Level 1

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Which OS is the best one so far for MacBook Air M3?

Hi! I'm curious which is the best OS for MacBook Air M3 so far? I'm still on Sonoma 14.6.1 since I bought my Mac last year. I've read some suggestions that it's good not to turn on the automatic updates. The reason for this is I was really frustrated with M3 battery draining very quickly with this Sonoma. It's brand new but the battery drains quickly and does not long as it was advertised. I just got used to it until now. So when the earliest Sequoia was released, I went here to check other users' experience with it. I've also read a lot of feedbacks how it also drained their batteries plus some other issues.

So now, I want to know. Is it worth the upgrade to the latest macOS Sequoia 15.5? Anyone who encountered issues with it so far? Or maybe pleased with this newest update?

Thanks in advance for the response!

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 14.6

Posted on Jun 5, 2025 11:01 PM

Top-ranking reply

HueSplat

Level 1

14 points

Posted on Jun 6, 2025 1:02 AM

I agree with kaz-k.

I always recommend upgrading to the latest OS available as well as keeping automatic updates enabled.

Usually the first step in troubleshooting an issue is making sure the OS and software is updated to the latest available.

While I do not have a MacBook Air M3, my family members report no issues or battery runtime issues with a MacBook Air M1 and MacBook Air M2 running Sequoia 15.5, they also had no issues on earlier versions of Sequoia.

I owned a MacBook Air M2 a few months before Sequoia launched, I updated to Sequoia as soon as it was available and kept it updated until I sold the MacBook a few months ago.

I did not experience any issues or loss of battery runtime during that period.

I personally did not have any background applications or third party extensions etc installed.

I mostly just stuck to the included applications such as Safari, Music, Mail, Photos etc, only exception was Microsoft Office and the odd basic game from the Apple App Store.

If you are having battery runtime issues it might be worth checking what software is running and if any is showing abnormal energy usage or running when it shouldn't.

You could always reach out to Apple Support and ask their advice, check the battery health, or run a diagnostic test.

Batteries - Maximizing Performance - Apple

View energy consumption in Activity Monitor on Mac - Apple Support

Check the condition of your Mac laptop’s battery - Apple Support

Use Apple Diagnostics to test your Mac - Apple Support

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27 replies

Jun 9, 2025 6:48 AM in response to mechanic1357

mechanic1357 wrote:

Is that a priority for users? I prefer systems that do their job reliably.

Security is the priority for me. The computer can't do its job reliably if it's not secure.

M3 MBP running the latest update of Sequoia with no issues. But then, I didn't have any issues with any of the previous versions of Sequoia, either.

Jun 9, 2025 7:21 AM in response to Owl-53

Owl-53 wrote:

While some individuals visit these forums seeking technical solutions to specific Apple-related issues, there are also those who seek recognition or fame through their contributions. 😎

I hope you don't think I am in the latter group!?!

Jun 9, 2025 8:03 AM in response to Owl-53

Owl-53 wrote:

While some individuals visit these forums seeking technical solutions to specific Apple-related issues, there are also those who seek recognition or fame through their contributions. 😎

I'll remember you, Owl-53! 😏

Owl-53

Level 10

102,397 points

Jun 9, 2025 8:15 AM in response to D.I. Johnson

D.I. Johnson wrote:

Owl-53 wrote:

While some individuals visit these forums seeking technical solutions to specific Apple-related issues, there are also those who seek recognition or fame through their contributions. 😎

I'll remember you, Owl-53! 😏

Thank you.

I have not died , yet

Bad humour, I know

lol

Owl-53

Level 10

102,397 points

Jun 11, 2025 12:43 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

IdrisSeabright wrote:

Owl-53 wrote:

Are we all good again

If I offended, am truly sorry

I'm sorry not to reply! I was worried that I had offended YOU! We are always great (from my perspective!).

Sigh of relief and thank you

All good here too

Aside, not received a notification of you reply

Jun 9, 2025 3:31 AM in response to D.I. Johnson

D.I. Johnson wrote:

Upgrading is also a great way to keep things fresh and new.

Is that a priority for users? I prefer systems that do their job reliably.

Owl-53

Level 10

102,397 points

Jun 9, 2025 7:37 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

I think we know who we are referring to

No , it is not You

Jun 9, 2025 7:50 AM in response to Owl-53

Owl-53 wrote:

I think we know who we are referring to

No , it is not You

Good as I would hate to disappoint you. ;-)

Owl-53

Level 10

102,397 points

Jun 9, 2025 8:00 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

👍

dganda Author

Level 1

19 points

Jun 9, 2025 8:45 AM in response to dganda

Thanks for all your replies and suggestions and discussions here! I just upgraded to Sequoia 15.5!

Owl-53

Level 10

102,397 points

Jun 10, 2025 8:30 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

Are we all good again

If I offended, am truly sorry

Jun 10, 2025 10:51 AM in response to Owl-53

Owl-53 wrote:

Are we all good again

If I offended, am truly sorry

I'm sorry not to reply! I was worried that I had offended YOU! We are always great (from my perspective!).

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Which OS is the best one so far for MacBook Air M3?