Apple quietly upgraded the base memory configuration for both the M2 and M3 MacBook Air models to 16GB. This change, announced alongside memory increases for the M4 iMac, Mac mini, and MacBook Pro, eliminates the previous 8GB starting option for the MacBook Air. Remarkably, this upgrade comes with no price increase.
This means the entry-level M2 and M3 MacBook Airs, previously priced at $1,199 for the 16GB configuration, now start at $999 with the same increased memory. While this might frustrate recent purchasers, it’s a significant benefit for holiday shoppers.
Apple faced considerable criticism for launching the M3 MacBook Pro last year with only 8GB of base RAM. This week’s announcements, including the retroactive MacBook Air memory boost, effectively reverse that controversial decision. This unexpected move surprised many industry observers who anticipated Apple might wait for the next product refresh.
The timing is particularly interesting, given strong rumors of an M4 MacBook Air update expected as early as February next year. This raises questions about why Apple didn’t simply wait a few months to incorporate the memory upgrade alongside the new chip.
One plausible explanation is to bolster MacBook Air sales during the crucial holiday shopping season. As Apple’s most popular laptop, any widespread advice to postpone purchases until the next generation could negatively impact sales figures. This is, however, speculative. Regardless of the motivation, Apple appears committed to addressing previous memory concerns definitively.
There’s also a potential upside for budget-conscious buyers. While Apple will no longer sell 8GB MacBook Airs directly, existing stock may persist at third-party retailers, potentially at discounted prices. Prior to this announcement, the M2 MacBook Air was already available for $899 at retailers like Best Buy, suggesting further price reductions might be on the horizon.
