior to older Intel systems, making it suitable for everyday tasks and more demanding applications like photo editing.

Problems Summary

• Limited upgrade options due to soldered RAM and SSD.
• Slower SSD speed in the 256 GB configuration compared to some older M1 machines.
• Limited port distribution with no additional USB ports or SD card reader.
• Performance drop in GPU under sustained load.
• Wi-Fi performance limited to 80 MHz, affecting maximum transfer rates.
• Lack of HDR support in the display.

Links

M2, 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD: NotebookCheck

M2, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD: MaxTech

M2, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD: MaxTech