8GB is not enough for serious 4K ProRes video editing.

It’s doable for light work, but you’ll hit the wall fast. 8GB of unified memory is the base model, and while Apple’s memory architecture is efficient, 4K ProRes eats through RAM like candy. Expect stuttering timeline scrubbing, long export times, and frequent beachballs once you add a few layers, effects, or color grades.

The bigger problem is the MacBook Air’s lack of active cooling. Even the M3 Air throttles under sustained loads. A 10-minute 4K ProRes timeline will push the chip to its thermal limit, dropping performance to keep the fanless chassis from melting. That’s fine for a quick edit, but miserable for daily work.

If you’re cutting short social clips or lightweight 1080p, the Air handles it fine. But for real video editing—especially ProRes—get 16GB or step up to a MacBook Pro. Future You will thank you when you’re not waiting an hour for exports.

Don’t be cheap on RAM if this is your tool for work.