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Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M3, 2024) vs Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5, 2026)

A

Product A: Apple

MacBook Air 15-inch (M3, 2024)

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B

Product B: Apple

MacBook Air 15-inch (M5, 2026)

88 of 179 known

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Only differences

AApple MacBook Air 15-inch (M3, 2024)

BApple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5, 2026)

General

4 of 9 differ

Series

MacBook Air2Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2024/03/apple-unveils-the-new-13-and-15-inch-macbook-air-with-the-powerful-m3-chipRead 5 October 2026

MacBook Air1Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-the-new-macbook-air-with-m5Read 5 October 2026

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

MRYM3LL/A3Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1814979-REG/apple_mrym3ll_a_15_macbook_air_m3.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact US retail SKU MRYM3LL/A, Space Gray, M3 8 CPU/10 GPU cores, 8 GB memory/256 GB storage.

Mac17,4, MDVQ4LL/A, MDV94LL/A, MDVD4LL/A, MDVH4LL/A8Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/102869Read 7 October 2026Exact MacBook Air (15-inch, M5) section gives Mac17,4. 13-inch Mac17,3 excluded. Region-specific base retail parts independently proved by maker US price list.9Maker spec sheet (PDF)apple.com/education/pricelists/pdfs/Apple_US_Education_Institution_Price_List.pdfRead 7 October 2026Current US institutional maker catalog exact 15-inch M5 10 CPU/10 GPU, 16 GB / 512 GB: MDVQ4LL/A Sky Blue, MDV94LL/A Silver, MDVD4LL/A Starlight and MDVH4LL/A Midnight. 24 GB and 1 TB rows excluded. 6/25/26 prices are education/current prices and are not launch MSRP.

GTIN / EAN

1959491288759Retailer pagemicrocenter.com/product/678753/apple-macbook-air-15-mrym3ll-a-%28early-2024%29-153-laptop-computer-space-grayRead 7 October 2026Exact manufacturer part MRYM3LL/A, 8 GB / 256 GB / 10 GPU / Space Gray product information gives UPC 195949128875. Best Buy corroborates. Refurbished sellers with changed RAM or colour or different UPC are not reference evidence.

Not available

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

4 March 20242Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2024/03/apple-unveils-the-new-13-and-15-inch-macbook-air-with-the-powerful-m3-chipRead 5 October 2026

3 March 20261Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-the-new-macbook-air-with-m5Read 5 October 2026

Status

Discontinued17Spec databaseeverymac.com/systems/apple/macbook-air/specs/macbook-air-m3-8-core-cpu-10-core-gpu-15-2024-specs.htmlRead 10 October 2026Discontinued Date March 5, 2025 for the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air, meaning replaced by a subsequent system or production ended. Reseller stock is not considered.

Available10Retailer pageabt.com/Apple-MacBook-Air-Laptop-15.3-Inch-M5-Chip-10-Core-CPU-10-Core-GPU-16GB-RAM-512GB-SSD-in-Sky-Blue-MDVQ4LLA/p/240244.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact US Sky Blue base MDVQ4LL/A currently offered with Add to Cart. Current 1499 USD/list or 1424 USD sale is not the 1299 USD original maker launch price.

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M2, 2023)15Reviewrtings.com/laptop/reviews/apple/macbook-air-15-2024Read 7 October 2026Public review introduction states this model replaces the M2 Apple MacBook Air 15 (2023). Matching 15-inch predecessor exists in this catalog.

Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4, 2025)7Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-15-M5-Review-Very-powerful-fanless-and-without-competition.1244905.0.htmlRead 5 October 2026Notebookcheck's review of the MacBook Air 15 M5 says Apple refreshes the 15-inch Air and calls the MacBook Air 15 M4 the previous model.

SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4, 2025)15Reviewrtings.com/laptop/reviews/apple/macbook-air-15-2024Read 7 October 2026Public review notice explicitly says this laptop was replaced by the Apple MacBook Air 15 (M4,2025). Matching 15-inch successor exists in this catalog. Protected numeric test results are excluded.

Not available

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

$1,2992Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2024/03/apple-unveils-the-new-13-and-15-inch-macbook-air-with-the-powerful-m3-chipRead 5 October 2026US starting launch price for the original base configuration. Excludes education price and later discounts.

$1,2991Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-the-new-macbook-air-with-m5Read 5 October 2026Pricing and Availability: US starting price for the standard base configuration, excluding sales tax. Education and later store prices are excluded.

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

€1,59918Press releaseapple.com/de/newsroom/2024/03/apple-unveils-the-new-13-and-15-inch-macbook-air-with-the-powerful-m3-chipRead 10 October 2026Apple Germany newsroom, 4 March 2024, Preise und Verfuegbarkeit: the 15-inch MacBook Air with M3 is available from 1,599 euro including VAT (education 1,449 euro excluded). Starting price of the base configuration, 8 GB and 256 GB. German consumer price, not a conversion of the US MSRP.

€1,49911Press releaseapple.com/fr/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-the-new-macbook-air-with-m5Read 7 October 2026Original March 3, 2026 French maker launch release Pricing and Availability gives 15-inch M5 starting retail price 1499 EUR. Published French consumer price including VAT. Education 1379 EUR and 13-inch 1199 EUR excluded. Same base 16 GB / 512 GB/10-core GPU. This is French launch pricing, not a US tax/adapter-bundle claim.

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

US2Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2024/03/apple-unveils-the-new-13-and-15-inch-macbook-air-with-the-powerful-m3-chipRead 5 October 2026

US1Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-the-new-macbook-air-with-m5Read 5 October 2026

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Space Gray3Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1814979-REG/apple_mrym3ll_a_15_macbook_air_m3.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Sky Blue, Silver, Starlight, Midnight4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026

Segment

Ultrabook2Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2024/03/apple-unveils-the-new-13-and-15-inch-macbook-air-with-the-powerful-m3-chipRead 5 October 2026

Ultrabook1Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-the-new-macbook-air-with-m5Read 5 October 2026Air is the thin, light, fanless model. Pro is described for creative professional workflows.

Form factor

Clamshell4Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/macbook-air/apd7e765329d/2024/mac/15Read 10 October 2026Take a tour describes a notebook with a lid that opens and a keyboard and trackpad in the base.19Spec databasenanoreview.net/en/laptop/apple-macbook-air-15-m3-2024Read 10 October 2026Case section: Transformer No, so not a convertible or detachable. Apple describes a hinged lid.

Clamshell3Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/macbook-air/take-a-tour-of-macbookair-apd7e765329d/2026/mac/27Read 5 October 2026Tour diagrams show the clamshell notebook, with lid, keyboard and trackpad.

Chassis

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DimensionsiClosed laptop body size. Minimum and maximum thickness describe the front and rear or other points stated by the maker.

Width340.4Depth237.6Thickness (max)11.5mm(13.4 × 9.4 × 0.5 in)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026Size and Weight. Published centimetres converted exactly to millimetres.

Width340.4Depth237.6Thickness (max)11.5mm(13.4 × 9.4 × 0.5 in)4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026

Weight (published)iPublished laptop weight without the charger. A starting weight is identified in the source note and may vary with configuration.

1.51kg(3.3 lb)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026Size and Weight. M3 row. Weight varies by configuration and manufacturing process.

1.51kg(3.3 lb)4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026

Lid material

Aluminium1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026Environment Materials section states 100% recycled aluminium enclosure.

Aluminium4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026Environment / Materials: aluminium enclosure.

Bottom material

Aluminium1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026Environment Materials section states 100% recycled aluminium enclosure.

Aluminium4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026Environment / Materials: aluminium enclosure.

Max hinge angle

Not available

130°20Reviewlaptopmedia.com/review/apple-macbook-air-15-3-m5-the-best-15-inch-laptop-for-everyday-useRead 7 October 2026Exact tested 15-inch M5 10 CPU/10 GPU, 16 GB / 512 GB. Design section says maximum hinge angle about 130 degrees. Approximate reviewer observation, not maker tolerance.

MIL-STD-810 testing (claimed)iManufacturer claim of MIL-STD-810 testing. The revision and tested procedures belong in the source note. This is not proof of every standard test.

Not available

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Display

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Screen sizeiDiagonal of the main built-in display. Rounded-corner displays may be measured as a full rectangle.

15.3in(38.9 cm)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026

15.3in(38.9 cm)4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026

Native resolution

2880 × 1864px1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026

2880 × 1864px4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026

Pixel density

224.2ppi=CalculatedFrom Screen size and Native resolution

224.2ppi=CalculatedFrom Screen size and Native resolution

Panel typeiDell's WVA means wide viewing angle and names no panel technology, so it is stored as IPS only when Dell or a review names IPS.

IPS1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026

IPS4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026

Backlight

Not available

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Dimming zonesiIndependently controlled backlight zones, not the number of LEDs or screen pixels.

Not available

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Panel part numberiPanel part number identified in a matching review unit. Suppliers may vary within the same laptop configuration.

Not available

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Screen surfaceiSurface of the stored display configuration. Anti-reflective coatings do not by themselves make a glossy display matte. A matte finish of the chassis is not the screen surface.

Glossy19Spec databasenanoreview.net/en/laptop/apple-macbook-air-15-m3-2024Read 10 October 2026Display section: Coating Glossy (Antireflective). Anti-reflective coating does not make the surface matte.

Glossy7Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-15-M5-Review-Very-powerful-fanless-and-without-competition.1244905.0.htmlRead 5 October 2026Specifications: glossy yes. Display text describes an antireflective glossy surface. Shared display claim only, not a measured result.

Touchscreen

No3Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1814979-REG/apple_mrym3ll_a_15_macbook_air_m3.htmlRead 5 October 2026Display specifications explicitly state Touchscreen No for this retail SKU.

No6Retailer pagecurrys.co.uk/products/apple-macbook-air-15-2026-m5-512-gb-ssd-ram-16-gb-sky-blue-10292821.htmlRead 5 October 2026SCREEN: Touchscreen No, exact M5 / 16 GB / 512 GB / 10-core GPU configuration. Incorrect retailer four-speaker and 304.4 mm width claims are excluded in favour of maker six-speaker and 340.4 mm values.

Stylus

Not available

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Refresh rate modesiHighest confirmed operating refresh rate of the built-in display at each resolution. Add a second row only for a documented dual-mode panel, not an ordinary supported timing.

AApple MacBook Air 15-inch (M3, 2024)

Width (px)	Height (px)	Maximum operating refresh (Hz)	VRR
2880	1864	60	No

Source8Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1814979-REG/apple_mrym3ll_a_15_macbook_air_m3.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact MRYM3LL/A display table states native 2880 x 1864, Refresh Rate 60 Hz, Variable Refresh Technology No. Fixed maximum operating refresh, not an external display timing.

BApple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5, 2026)

Width (px)	Height (px)	Maximum operating refresh (Hz)
2880	1864	60

Source7Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-15-M5-Review-Very-powerful-fanless-and-without-competition.1244905.0.htmlRead 5 October 2026Model display specification and comparison table: 2880 x 1864, 15.3-inch IPS at 60 Hz. Display prose mistakenly repeats the 13-inch 2560 x 1664 resolution, so native resolution comes from the maker sheet. Measurements of the 32 GB / 2 TB review configuration are excluded.

Max refresh rate

60Hz=CalculatedFrom Refresh rate modes

60Hz=CalculatedFrom Refresh rate modes

Adaptive synciNamed variable refresh technologies for the built-in display. Manual switching between 60Hz and 120Hz is not VRR.

Not available

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Gray-to-gray response time (claimed)iManufacturer claim for a gray-to-gray pixel transition. Do not use generic response times, black-to-white values, or motion-picture response times.

Not available

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Native panel colour depthiPhysical panel colour depth per channel. Do not infer native bit depth or FRC from the number of supported colours.

Not available

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Brightness (SDR, claimed)iManufacturer typical SDR luminance. Outdoor maxima and an unspecified peak are not typical SDR brightness.

500nits1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026Exact 15-inch M3 Display section explicitly 500 nits brightness for its Liquid Retina IPS panel. Ordinary manufacturer display luminance claim, not an outdoor boost, HDR peak or reviewer measurement. No source measurement method inferred.

500nits4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026

Peak brightness (SDR outdoors, claimed)iManufacturer maximum SDR luminance explicitly claimed for outdoor use. Ambient light, automatic brightness and other stated conditions belong in the source note. Not typical SDR or HDR brightness.

Not available

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Sustained brightness (HDR, claimed)iManufacturer explicitly sustained HDR luminance. Screen area, duration, temperature and other stated conditions belong in the source note. Not a brief peak or SDR luminance.

Not available

Not available

Peak brightness (HDR, claimed)iManufacturer peak luminance explicitly measured or claimed in HDR. Window size and duration belong in the source note.

Not available

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sRGB coverage (claimed)iManufacturer stated sRGB gamut percentage. The source note identifies coverage, volume, or an unspecified maker gamut claim.

Not available

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DCI-P3 coverage (claimed)iManufacturer stated DCI-P3 gamut percentage. The source note identifies coverage, volume, or an unspecified maker gamut claim.

Not available

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Adobe RGB coverage (claimed)iManufacturer stated Adobe RGB gamut percentage. The source note identifies coverage, volume, or an unspecified maker gamut claim.

Not available

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HDR certification

Not available

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Factory calibratediThe maker explicitly states factory colour calibration. Certification alone does not establish calibration.

Not available

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Second display

Not available

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Processor

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Processor

Apple M3 (8-core CPU)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026Chip section. Exact 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU configuration.

Apple M54Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026

Processor brand

Apple1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026

Apple4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026

Core configurationiProcessor core groups using the chip maker's names. MediaTek Big, Apple Super and AMD Zen architecture labels remain distinct from Intel P and E labels.

AApple MacBook Air 15-inch (M3, 2024)

Core type	Count
Performance	4
Efficiency	4

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026

BApple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5, 2026)

Core type	Count	Core
Super	4	Super
Efficiency	6	Efficiency

Source4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026Chip section: 10-core M5 CPU with 4 super and 6 efficiency cores.

CPU cores

8=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

10=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

Cores labelled performanceiCounts only rows classified as performance. Other labels, including Big, Super and AMD Zen architecture rows, are not included.

4=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

0=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

Cores labelled efficiencyiCounts only efficiency and low-power-efficiency rows. AMD Zen 5c and Apple super cores are not included.

4=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

6=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

ThreadsiMaximum hardware threads of the processor, including simultaneous multithreading where supported.

812Press articleanandtech.com/show/21285/apple-launches-m3based-macbook-air-13-and-15-3nm-cpu-for-the-massesRead 7 October 2026Public indexed 2024 launch table for MBA 15 / M3 lists 4C/4T High-Perf + 4C/4T High-Eff, 8 hardware threads total. This is a hardware count, not borrowed benchmark. Current direct URL redirects to the forum homepage.

Not available

Max boost clock

Not available

Not available

L3 cacheiL3 cache only. Do not copy a combined L2 plus L3 cache total. Qualcomm's total cache, such as 30 MB on Snapdragon X, is not L3, even when a laptop maker labels it L3.

Not available

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ProcessiProcess size class of the processor compute die in nm, as on CPUs: TSMC N3B is 3, Intel 7 is 10, Intel 4 is 7 and Intel 18A is 1.8. Marketing process names and other chiplet processes belong in the source note.

3nm11Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2023/10/apple-unveils-m3-m3-pro-and-m3-max-the-most-advanced-chips-for-a-personal-computerRead 7 October 2026Exact M3 chip release calls the M3 family the first personal-computer chips built with 3-nanometer process technology. Foundry node trade name not inferred.

3nm13Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2025/10/apple-unleashes-m5-the-next-big-leap-in-ai-performance-for-apple-siliconRead 7 October 2026Exact M5 chip maker launch states third-generation 3-nanometer technology. The 2026 Air maker specification identifies this M5. No unstated foundry/node suffix or other package-component process inferred. Later super-core naming does not change this original silicon process claim.

Sustained CPU power (configured)iThis laptop's sustained configured CPU power limit, such as PL1. A chip manufacturer's generic base power is not the laptop setting.

Not available

Not available

Peak CPU power (configured)iThis laptop's configured short-duration CPU limit, such as PL2. Do not substitute generic processor maximum turbo power.

Not available

Not available

Combined CPU and GPU poweriMaker stated simultaneous CPU plus discrete-GPU budget for the exact configuration and power mode.

Not available

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NPU performanceiNPU-only claimed operations per second. Excludes combined CPU, GPU and platform AI throughput. Precision belongs in the source note.

Not available

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Graphics

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Discrete GPUiA separate dedicated graphics processor is installed. Integrated or unified-memory graphics do not qualify.

No1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026Chip and graphics inventory lists the installed Apple chip GPU only. This GPU is part of the SoC and uses unified memory.

No4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026The Chip section specifies the integrated GPU in the Apple silicon SoC. No discrete GPU is supplied in this configuration.

GPU

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GPU brand

Not available

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VRAMiDedicated video memory of the installed discrete GPU. Shared system memory is excluded.

Not available

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Max GPU power (TGP)iMaximum configured discrete-GPU power including Dynamic Boost. Mode and any maker qualification belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Dynamic BoostiMaximum additional GPU power shifted from the CPU through NVIDIA Dynamic Boost. This is part of maximum TGP, not extra to it. A figure written as "up to 115W Dynamic Boost" is the total, so it goes in gpu_tgp_max_w.

Not available

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GPU boost clockiHighest maker configured GPU boost clock, including factory overclock where explicitly stated. Mode belongs in the source note.

Not available

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GPU switchingiExplicit GPU display-routing or power-sharing features. Advanced Optimus includes hardware display multiplexing.

Not available

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Integrated GPU

Apple M3 10-core GPU1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026

Apple M5 10-core GPU4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026

Memory

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Installed RAMiTotal installed RAM in this product configuration, not the maximum purchase option.

8GB1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026Memory section. Retained original US 8 GB configuration. Later refreshes and higher purchase options are excluded.

16GB4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026Memory section: Standard 16 GB unified memory, paired with 512 GB SSD and 10-core GPU.

RAM type

LPDDR512Press articleanandtech.com/show/21285/apple-launches-m3based-macbook-air-13-and-15-3nm-cpu-for-the-massesRead 7 October 2026Same public indexed MBA 15 / M3 table lists 8-24 GB LPDDR5-6400. RTINGS public configuration table separately states 8 GB LP-DDR5. Later 16 GB refresh and different processor facts not inherited.

LPDDR5X18Spec databasepreisvergleich.heise.de/apple-macbook-air-15-m5-mdvq4d-a-a3749848.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact German Sky Blue MDVQ4D/A 2026 15-inch M5, 10 CPU/10 GPU, 16 GB, 512 GB reference RAM table explicitly LPDDR5X. Independently reopened Heise/Geizhals specification database after original Swedish retailer URL failed. Only installed memory type used. German keyboard, adapter and barcode not inherited. Transfer rate and unrelated NPU claim not inferred into scalar fields.

RAM speediConfigured memory data rate in transfers per second. Do not treat the DRAM clock in MHz as the data rate.

6,400MT/s12Press articleanandtech.com/show/21285/apple-launches-m3based-macbook-air-13-and-15-3nm-cpu-for-the-massesRead 7 October 2026MBA 15 / M3 launch table states LPDDR5-6400, the 6400 MT/s transfer-rate grade across listed memory choices. No conversion from RTINGS 6400 MHz label. Live URL redirects to forums, public indexed article table remains readable.

Not available

Memory channelsiActive memory channels of the installed configuration, not the number of RAM modules or slots. One installed module is one channel. This holds for DDR5 too, whose two 32-bit subchannels on one module do not count as two channels. Soldered LPDDR memory counts in 64-bit units, so a 128-bit bus is 2 channels, even when a maker calls it quad-channel.

Not available

Not available

RAM upgradeiWhether the installed RAM is soldered, socketed in slots, or a mixture. Purchase-time configurations are not upgrades.

Soldered17Spec databaseeverymac.com/systems/apple/macbook-air/specs/macbook-air-m3-8-core-cpu-10-core-gpu-15-2024-specs.htmlRead 10 October 2026RAM Slots None. All RAM is unified and onboard, and EveryMac states it cannot be upgraded after purchase.

Soldered7Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-15-M5-Review-Very-powerful-fanless-and-without-competition.1244905.0.htmlRead 5 October 2026Verdict / Cons: no maintenance options, RAM and SSD soldered. This is a model-wide hardware claim, not the reviewed memory capacity.

Memory slotsiPhysical replaceable RAM module sockets grouped by type and occupancy. Clocked SO-DIMM uses CSODIMM. Soldered memory is excluded.

Not available

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RAM slots

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Free RAM slots

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Maximum supported RAMiManufacturer supported maximum RAM, including purchase-time soldered options. Does not imply post-purchase upgradeability.

24GB1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026Maximum purchase-time memory for the retained M3 CPU/GPU configuration. Does not assert post-purchase upgradeability.

32GB4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026

Storage

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Installed storageiTotal advertised installed storage in decimal GB. Convert 1TB to 1000GB, without changing an explicitly published 512GB value.

256GB1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026Storage section. Retained original base 256 GB SSD. PCIe generation and installed drive model are not published.

512GB4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026Storage uses decimal GB. 1 TB equals 1000 GB. Only the base SSD is represented.

Storage type

NVMe SSD8Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1814979-REG/apple_mrym3ll_a_15_macbook_air_m3.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact SKU Storage Drive Type: 1 x 256 GB / Integrated NVMe SSD. Refines existing maker-generic SSD without changing capacity or assuming a PCIe generation.

NVMe SSD4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026Maker Storage row states the broad SSD category. Exact matching 16 GB/512 GB LaptopMedia review identifies the compatible NVMe subtype and AP0512Z. Protocol detail comes from the review, not this maker row.20Reviewlaptopmedia.com/review/apple-macbook-air-15-3-m5-the-best-15-inch-laptop-for-everyday-useRead 7 October 2026Exact tested 512 GB unit arrived with Apple SSD AP0512Z. Storage section explicitly calls it a soldered, non-upgradable NVMe drive. Compatible subtype refines maker broader SSD claim without contradicting it. Larger Notebookcheck 2 TB drive data is not used. No M.2 slot inferred.

Installed drive PCIe generationiPCIe generation of the installed drive. This may be lower than the slot capability.

Not available

47Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-15-M5-Review-Very-powerful-fanless-and-without-competition.1244905.0.htmlRead 5 October 2026Storage Devices section explicitly identifies the base 512 GB SSD as PCIe 4.0. The reviewed 2 TB drive measurements are excluded.

Storage slotsiPhysical storage connectors grouped by capability and occupancy. A slot accepting several drive lengths is one slot, not one per length.

Not available

Not available

M.2 slots

Not available

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Free storage slots

Not available

Not available

Maximum slot PCIe generation

Not available

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Ports

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PortsiPhysical laptop connectors grouped by type, protocol capability and side. One connector with several protocols is counted once.

AApple MacBook Air 15-inch (M3, 2024)

Type	Version	Count	Maximum data rate (Gbps)	Thunderbolt or USB4	DP Alt Mode
MagSafe	MagSafe 3	1	Not available	Not available	Not available
USB-C	Thunderbolt 3 / USB 4	2	40	Thunderbolt 3	Yes
3.5 mm audio	Not available	1	Not available	Not available	Not available

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026Charging and Expansion. Physical connectors counted once. Thunderbolt and USB4 share each USB-C connector.

BApple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5, 2026)

Type	Version	Count	Side	Maximum data rate (Gbps)	Thunderbolt or USB4	DP Alt Mode
MagSafe	MagSafe 3	1	Left	Not available	Not available	Not available
USB-C	Thunderbolt 4	2	Left	40	Thunderbolt 4	Yes
3.5 mm audio	Not available	1	Right	Not available	Not available	Not available

Source3Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/macbook-air/take-a-tour-of-macbookair-apd7e765329d/2026/mac/27Read 5 October 2026Tour illustrations establish physical connector sides. Protocols and counts also use the matching tech sheet.4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026Charging and Expansion: two physical Thunderbolt 4 USB-C connectors with DisplayPort and charging, at up to 40 Gbps. Sides come from the tour manual.

USB-C ports

2=CalculatedFrom Ports

2=CalculatedFrom Ports

Thunderbolt

Yes=CalculatedFrom Ports

Yes=CalculatedFrom Ports

Highest HDMI version

Not available

Not available

Card reader

No=CalculatedFrom Ports

No=CalculatedFrom Ports

Ethernet speed

Not available

Not available

Maximum USB-C charging inputiHighest confirmed charging power accepted by a USB-C port. This is separate from adapter rating and power delivered to peripherals.

Not available

Not available

Wireless

4 of 5 differ

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi 6E1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026

Wi-Fi 74Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026

Wi-Fi bandsiSupported radio frequency bands. Availability may be restricted by country or regulatory configuration.

2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz13Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/102285Read 7 October 2026Guide explicitly includes MacBook Air introduced in 2024 or later and explains 6 GHz plus 2.4 and 5 GHz operation. 6 GHz availability varies by region. Selected US reference supports approved 6 GHz operation.

2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz14Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/148165Read 7 October 2026Exact current Wi-Fi 7 support guide lists MacBook Air M5 or later among models supporting all features and states 2.4/5/6 GHz. 6 GHz operation only where unlicensed use permitted. US reference scope retained. No universal market/regulatory promise.

Wi-Fi module

Not available

Apple N14Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026

BluetoothiThe version as a number with one decimal, such as 5.4 or 6.0. A qualifier such as or above goes in the source note.

5.31Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026

6.04Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026Apple writes Bluetooth 6, stored as 6.0.

Cellular

No8Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1814979-REG/apple_mrym3ll_a_15_macbook_air_m3.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact original MRYM3LL/A table, Communications: Cellular Support No. This is built-in cellular absence, separate from phone tethering or external modems.

Not available

Keyboard and touchpad

5 of 8 differ

Keyboard layoutsiDocumented layouts of the retained regional SKUs. Do not infer a layout solely from the sales country.

ANSI (78 keys)3Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1814979-REG/apple_mrym3ll_a_15_macbook_air_m3.htmlRead 5 October 2026US 78-key keyboard for retained US SKU. ISO option from maker sheet excluded.

ANSI, ISO4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026Keyboard section explicitly publishes 78 ANSI or 79 ISO keys. No regional sold SKU rows are inferred.

Key switches

Scissor8Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1814979-REG/apple_mrym3ll_a_15_macbook_air_m3.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact SKU overview, Magic Keyboard and Touch ID paragraph states a scissor mechanism.

Scissor19Reviewtbreak.com/macbook-air-15-m5-review-uaeRead 7 October 2026Exact 2026 MacBook Air 15 M5 hands-on review Design and Build explicitly identifies scissor-switch keyboard. Only common installed mechanism is used. Regional price, adapter and sample performance are not transferred.

Keyboard backlightiA maker-confirmed backlight with no published type uses backlit_unspecified. Do not infer white lighting, a single colour or RGB from backlit alone. A single-zone RGB backlight is RGB zones.

Single colour14Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-15-M3-review-Apple-s-large-everyday-MacBook-gets-a-power-up.811701.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Input-device paragraph explicitly describes white keyboard backlighting on the 2024 M3 Air 15. Maker tech spec names the same Backlit Magic Keyboard for all 15-inch M3 configurations. Only this shared physical keyboard feature is used. Review 16 GB / 512 GB numerical measurements are excluded.

Backlit, type not stated4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026Exact 15-inch model tech sheet Keyboard and Trackpad section explicitly states Backlit Magic Keyboard. Backlight colour and illumination type are not stated. No white, single-colour or RGB lighting inferred.

NumpadiDedicated physical numeric keypad. A virtual touchpad number pad is not counted.

No10Retailer pagebestbuy.com/product/apple-macbook-air-15-inch-laptop-m3-chip-8gb-memory-256gb-ssd-space-gray/6565844Read 7 October 2026Exact MRYM3LL/A specifications, Included: Numeric Keypad: false.

No20Reviewlaptopmedia.com/review/apple-macbook-air-15-3-m5-the-best-15-inch-laptop-for-everyday-useRead 7 October 2026Exact reference review Design section explicitly says no NumPad. Dedicated numeric keypad only, not keyboard number row.

Key traveliPhysical key travel distance, not actuation distance.

1mm8Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1814979-REG/apple_mrym3ll_a_15_macbook_air_m3.htmlRead 7 October 2026Same exact SKU overview states 1 mm of key travel. Published hardware specification, not a reviewer force measurement.

Not available

Pointing stickiDedicated stick pointing device such as TrackPoint. A touchpad does not qualify.

No4Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/macbook-air/apd7e765329d/2024/mac/15Read 10 October 2026Take a tour lists the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and the Force Touch trackpad as the input devices. No pointing stick is listed.

Not available

Touchpad size

Not available

Width150Height91mm(5.9 × 3.6 in)20Reviewlaptopmedia.com/review/apple-macbook-air-15-3-m5-the-best-15-inch-laptop-for-everyday-useRead 7 October 2026Exact reference Design section states roughly 150 x 91 mm trackpad. Published approximate width x height. No conversion from rounded inches.

Touchpad mechanismiA clickpad or glass touchpad that clicks when pressed down is mechanical. Haptic needs a source that says haptic or force feedback.

Haptic1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026Keyboard and Trackpad. Force Touch pressure-sensing trackpad.7Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-gb/102309Read 5 October 2026Apple describes haptic feedback as a feature of Force Touch trackpads. Exact model sheet states Force Touch trackpad.

Haptic5Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-gb/102309Read 5 October 2026Force Touch trackpads provide haptic feedback and force click. The matching model tech sheet names Force Touch as the installed trackpad.

Camera and audio

3 of 7 differ

Webcam

1080p FaceTime HD1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026

12 MP Center Stage, 1080p video4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026

IR face loginiAn infrared camera suitable for Windows Hello face authentication. An ordinary webcam or fingerprint sensor does not qualify.

No19Spec databasenanoreview.net/en/laptop/apple-macbook-air-15-m3-2024Read 10 October 2026Connectivity section: Infrared sensor No, fingerprint Yes. Apple lists Touch ID and a 1080p FaceTime HD camera and no IR camera.

Not available

Webcam privacy

Not available

Not available

Built-in speaker driversiIndividual built-in acoustic drivers, including separate tweeters and woofers. Do not count audio channels or infer driver count from speaker assemblies.

61Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026Audio section. Physical six-speaker system.

64Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026

Total speaker poweriCombined published power of the built-in speaker drivers. RMS or peak classification belongs in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Audio features

Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos, Force-cancelling woofers, Voice Isolation, Wide Spectrum microphone mode, Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking on supported AirPods1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026Exact M3 Audio section explicitly Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum microphone modes, directional beamforming and Spatial Audio. Dynamic head tracking requires supported AirPods, AirPods Pro or AirPods Max, not head tracking on the laptop speakers. Existing speaker count and Dolby Atmos entries retained.

Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos, Voice Isolation microphone mode, Wide Spectrum microphone mode, Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking using supported AirPods models4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026Exact model Audio section explicitly lists Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum microphone modes, alongside Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos. Dynamic head tracking requires supported AirPods, AirPods Pro or AirPods Max. It is not an unconditional built-in-speaker feature.

MicrophonesiPhysical built-in microphones, not beamforming channels or microphone modes.

31Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026

34Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026

Battery and power

2 of 5 differ

Battery energyiPublished nominal energy capacity of the installed internal battery in watt-hours. Separate from measured runtime and charger output.

66.5Wh1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026

66.5Wh4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026Battery and Power section.

Claimed battery lifeiManufacturer maximum runtime for each explicitly named test. Display brightness, configuration and other conditions belong in the source note. Wireless streaming preserves an unnamed content type and does not imply video or audio. Video conferencing requires an explicit calling test, with application and participant setup in the source note. MobileMark versions use different workloads, so compare only rows of the same version.

AApple MacBook Air 15-inch (M3, 2024)

Use case	Hours (h)
Video playback	18
Web browsing	15

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026Battery and Power footnote. Matching 8-core CPU/10-core GPU, 8 GB RAM/256 GB SSD test. HD 1080p Apple TV app movie playback and wireless browsing 25 websites, brightness 8 clicks from bottom. Up to claims, varies with use/configuration.

BApple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5, 2026)

Use case	Hours (h)
Video streaming	18
Web browsing	15

Source4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026Battery and Power maker maximum claims. Test: 15-inch M5, 10-core CPU and GPU, 16 GB / 512 GB, matches base. Wi-Fi browsing 25 popular sites or 1080p streaming in Safari. Display eight clicks from bottom, keyboard backlight off. These are not independent measurements.

Adapter rated outputiNominal rated output of the documented supplied or recommended adapter. A temporary dynamic maximum belongs in the source note. Not the laptop charging-input limit.

35W1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026Exact selected M3 base includes 35 W USB-C adapter. Apple explicitly says fast-charge capable with a 70 W USB-C adapter, an optional higher-power supply. Supplied adapter rating remains separate from fast-charge requirement and maximum laptop input. 35 W dual-port compact adapter total power can be shared between connected devices.

40W4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026Battery and Power / In the Box: 40W nominal Dynamic Power Adapter, with temporary output up to 60W. This is not the laptop maximum charging input.

Laptop charging connectoriConnector at the laptop end of the documented main charging cable, not the wall plug or adapter-end connector. HP's AC smart pin is a round DC plug, so it is barrel.

MagSafe1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable at the laptop end.

MagSafe4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026

Charge 0 to 50 % (claimed)iManufacturer time to charge an empty battery to 50%. Adapter and powered-off conditions belong in the source note.

30min4Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/macbook-air/apd7e765329d/2024/mac/15Read 10 October 2026Around 30 minutes with optional 70W USB-C adapter, separate from included base adapter.

30min17Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/102378Read 7 October 2026Claim up to 50 percent in around 30 minutes. January 2026 test footnote explicitly matches 15-inch M5 10 CPU/10 GPU, 16 GB / 512 GB. Requires separately supplied 70 W Apple adapter A2743 and MagSafe 3 cable A2363, beyond included 40 W Dynamic adapter with 60 W temporary maximum. Drained battery. Timer from wake from hibernate or Apple logo at startup. Conditions vary. Secondary retailer 35-minute copy is overridden by maker 30-minute claim.

Cooling

2 of 4 differ

FansiPhysical cooling fans inside the laptop. Excludes fans in external coolers and the power adapter.

02Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2024/03/apple-unveils-the-new-13-and-15-inch-macbook-air-with-the-powerful-m3-chipRead 5 October 2026

01Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-the-new-macbook-air-with-m5Read 5 October 2026

Vapor chamberiA vapor-chamber heat spreader is installed. Ordinary heatpipes alone do not qualify.

No19Spec databasenanoreview.net/en/laptop/apple-macbook-air-15-m3-2024Read 10 October 2026Cooling solution section: passive cooling, vapor chamber No.

Not available

Liquid metaliComponents where the maker confirms liquid-metal thermal material. Ordinary thermal paste is excluded.

Not available

Not available

Power modesiPublished laptop operating modes and configured power limits. Do not place observed runtime power measurements in this table.

AApple MacBook Air 15-inch (M3, 2024)

Not available

BApple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5, 2026)

Name
Automatic
Low Power Mode

Source16Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/101613Read 7 October 2026Current maker power-mode support: Low Power Mode for 2024-or-later MacBook Air. Automatic is default. High Power eligibility list does not include Air, so only positively supported Automatic and Low Power names stored. No configured watts inferred from measured CPU consumption.

Security

1 of 4 differ

Fingerprint

Power button4Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/macbook-air/apd7e765329d/2024/mac/15Read 10 October 2026Touch ID described as power button.

Power button3Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/macbook-air/take-a-tour-of-macbookair-apd7e765329d/2026/mac/27Read 5 October 2026Top view explicitly identifies Touch ID (power) button.

TPM

Not available

Not available

Remote management

Not available

Not available

Security lock slotiA dedicated built-in physical security-cable slot. Security locks that occupy a USB-C port do not qualify.

No4Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/macbook-air/apd7e765329d/2024/mac/15Read 10 October 2026Take a tour lists every external feature: two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports, MagSafe 3 port, headphone jack, camera, speakers, Touch ID power button, microphones and trackpad. No security cable slot is listed.17Spec databaseeverymac.com/systems/apple/macbook-air/specs/macbook-air-m3-8-core-cpu-10-core-gpu-15-2024-specs.htmlRead 10 October 2026Ports section: Security (Lock) None.

Not available

Software

1 of 3 differ

Operating system

macOS Sonoma2Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2024/03/apple-unveils-the-new-13-and-15-inch-macbook-air-with-the-powerful-m3-chipRead 5 October 2026Operating system supplied at original launch. Later supported system updates are excluded.

macOS Tahoe1Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-the-new-macbook-air-with-m5Read 5 October 2026The Power of macOS Tahoe section. Launch operating system, not the currently installed OS.

OS family

macOS1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026

macOS4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026

Security updates untiliPublished end date of OS/security updates promised for the exact device model. Preserve the source precision. Do not calculate it from years or substitute a generic OS-version lifecycle. Unknown when no device-specific promise is published.

Not available

Not available

Measured display

5 of 12 differ

Brightness (measured, centre)iReviewer center-point SDR luminance for the matching display configuration. Do not substitute a review average or unspecified measurement.

507nits20Measurementlaptopmedia.com/review/apple-macbook-air-15-m3-reviewRead 10 October 2026Brightness and Contrast section: maximum 507 nits in the middle of the screen. True Tone off, Colour LCD profile, white screen at maximum brightness, CCT 6680 K.

517nits21Measurementlaptopmedia.com/review/apple-macbook-air-15-3-m5-the-best-15-inch-laptop-for-everyday-useRead 7 October 2026Exact 16 GB / 512 GB test unit, native 15.3-inch 2880 x 1864 IPS 60 Hz panel. Brightness and Contrast section reports maximum SDR luminance 517 cd/m² at centre. Color-temperature test uses white screen at maximum brightness. Instrument and luminance window size unstated. Direct curl 403, readable public web review used.

Brightness (measured, average)iReviewer mean luminance across a documented display grid, normally nine points.

498nits20Measurementlaptopmedia.com/review/apple-macbook-air-15-m3-reviewRead 10 October 2026Same section: 498 nits average across the surface with a maximum deviation of 6 percent. Grid size is not stated.

500nits21Measurementlaptopmedia.com/review/apple-macbook-air-15-3-m5-the-best-15-inch-laptop-for-everyday-useRead 7 October 2026Same matching review reports 500 cd/m² average across surface, maximum deviation 8 percent. Point count and instrument unstated. Different uniformity graphic is measured at 185 nits/60 percent slider and is not substituted for maximum average.

Contrast ratio (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

1,360:120Measurementlaptopmedia.com/review/apple-macbook-air-15-m3-reviewRead 10 October 2026Same section: contrast ratio 1360:1. The brightness setting of this reading is not stated.

1,410:121Measurementlaptopmedia.com/review/apple-macbook-air-15-3-m5-the-best-15-inch-laptop-for-everyday-useRead 7 October 2026Same matching Brightness and Contrast section measured 1410:1. Stored ratio 1410. SDR luminance is reported in the same section. Contrast picture mode, pattern/window and instrument unspecified. No maker contrast claim substituted.

HDR peak brightness (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

sRGB coverage (measured)iReviewer measured sRGB coverage, not gamut volume. Instrument and method belong in the source note.

100%20Measurementlaptopmedia.com/review/apple-macbook-air-15-m3-reviewRead 10 October 2026Color Coverage section: tested total colour coverage 100 percent of sRGB. Lab measurement by the reviewer, method and instrument not named in the text.

100%21Measurementlaptopmedia.com/review/apple-macbook-air-15-3-m5-the-best-15-inch-laptop-for-everyday-useRead 7 October 2026Same matching display gamut test computes 100 percent sRGB coverage. Target named explicitly. Display P3 result 99 percent is not DCI-P3 and is omitted from DCI field. Gamut volume not substituted. Instrument unspecified.

DCI-P3 coverage (measured)iReviewer measured DCI-P3 coverage, not gamut volume. Display P3 measurements are identified in the source note.

100%20Measurementlaptopmedia.com/review/apple-macbook-air-15-m3-reviewRead 10 October 2026Color Coverage section: tested total colour coverage 100 percent of DCI-P3.

Not available

Colour accuracy (measured Delta E)iReviewer colour error before calibration. Delta-E formula, colour space and picture mode belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

PWM flicker foundiWhether a reviewer detected pulse-width-modulation flicker under the documented test conditions. False does not prove all frequency ranges were tested.

No20Measurementlaptopmedia.com/review/apple-macbook-air-15-m3-reviewRead 10 October 2026Health Impact PWM section: the display does not flicker at any brightness level.

No21Measurementlaptopmedia.com/review/apple-macbook-air-15-3-m5-the-best-15-inch-laptop-for-everyday-useRead 7 October 2026Same matching Health Impact PWM test measures intensity over time at different brightness levels and states backlight not pulse-width modulated. Reviewer detection result only. Instrument bandwidth and exact sweep limits unstated, not a proof of every frequency range.

PWM frequency (measured)iDetected PWM frequency at the brightness setting stated by the reviewer.

Not available

Not available

PWM at or below brightnessiHighest display brightness setting at or below which the documented PWM is detected.

Not available

Not available

Response black to white (measured)iReviewer combined rise and fall response for black-to-white-to-black, with test conditions in the source note.

26ms20Measurementlaptopmedia.com/review/apple-macbook-air-15-m3-reviewRead 10 October 2026Response time section: black to white and white to black from 10 to 90 percent, fall time plus rise time 26 ms.

25.2ms21Measurementlaptopmedia.com/review/apple-macbook-air-15-3-m5-the-best-15-inch-laptop-for-everyday-useRead 7 October 2026Same matching pixel response method black-to-white and white-to-black, 10 to 90 percent amplitude, combined fall plus rise 25.2 ms. Gray-to-gray 50/80 percent method described but no readable numeric result, so GTG field stays empty.

Response grey to grey (measured)iReviewer combined rise and fall response between specified grey levels. State the levels in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Measured performance

1 of 8 differ

Cinebench 2024 single-coreiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Cinebench 2024 multi-coreiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Geekbench 6 single-coreiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker. Geekbench 6 only. Geekbench 5 and 7 use other scales, so their scores are not stored.

Not available

Not available

Geekbench 6 multi-coreiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker. Geekbench 6 only. Geekbench 5 and 7 use other scales, so their scores are not stored.

Not available

Not available

3DMark Time Spy graphicsiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker. Graphics score, not the overall score. A score the review does not label as graphics is left out.

Not available

Not available

3DMark Steel NomadiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

SSD sequential read (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

2,721MB/s20Measurementlaptopmedia.com/review/apple-macbook-air-15-m3-reviewRead 10 October 2026Storage section: the 256 GB SSD reads at about 2721 MB/s and writes at about 2132 MB/s. Benchmark tool is not named.

Not available

Game frame ratesiMatching review-unit game results. Resolution, preset, upscaling, frame generation and ray tracing are stated only when documented.

Not available

Not available

Measured noise and temperature

2 of 9 differ

Fan noise per modeiReviewer sound-pressure readings for the matching configuration and mode. Measurement distance and workload belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Max fan noiseiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Fan noise while gamingiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Top surface under loadiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Bottom surface under loadiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Palm rest under loadiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

CPU temperature in stress testiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

100°C20Measurementlaptopmedia.com/review/apple-macbook-air-15-m3-reviewRead 10 October 2026Max CPU load table, 15-inch M3 row, 10:00 to 15:00 minutes column: 100 C chip temperature at 11.42 W. Power mode is not stated. Fanless chassis.

82°C21Measurementlaptopmedia.com/review/apple-macbook-air-15-3-m5-the-best-15-inch-laptop-for-everyday-useRead 7 October 2026Matching Temperatures and Comfort long test: 100 percent CPU load for 30 minutes, Avg. CPU Temp 82°C. Peak 96°C is separately reported and not substituted for this average. Sensor/software and macOS version/power mode unspecified. P-core-only 2197 MHz average is not whole-CPU clock and is omitted. This field is not a peak-only temperature field. The published 30-minute average is explicitly retained.

CPU clock in stress testiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

2.8GHz20Measurementlaptopmedia.com/review/apple-macbook-air-15-m3-reviewRead 10 October 2026Same row and column: average P-core frequency 2.80 GHz at 10 to 15 minutes of 100 percent CPU load. E-core average 2.75 GHz.

Not available

GPU temperature while gamingiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Measured battery and power

3 of 10 differ

Battery runtime per testiReviewer runtime for the exact test and configuration. Mixed browsing, video and graphics workloads are classified as mixed use.

AApple MacBook Air 15-inch (M3, 2024)

Not available

BApple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5, 2026)

Test	Brightness (nits)	Power mode	Hours (h)
Video playback	180	Low Power Mode	15.78

Source21Measurementlaptopmedia.com/review/apple-macbook-air-15-3-m5-the-best-15-inch-laptop-for-everyday-useRead 7 October 2026Matching Battery Life test: Low Power Mode selected in System Settings, video playback at 180 nits, SDR, 100 to 0 percent discharge, 15 h 47 min. 947 minutes divided by 60 is 15.783 hours, stored rounded to two decimals. Video codec/resolution, player, networking and macOS version unstated. EU sample has no included adapter. None of its regional bundle facts changes the US box.

Wi-Fi browsing runtimeiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Video runtimeiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

15.78h=CalculatedFrom Battery runtime per test

Full charge time (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Power draw idleiHighest reviewer idle AC power reading for the matching configuration and test conditions.

Not available

Not available

Power draw gamingiReviewer AC power draw during the named game and settings. Not GPU-only power.

Not available

Not available

Power draw maxiMaximum reviewer AC input power during the documented load or stress test. Not the adapter rating.

Not available

Not available

Sustained CPU power (measured)iObserved sustained CPU package power during the documented test. Not the configured PL1 limit.

11.42W20Measurementlaptopmedia.com/review/apple-macbook-air-15-m3-reviewRead 10 October 2026Same row and column: package power 11.42 W at 10 to 15 minutes of 100 percent CPU load.

27W21Measurementlaptopmedia.com/review/apple-macbook-air-15-3-m5-the-best-15-inch-laptop-for-everyday-useRead 7 October 2026Same matching 30-minute 100 percent CPU-load table: Avg. CPU Power 27 W. Observed sustained-test average, not configured TDP or wall draw. Meter/sensor, macOS and power mode unspecified. 10-second 40 W and peak 45 W are different test windows and excluded. Independent verification confirms table and prose repeat the 30-minute average. A different upgraded 32 GB/2 TB combined CPU/GPU review is not a directly comparable CPU-only result. Outlier and sensor limits retained.

GPU power while gaming (measured)iObserved GPU-only power while running the documented game and settings.

Not available

Not available

Weight (measured)iReviewer measured laptop mass without its power adapter unless the source note explicitly states otherwise.

Not available

Not available

Certifications

0 of 6 differ

Intel EvoiManufacturer certification of the exact configuration as Intel Evo. Processor support alone does not establish certification.

Not available

Not available

Copilot+ PCiManufacturer identifies the configuration as Copilot+ PC. A Copilot keyboard key alone is insufficient.

Not available

Not available

Colour certifications

Not available

Not available

ENERGY STAR

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026

Yes4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026

EPEAT

Gold16Maker spec sheet (PDF)apple.com/environment/pdf/products/notebooks/M3_MacBook_Air_PER_March2024.pdfRead 7 October 2026March 2024 maker Product Environmental Report, footnote 5 on PDF page 12: MacBook Air with M3 achieved Gold in the United States and Canada and is listed on the EPEAT Registry. This is maker registration evidence for the original US M3 product, corroborating the exact retailer SKU. No grade is inferred from ENERGY STAR.

Gold15Certification listepeat.net/computers-and-displays-search-result/page-1/size-25Read 7 October 2026Official exact row Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5), Notebook, United States, Gold, registered 2026-03-11, Active. Covers this 15-inch base hardware under defined US family registration. Not universal country rating.

Other certifications

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In the box

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In the boxiAccessories confirmed for this exact SKU. Do not combine mutually exclusive regional bundles into one box.

15-inch MacBook Air, 35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power Adapter, USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable (2 m)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026In the Box. Retained US base configuration includes the named power adapter and 2 m USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable. Alternate optional adapters excluded.

15-inch MacBook Air, 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max, USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable (2 m)4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026US tech-sheet In the Box. Other markets can omit the adapter.

Power adapter includediWhether a power adapter is included with this exact regional SKU. A supported or recommended adapter does not prove inclusion.

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026

Yes4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026

Warranty

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Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

1year5Maker product pageapple.com/legal/warranty/products/embedded-mac-warranty-us.htmlRead 10 October 2026US one-year limited hardware warranty from original retail purchase. Statutory rights and AppleCare excluded.

1year12Maker product pageapple.com/legal/warranty/products/embedded-mac-warranty-us.htmlRead 7 October 2026Original new US Mac one-year limited manufacturer hardware warranty from original retail purchase. This is the US reference market only. AppleCare, retailer guarantees and statutory rights excluded.

Warranty serviceiDocumented manufacturer warranty service for the named market. Included paid service upgrades belong in the source note.

Carry-in, Mail-in5Maker product pageapple.com/legal/warranty/products/embedded-mac-warranty-us.htmlRead 10 October 2026US limited warranty, Warranty service options: carry-in service and mail-in service. DIY parts service is also listed and has no matching option. AppleCare plans are excluded.

Carry-in, Mail-in12Maker product pageapple.com/legal/warranty/products/embedded-mac-warranty-us.htmlRead 7 October 2026US Warranty Service Options: carry-in at Apple Retail/AASP and mail-in if Apple determines eligibility. Apple chooses appropriate service. DIY parts option cannot be represented by enum.

Links

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Product page

support.apple.com/en-us/1185521Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026

www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-the-new-macbook-air-with-m51Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-the-new-macbook-air-with-m5Read 5 October 2026

Spec sheet

support.apple.com/en-us/1185521Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118552Read 8 October 2026

support.apple.com/en-us/1263214Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126321Read 8 October 2026

Manual

support.apple.com/guide/macbook-air/apd7e765329d/2024/mac/154Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/macbook-air/apd7e765329d/2024/mac/15Read 10 October 2026

support.apple.com/guide/macbook-air/take-a-tour-of-macbookair-apd7e765329d/2026/mac/273Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/macbook-air/take-a-tour-of-macbookair-apd7e765329d/2026/mac/27Read 5 October 2026

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

Not available

Not available

Both are also in the API. Back to all laptops.