Apple has introduced its latest iteration of the MacBook Air, now powered by the new M4 chip, boasting enhanced performance, an attractive sky blue colour option, and a more accessible starting price of $999. This update to Apple’s most popular laptop aims to deliver even greater value, combining increased performance with up to 18 hours of battery life, a 12MP Center Stage camera, and expanded external display support, all within its signature thin and light design.
The new MacBook Air is available in both 13-inch and 15-inch models and introduces a fresh sky blue finish, a metallic light blue that complements the existing midnight, starlight, and silver options. All colour variants include a colour-matched MagSafe charging cable. The starting price for the MacBook Air has been reduced to $999, a $100 decrease from the previous model, and an even more affordable $899 for education customers, making it an appealing choice for a wide range of users.
The integration of the M4 chip marks a significant performance leap for the MacBook Air. This new chip features a 10-core CPU, up to a 10-core GPU, and supports up to 32GB of unified memory. Apple claims the M4-equipped MacBook Air is up to twice as fast as the M1 model and up to 23 times faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air. This performance boost translates to smoother multitasking and enhanced speed for demanding tasks like photo and video editing. The M4 chip also includes a faster Neural Engine, which accelerates AI-based tasks up to three times compared to the M1, improving features like photo enhancement and video noise reduction.
The MacBook Air with M4 is designed to support Apple Intelligence, unlocking new capabilities that enhance the user experience. Features like Image Playground, Genmoji, and Writing Tools offer creative ways to express oneself. Siri is also improved, allowing for more natural interaction and providing enhanced assistance with Mac features. The integration of ChatGPT into Writing Tools and Siri offers users access to AI expertise while maintaining privacy. Apple Intelligence prioritizes on-device processing for many tasks, with Private Cloud Compute ensuring data privacy for tasks requiring larger models.
For improved video conferencing, the new MacBook Air features a 12MP Center Stage camera that enhances video quality and keeps users centred in the frame. It also supports Desk View, allowing users to share a top-down view of their desk during calls. The laptop now supports up to two 6K external displays, in addition to its built-in Liquid Retina display, catering to users who require a multi-display setup.
The MacBook Air with M4 retains the features that have made it popular, including a durable aluminium unibody enclosure, Touch ID, a Magic Keyboard, and a Liquid Retina display. It offers versatile connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, MagSafe charging, and two Thunderbolt ports. The audio experience is enhanced with a three-mic array and support for Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos.
The new MacBook Air benefits from macOS Sequoia, which introduces features like iPhone Mirroring, Safari enhancements, and gaming improvements. The operating system also includes a new Passwords app and updated video call backgrounds. macOS Sequoia 15.4 will further simplify the setup process for new MacBook Air users with an iPhone.
Apple continues its commitment to environmental responsibility with the MacBook Air, which features over 55 per cent recycled content, including 100 per cent recycled aluminium and rare earth elements. The packaging is entirely fibre-based, aligning with Apple’s goal to eliminate plastic from packaging by 2025.
The new MacBook Air with M4 is available for pre-order, with shipping starting on March 12. The 13-inch model starts at $999, and the 15-inch model starts at $1,199. Both are available in sky blue, midnight, starlight, and silver. Apple offers trade-in options and Apple Card Monthly Installments for customers in the U.S.
