Photos aren’t very demanding. You can edit large photos on practically any M series MacBook. An M3 Max is more for 4K multi cam setups. But if you have the budget for it then go for it. At least you know you’re future proofed for the next 15 years if all your doing is editing photos

It’s a new feature. I’ve actually found it very helpful

This is what people are missing. 8 GB of ram on the new silicone isn’t the same as 8 GB of ram on an Intel device. People wont understand this until they use a new M series machine.

I have an M2 16 GB MBA 15” with 512 and I edit 4K video in FCP with ease, and can export it in no time. I still giggle a little when I see how quick the estimated export time week be after I click export.

The only issue I’ve had with this laptop is that the Finder will freeze up. It does this when I’m working as well as when there isn’t a single program open. It’s strange but force quitting fixes it.

Following this for an answer as well

You’re ALWAYS GOING TO HAVE REGRET if all you think about is what others have or what’s coming out. Buy it when you need it and replace it when it no longer serves your needs.

I’m convinced most people here don’t actually use their laptops for real work and only buy them as a status symbol

MacBook was around well before 2015