Apple Introduces Upgraded MacBook Air Laptops Powered by M3 Chip
Apple unveiled its latest offerings on Monday (March 4th), introducing upgraded versions of its 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air laptops equipped with the cutting-edge M3 chip.
This move follows the chip's initial launch in October, where it debuted in iMac desktop computers and more potent iterations for MacBook Pro laptops.
Despite posting a modest less-than-1% growth in Mac revenue, totaling $7.78 billion during its fiscal first-quarter earnings report, Apple anticipates that these new laptops will inject fresh momentum into its sales figures.
The revamped MacBook Air laptops boast enhanced features, including sharper 1080p webcams, support for faster Wi-Fi networks, and an impressive battery life of up to 18 hours.
While the design remains consistent with earlier models, the new M3 chip enables users to connect up to two external displays, a significant improvement from the single-screen support of previous chips.
However, users should note that to utilize dual screens, the laptop lid must remain closed; otherwise, only one screen will function.
Apple's latest announcement underscores its intensified focus on artificial intelligence (AI) marketing.
Describing the new MacBook Air as the "world's best consumer laptop for AI," Apple's shift in language is notable, especially considering it did not emphasize AI capabilities during the introduction of the iMac with M3 in October.
This strategic move reflects Apple's endeavor to compete with new Windows laptops marketed as "AI PCs."
Read More: OpenAI's Sora: A New Frontier in Video Generation Technology
However, it's crucial to recognize that predominant AI platforms, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT and Anthropic's Claude, primarily operate in the cloud via an internet connection, rather than directly on a computer.
Apple highlights that applications like Pixelmator Pro can utilize AI to eliminate background noise in photos, aligning with how apps have leveraged artificial intelligence for years.
Source: Todd Haselton / CNBC
