The MacBook Air line-up just got an unexpected RAM upgrade — shop now

The same affordable laptops, with double the memory.
By Samantha Mangino  on 
All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.
A person putting a MacBook Air into a backpack
Credit: Apple

Shop new MacBook Air laptops with 16GB RAM

The Apple Store
A 13-inch MacBook Air with M2 chip

The Apple Store
A 13-inch MacBook Air with M3 chip

The Apple Store
A 15-inch MacBook Air with M3 chip



Apple's Mac Week has kicked off with huge announcements of the brands most powerful computers yet. The M4 chip, which we first experienced in the iPad Pro, is now coming to the iMac, Mac Mini, and MacBook Pro. But that list excludes one very important device — the MacBook Air. While the Air doesn't appear to be getting the M4 chip this time around, it's getting another crucial update.

The MacBook Airs have long been criticized for their starting memory of just 8GB RAM. The laptops have powerful processing with both M2 and M3 chip options available, however, the puny 8GB RAM starting point has never made the Air a great laptop for creatives. Apple has apparently been listening to the internet's gripes because it finally upped the MacBook Air's starting memory.

Mashable Light Speed
Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories?
Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter.
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!

Now, all MacBook Air models start with 16GB of RAM, or as Apple calls it, Unified Memory. The MacBook Air is available witth the M2 and M3 chips, and both versions come in 13-inch models, but the M3 Air is also available in a 15-inch size. Despite the upgrade, the MacBook Air remains Apple's most affordable entry level option, starting at $999. All models now come with 16GB of memory, and are available for purchase at both The Apple Store and Best Buy.

Topics Apple MacBook

portrait of a woman wearing glasses
Samantha Mangino
Shopping Reporter

Boston-based Shopping Reporter, Samantha Mangino, covers all things tech at Mashable, rounding up the best products and deals. She’s covered commerce for three years, spending extensive time testing and reviewing all things home, including couches, steam irons, and washing machines. She thoroughly vets products and internet trends, finding out if those cozy gamer chairs are really as comfortable as TikTok claims.


Recommended For You
Save $500 on the MacBook Pro M3 at Best Buy — shop before new MacBooks drop
A MacBook Pro with M3 chip on a table


Amazon deal of the day: Save $250 on the M2 MacBook Air with 16GB RAM ahead of Black Friday
SodaStream E-Terra, iPad Air, MacBook Air, adn Sony headphones with purple and blue background

M3 MacBook Air vs. M3 MacBook Pro: Which Mac is best for you?
M3 MacBook Air vs. M3 MacBook Pro

You'll be waiting a long time for a redesigned MacBook — here's why
MacBook Air

More in Tech
How to watch Australia vs. India 2nd Test online for free
Virat Kohli of India celebrates scoring a century

How to watch New Zealand vs. England 2nd Test online for free
England's Brydon Carse celebrates

How to watch the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix online for free
Sergio Perez of Mexico driving the Oracle Red Bull Racing

Amazon is giving two free Kindle books to Prime members in December
three book covers on a dark blue and purple background

How to watch Packers vs. Lions online for free
By Trisha Easto
Jordan Love of the Green Bay Packers

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 6, 2024
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 6
a phone displaying Wordle

At 2 a.m., an unexpected event led to a surprise planet discovery
A NASA conception of what the exoplanet Kepler-51e might look like.

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 6
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

Tesla suspends Cybertruck production. Who could have predicted this?
Tesla vehicles, including Cybertrucks, loaded on a transport that seems to be going nowhere.
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!