Apple confirms the MacBook Air M3 won't be a fingerprint magnet like the Air M2

Apple MacBook Air M3
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

The similarities between the M3 MacBook Air and its predecessors are numerous, whether for good or bad, but Apple announced that there will be one key difference between the models.

The midnight color variant for the laptop will not be as bad a fingerprint magnet this time around. ‘Scratchgate,’ as it was called back in 2022 with the M2 MacBook Air, came about due to the midnight blue version being particularly vulnerable to both fingerprints and scratches.

According to Apple, the new M3 version features a “breakthrough anodization seal to reduce fingerprints,” similar to the space black M3 MacBook Pro, which was the first of Apple’s laptops to receive such a coating.

Apple seems to have the solution in hand 

Considering how prominent ‘Scratchgate’ was with the M2 MacBook Air, it’s good to see that Apple has properly dealt with the issue by adding this new coating to better protect the chassis of the M3 version. Especially since buyers are investing in this new product and deserve to have one that maintains its aesthetics.

Hopefully, once the preorders are released and people start getting the laptop into their hands, the coating will be more than sufficient to protect the outside from fingerprints. However, from what those with the Pro have said, the anodization seal does seem to be as effective in reducing the amount of fingerprints as Apple is claiming, which is good news for the midnight Air M3. There also haven’t been any major complaints about scratches on the chassis, which is also a good sign.

Fingers crossed that this coating will be the ultimate solution to this problem and that Apple won’t allow such an issue to occur again, as quality and aesthetics are two of the tech giant’s biggest selling points.

You might also like

TOPICS
Allisa James
Computing Staff Writer

Named by the CTA as a CES 2023 Media Trailblazer, Allisa is a Computing Staff Writer who covers breaking news and rumors in the computing industry, as well as reviews, hands-on previews, featured articles, and the latest deals and trends. In her spare time you can find her chatting it up on her two podcasts, Megaten Marathon and Combo Chain, as well as playing any JRPGs she can get her hands on.

Read more
13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air M4 in Sky Blue
I saw Apple's new 13- and 15-inch MacBook Air with M4, and here's why Sky Blue is my new favorite color
MacBook Air M4
Apple finally unveils the MacBook Air with the M4 chip – but the best news is the new price
smiling person freelancer outdoors working on laptop computer MacBook by Apple with smartwatch Apple Watch, iPhone smiling, show thumb up, like gesture.
Apple fans, get ready for another MacBook refresh - M4 MacBook Air reportedly set to launch this year, amid M5 chip rumors
Two MacBook Air M4 laptops on a light blue background next to a Mac Studio on a blue background
New MacBook Air M4 launch live updates – laptop officially lands alongside new Mac Studio
A person holding the 15-inch MacBook Air at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in 2023.
Don’t buy a MacBook Air – a new M4 version is tipped to land within weeks
A person holding the 15-inch MacBook Air at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in 2023.
Apple MacBook Air M4 announcement due any day now, according to industry insider
Latest in Macbooks
apple macbook air against blue background
There's a huge MacBook Air sale right now – shop record-low prices from $629.99
13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air M4 in Sky Blue
The new Apple MacBook Air M4 has a weird quirk with its performance cores - but it's nothing to worry about
MacBook Air 15-inch with M4 chip on a creative's desk with screen open
I've reviewed the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) - and it remains the best 15-inch laptop I'd recommend for most people
Apple MacBook Air M3 on yellow background with lowest price text overlay
Forget the MacBook Air M4: here are 9 older-model MacBook deals from $629.99
MacBook Air mute key
The new M4 MacBook Air finally fixes an Apple keyboard annoyance that's been around for decades
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) REVIEW
The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) is the best ultraportable – and the new price makes it even more appealing
Latest in News
Pebble smartwatch countdown
Pebble confirms its smartwatch announcement is just hours away
Google DeepMind panel discussion
“More sovereignty and protection” - Google goes all-in on UK AI with data residency, upskilling projects, and startup investments
An image of the Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 likely to have AI upscaling similar to PS5 Pro’s PSSR according to patent, and it could be a gamechanger for graphics on the upcoming console
PowerColor Red Devil AMD RX 9070 XT graphics card shown side-on
Your next GPU could be from AMD, not Nvidia, if Team Red’s success with PC gamers continues
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Tuesday, March 18 (game #1149)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Tuesday, March 18 (game #380)