Unveiling the Magnificence of MacBook Air Colors

10 min readJan 10, 2025

The bold Midnight, subtle Starlight, timeless Silver and the professional Space Gray, Apple ensures there’s a shade for every style and preference

For me, comparing the specs and features of different MacBook Air models is fun, but once that’s settled, picking the perfect color is equally exciting, Apple really knows how to keep things interesting for us.

Its great fun when I’m picking a MacBook color for myself, a friend, or (even) when I’m suggesting options to the procurement team at my office, who handles purchasing all our office equipment.

But I’m just one person, and color selection is pretty subjective. So, to make things easier for myself, and for you guys (the readers!), I’ve added a fun little user reaction sub-section for each color. I researched and gathered insights on how people generally feel about each color, so you can get a better sense of what might work best for you!

MacBook Air Colors

A MacBook Air might be light in weight, but Apple has made it heavy on style choices. In 2022, Apple dropped four MacBook Air colors into the M2 Model and continued with the same colors in to the M3 MacBook Airs.

So we have 4 colors options for M2 and M3 MacBook Air Models.

Midnight
Starlight
Space Gray
Silver

The Midnight and the Starlight colors are basically the new options from the year, 2022 and onwards.

For the Old M1 MacBook Air Models we had

Silver
Space Gray
Gold

Midnight — The Dark Knight of MacBook Colors

Let’s start with the newer Midnight, which, as you might have guessed, is not a re-branding of your favourite midnight snack run. Midnight is the darker shade of blue, like a cool, mysterious shadow — you almost feel like it belongs in an action movie.

What i like about the Midnight color is that it’s simple, it’s bold, new, and gives off some major “I’m a sophisticated tech Pro” vibes. I mean, it matches beautifully with the iPhone 13 Pro’s Pacific Blue (remember that?) or Sierra Blue. If you’re (still) rocking one of those, your MacBook is going to be match the whole tech setup.

Now the greatest problem with it , the Midnight will attract fingerprints like a magnet to metal, it wont hide those smudges that you are almost due to get, over time. So if you like the idea of your laptop looking perpetually lived in, then Midnight might not be for you.

User Review about Midnight MacBook Air

Here’s what some of the users feel about the Midnight MacBook Air on some social platforms.

I found that the fingerprint issue is noticeable for many people, many users are willing to accept it because of the beauty of the Midnight color. Some have found it easy to wipe away with a microfiber cloth, while others simply learn to live with it. There are some who are bothered by it, solutions like using a microfiber cloth or even adding a protective skin have helped.
Some MacBook Air users felt that the Midnight color had a plasticky feel, which didn’t match the more refined aluminum finishes of other colors.
Several of the MacBook Air mentioned that the color could appear more black in dim lighting and blue under brighter lighting, confirming that the color’s appearance can change based on the environment.
Some users did feel drawn to Midnight but Fingerprints issue turned out to be a deal breaker for them.

Starlight — The Champagne of Laptops

Now, moving on to Starlight (this isn’t your grandmother’s beige), It’s a perfect blend of silver and gold. This is the second of the two new MacBook Air colors that Apple introduced with M2 Model.

Talking about the vibe that Starlight gives off, it’s definitely classy, but it also has a little bit of that ‘I know I’m better than you, but I’m too polite to show it.

This is hands-down one of the most unique colors I’ve ever seen on a MacBook. It’s kinda subtle but screams luxury without having to shout about it. It’s like the high-end version of your typical “gold” color but in a much more grown-up way, if you get it. And, you would love it, if you’re rocking a matching Starlight iPad Mini or Sony headphones, you’re basically living in a monochromatic dream world.

In a world of imagination, If you want your MacBook to feel like you’ve just won an award for Best Dressed at the WWDC conference, Starlight is your go-to.

User Reviews about a MacBook Air in Starlight Color:

ON some social platforms, here’s how some people found starlight after using it.

Some users mentioned that the lighter Starlight is more fingerprint-resistant than(darker)Space Gray, with some even noting that they didn’t feel the need to clean it as often.
Some said, It’s more of a goldish tone, with a subtle, elegant finish that avoids being too flashy or feminine(did it touch feminism topic in bad way?, hope not).
One user said “starlight brightens the mood on gloomy days”, so a bit of mood changer (lolz)
One reaction i noticed is that Starlight is seen as a unique but professional color that balances sophistication without being overly flashy.
The dust issue was raised by some users, especially those living in dusty environments. Light-colored finishes like Starlight can collect dust and might change over time, while another user said that light-colored devices show dust, that’s not a unique issue to Starlight.
Starlight was often described as subtle, with a warm tone that some found attractive, but others struggled with it due to the yellowish tint that appeared when the laptop was opened, although they did like the color when the laptop was closed.
I also saw some different views, on how Starlight looks under different lighting. One user sees Starlight as the same, while other differed with him saying the colors appeared to be same under different lighting.

Silver — The Underdog

Alright, let’s talk Silver. It has been around since ever (M1 to M3 Airs), and for good reason, it’s a reliable and the go-to color.

I count Silver color as the unsung hero. Some may say it’s basic, but I’ll tell you this, it’s classic, timeless, No frills, no nonsense. It’s like the nice pair of jeans, You just can’t go wrong with it.

Silver might not get the attention it deserves from everyone, but if you’re looking for something sleek, clean, that fits in everywhere, then Silver’s the answer. Think of it as the vanilla ice cream of MacBook colors, it’s not flashy, but everyone loves it anyway.

A MacBook Air in Silver, People reactions

I was particularly excited to know how others feel about this color (good or bad). Here’s a glimpse of how others feel about it.

Most of the users find Silver as a classic, timeless, premium type of color. It’s often associated with a more luxurious or sophisticated appearance, (Personally, I dint find it luxurious, necessarily, I do love it for other reasons, though).
One good thing I noticed people talking about Silver is that it is durable, it was praised for showing less signs of wear compared to other colors like Midnight or even the Space Grey. Overall, Scratches and fingerprints are less visible on Silver, so it is a practical option for long-term use, less likely to show wear and tear.
Some users feel that Silver can be boring compared to the newer, more unique Midnight or Starlight options.
Silver has been around since a while now and many see it as the “default” MacBook color, so it may lack the exclusivity or boldness some users are looking for.
One reviewer noted that the silver color perfectly complements the laptop’s slim profile, the MacBook Aura and tight tolerances.

Space Grey — The Crowded Winner

And finally, there’s Space Grey. Its the other old brother/sister of the Silver. It has been with MacBook Airs since the M1 model, just like the classic Silver Color. The Space Grey color is more of a dark metallic shade with some subtle undertones of silver or graphite.

Everyone loves it, everyone picks it, and while it’s a solid, reliable color, it’s also just a bit too predictable. It’s as if everyone has the same idea and you’re just, well, one of the crowd.

Don’t get me wrong, though, Space Gray still looks fantastic and is perfect if you want something that looks sleek but not too in-your-face. This color is so common now it’s almost like the MacBook equivalent of a white T-shirt.

MacBook Air in Space Gray Color, User reaction

Space Gray is the choice of many, lets see how users feel about Space Grey MacBook Air.

Several users appreciate its sophisticated look with timeless aesthetic, noting that it’s a perfect mixture of professional and modern looking laptop.
Some users mentioned that Space Grey is more fingerprint-prone compared to lighter finishes, but still less so than darker shades like Midnight. Although Silver is known to be best at resisting the fingerprints and smudges.
A common sentiment among Space Grey fans is its durability, For those who want to avoid dealing with the maintenance of a glossy surface, Space Grey is seen as a safer option, offering a balance of style and durability.
Users who lean toward Space Grey appreciate its elegance, subtlety, and practicality, Overall, Space Grey is viewed as a versatile and professional color, offering a balance between style and practicality
Another aspect of the user reviews i found, Some users even compared it to silver in terms of understated elegance, saying it’s less prone to looking “outdated” than some of the newer, trendier colors like Midnight.

Fingerprints and Smudges: The Real Struggle

Before we wrap things up, let’s talk about something Apple doesn’t want to tell you, the fingerprints. Sure, every MacBook is going to collect a few marks here and there, but if you pick Midnight or Space Gray, those fingerprints will be on display more, with Space Grey being slightly less visible. So if you have some obsessive-compulsive tendencies (don’t worry, we all do), be prepared to wipe it down, a lot, on the other hand, lighter colors like Starlight and Silver are somewhat better at hiding those pesky marks, but there’s no getting around it, cleanliness is key.

The Final Verdict

Here’s how I’d break it down based on both the colors and what real users have had to say about their experiences:

Midnight: If you like bold, dramatic vibes and don’t mind if you have to wipe fingerprints every now and then, Midnight’s for you. Users love how striking and modern it looks, with one even mentioning it feels like a “sophisticated tech pro” vibe. That said, the fingerprint issue is a big talking point, many of Midnight users are willing to overlook it for the color’s beauty, but some find this issue a real deal breaker. So if you’re okay with wiping it down often and love the cool, almost cinematic feel of Midnight, go for it, Just keep a microfiber cloth handy!
Starlight: Another modern color for those who want a classy yet subtly luxurious feel. It’s like the “champagne” of MacBooks that is elegant and understated but still unique. Based on some pubic reviews, users see it to be a professional yet mood-lifting color, with some even calling it a “mood changer” when it’s in use. It’s also more fingerprint-resistant than Midnight and less prone to showing smudges. Some, however, noticed a slight yellowish (i also noticed that at times) tint when the laptop is open, but generally, it’s seen as an eye-catching, sophisticated choice that’s perfect for those who appreciate subtle luxury.
Silver: The reliable classic Silver is for those who want simplicity, durability, and timeless style. Users rave about how it’s nearly impervious to fingerprints and scratches, making it the go-to choice for anyone looking for a long-lasting, low-maintenance laptop. However, some feel it’s a bit “basic” compared to the more modern and unique colors like Midnight or Starlight. If you’re looking for something sleek, clean, and subtle without worrying about constant upkeep, Silver is your best bet. It’s the workhorse of MacBook colors, and users appreciate its consistency and durability.
Space Grey: Probably, the ultimate all-rounder. Space Grey is described by users as having a sophisticated, timeless aesthetic. It strikes a perfect balance between modern and professional, making it a popular choice for those who want something sleek and stylish without being flashy. While it’s more fingerprint-prone than Silver, it’s still easier to maintain than Midnight. Users appreciate its understated elegance, with many considering it a safe, dependable option that’s perfect for both work and play. If you’re after a color that’s both stylish and practical, Space Grey’s is the option, you should go for.