Apple has announced that 16GB of RAM is now the baseline for its M2 and M3 MacBook Air models, aligning them with the company’s latest computer lineup. Despite the increase in memory, the base model MacBook Air still starts at $999. Previously, upgrading to 16GB of RAM required a $200 add-on, but this adjustment eliminates that extra cost and makes Apple’s most affordable laptop more competitive in the market.
This shift mirrors a similar strategy from 2016 when Apple standardized 8GB of RAM for the 13-inch MacBook Air and phased out the 4GB 11-inch model.
All newly introduced devices—such as the updated MacBook Pros, new iMacs, and the smaller Mac Mini—also now start with 16GB. With Mac Studio and Mac Pro models already featuring higher memory configurations, the 8GB option is no longer available across Apple’s computer lineup.
The increased memory likely supports Apple’s growing focus on AI technologies, as macOS-based systems require more RAM for optimal performance. While 8GB remains sufficient for iPhones, 16GB has become the new standard for Apple’s macOS devices.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/30...ok-air-m2-m3-16gb-ram-minimum-price-unchanged
This shift mirrors a similar strategy from 2016 when Apple standardized 8GB of RAM for the 13-inch MacBook Air and phased out the 4GB 11-inch model.
All newly introduced devices—such as the updated MacBook Pros, new iMacs, and the smaller Mac Mini—also now start with 16GB. With Mac Studio and Mac Pro models already featuring higher memory configurations, the 8GB option is no longer available across Apple’s computer lineup.
The increased memory likely supports Apple’s growing focus on AI technologies, as macOS-based systems require more RAM for optimal performance. While 8GB remains sufficient for iPhones, 16GB has become the new standard for Apple’s macOS devices.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/30...ok-air-m2-m3-16gb-ram-minimum-price-unchanged
