Apple MacBook Air (A3113) Teardown

The Apple MacBook Air 13 (A3113) launched in March 2024 is positioned as a mid-to-high-end laptop, appealing to younger consumers and those seeking a premium Apple laptop experience without the price tag of the MacBook Pro. With the release of the new MacBook Air, Apple brings innovation and cost optimization, reflected in both the internal and external design decisions.

BOM (Bill of Materials) Comparison: MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro

The total hardware BOM for the MacBook Air 13" is approximately 43% of the BOM for the 2023 MacBook Pro, illustrating Apple’s strategy to deliver a cost-effective yet capable laptop. Key cost differences include:

• Apple M3 Processor: The MacBook Air 13" uses the base M3 processor, which is significantly cheaper, with an estimated price one-third of that of the M3 Max found in the MacBook Pro. The M3 processor alone accounts for 41% of the MacBook Air’s total BOM.
• Display: The 13" display, with a calculated 224 PPI, represents 18% of the BOM. Although its pixel density is lower than the MacBook Pro’s, it offers a high-quality viewing experience optimized for casual to moderate users.
• Battery: The MacBook Air uses a four-cell battery, contrasting with the MacBook Pro’s six-cell configuration. The battery’s cost contributes to the device’s lightweight design and helps maintain a $7 price difference compared to the Pro.
• Non-Electronic Components: The aluminum housing and keyboard contribute significantly to the mechanical cost, accounting for 73% of the non-electronics BOM. These components alone represent 10% of the total hardware costs, roughly $6 more than the average laptop analyzed by TechInsights.

MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro

Manufacturing Efficiency

One of the design philosophies behind the MacBook Air is simplicity. The teardown revealed that the Air has about 5% fewer assembly steps than the MacBook Pro, leading to a faster assembly time, although the Final Assembly and Test (FAT) costs for both devices are nearly identical.

Processor: The Apple M3

The heart of the MacBook Air 13" is the Apple M3 processor, fabricated using TSMC's cutting-edge 3nm process technology. This 8-core GPU-equipped M3 chip is the smallest among the M3 series processors, with a die-to-package area ratio of 0.22, optimized for performance and efficiency. The M3 delivers capable performance, ideal for everyday computing tasks while maintaining energy efficiency for longer battery life.

Apple M3 Processor

Camera Subsystem

The MacBook Air 13" (A3113) features a front-facing camera subsystem comprising:

• Sony IMX132 Image Sensor: Delivers solid performance for everyday video calls and conferencing.
• STMicroelectronics Ambient Light Sensor: Improves the user experience with adaptive brightness control.
• onsemi Camera Power Management IC: Ensures efficient power delivery to the camera system.
• Texas Instruments Temperature Sensor: Monitors thermal conditions, ensuring optimal camera performance in various environments.

The estimated total cost for the camera subsystem is slightly over $5, a modest investment for a critical user-facing component.

MacBook Air Camera Subsystem

Connectivity: WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3

The MacBook Air supports the latest wireless standards with its WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 capabilities. The teardown revealed the use of a USI WiFi/Bluetooth module containing:

• Broadcom BCM4388 WiFi 6E Modem: Powers the wireless networking capabilities.
• Skyworks Power Amplifier Die: Optimizes signal strength.
• Sony Switches: Enhance switching efficiency within the system.
• Additional Components: Internal crystal oscillators, multiple couplers, and filters round out the connectivity module.

The total cost of the USI WiFi/Bluetooth package is estimated at $12.25, ensuring robust wireless performance in a compact form factor.

MacBook Air WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3

The Apple MacBook Air 13" (A3113) represents a well-thought-out balance of performance, cost-efficiency, and design simplicity. While it carries a lower price point compared to the MacBook Pro, the teardown reveals that Apple has strategically allocated resources to key areas like the M3 processor and connectivity, while maintaining a streamlined design and build process. As a result, the MacBook Air provides a premium user experience without the Pro’s price tag, making it a competitive option for consumers seeking a high-performance, lightweight laptop.