Every Mac Now Starts at 16 GB of RAM

We weren’t too surprised when Apple raised the base RAM in all of its M4 Macs. Not only had several rumors suggested that was coming, but it was a logical next step, especially in the new era of Apple Intelligence. Apple’s new AI models require a minimum of 8 GB to do their thing, even on an iPhone, and there’s a lot more hanging out in RAM on the average Mac.

However, Apple didn’t stop there. While it seemed likely Apple would similarly raise the RAM bar in next year’s M4 MacBook Air lineup, the company stunned us when it retroactively increased the base RAM in not only the current M3 MacBook Air but even the two-year-old M2 MacBook Air that it still sells as its budget model.

Of course, Apple didn’t have to retool anything to do this as it’s sold the MacBook Air with a 16 GB memory option for years. It simply eliminated the 8 GB model and dropped the 16 GB one into that price slot. Still, it’s a bold move that means you can no longer buy a Mac with only 8 GB of RAM. Clearly, Apple wants to make sure everyone gets the best possible Apple Intelligence experience as macOS Sequoia continues to roll out new features. Plus, it’s a good way of future-proofing Mac buyers since there’s every reason to believe that next year’s macOS 16 will deliver even more memory-hungry AI models.