Is the Apple USB SuperDrive (Model A1379) compatible with a MacBook Air (M2, 2023)?

Apple stopped selling SuperDrive, so it’ll be a new-old-stock or used purchase.

SuperDrive will work, if there is sufficient power.

Picking one of the myriad Anker hub models, the doc for that hub indicates not:

Check your dock doc.

The Apple USB-C to USB-A adapter does have enough power:

USB-C to USB Adapter - Apple

The officially-documented compatibility is wide, and seemingly includes your Mac model:

How to connect the Apple USB SuperDrive - Apple Support

Mac USB-C is designed to contend with multiple power sources on offer, and picks the power supply with the highest wattage offered:

Charge your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro - Apple Support

I’m using some ancient Compaq optical DVD and CD storage, and those are a mix of lower-powered, or have external power connections. Newer USB-C optical DVD and CD devices can access the higher power available via USB-C and can avoid needing the external power adapter, or the need for specific USB-C to USB-A adapters or hubs.

Re: “I'm not even sure if the MacBook USB-C port supports DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery.”

The ports support USB, USB4, DP Alt Mode, Thunderbolt 3, and Power Delivery to the MacBook Air. You can charge either over MagSafe 3 or over USB-C (and the MagSafe 3 cable itself is designed to be plugged into a USB-C power supply).

While you can attach an external display via either USB-C port, the M2 MacBook Air supports only one external display, total.

Charge your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro - Apple Support

“Your Mac charges over only one port at a time, so connecting multiple power adapters to the USB-C ports and MagSafe 3 port (if present) won't charge your Mac faster. USB-C charge cables support different maximum wattages (W), so ensure you choose the correct cable. If you connect more than one power source, your Mac charges only from the cable and power adapter or display providing the most power.”

Hubs, even powered hubs, generally only provide 500 mA over USB-A. The Apple SuperDrive draws about 900 mA. Your Mac will provide sufficient power. Use either the Apple adapter or a simple dongle. I have a bunch of little nonda adapters (Amazon link), and I've used my SuperDrive with those on Macs for several years, including Intel and M3 MacBook Air models.

Also understand that the last SuperDrive was updated was Summer 2012. It only runs at USB-2 speeds. there are far better aftermarket

If you do not need to travel with an external optical drive, consider a "self-powered" one that has its own, independent power supply. As others have noted, low-power issues, especially with hubs, have been the bane of owners of many SuperDrives and other "mobile" optical drives that have to scab all power from the commuter. A self-powered drive should be more reliable.

We recent bought my wife her first Mac without an optical drive. I am look at this self-powered one for her use:

OWC Mercury Pro USB 3.2 (5Gb/s) 24X Super-Multi DVD/CD Burner/Reader External Optical Drive with M-DISC Support

That models requires a USB adapter for newer Macs as neuroanatomist mentions. But then so does a 2012 SuperDrive.

Reliability features I look for in an external optical drive:

— self-powered

— USB 3.X speeds

— Tray-loading, historically more reliable than slot loading optical drives.

Another thing. The SuperDrive and other "mobile drives too often have permanently-fixed combo data/power cables. If the cat chews through the cable, you get to buy a new drive.

The OWC model and most other self-powered models have separate, plug-in power and data cables. Should Sweet Kitty attack that cabling, you need only buy new cables, and Kitty lives to bite another day.