The M3 MacBook Air is gone for good — but the M2 is a survivor worth considering

Apple has introduced the new M4 MacBook Air, leading to the discontinuation of the older M3 and M2 models from Apple Store shelves. While the M3 is being completely phased out, the M2 will still be available at select retailers.

This presents an opportunity for consumers to purchase the M2 MacBook Air at a discounted price, with some configurations selling for as low as $699 on Amazon. This is a 30% discount off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price and 30% less than the new M4 model.

If you’re unsure about which model to choose, the M2 is recommended for typical laptop users who engage in activities such as browsing, word processing, video streaming, and light programming. It offers excellent performance and battery life.

For those with a more flexible budget, the M4 is projected to offer better long-term performance, especially with the new lower price making it a compelling option. However, there is no need to overspend if the M2 meets your requirements.

The discontinuation of the M3 MacBook Air could be attributed to Apple’s challenges with the first-generation 3nm technology used in the chip. While users have reported satisfactory performance, industry experts speculate that Apple’s transition to second-generation 3nm technology with the M4 may have led to the decision to halt M3 production.