Apple has refreshed its MacBook Air lineup, and the new models are now available for purchase. We managed to get our hands on an M4 MacBook Air for an unboxing and first impressions. If you’re familiar with the M2 or M3 MacBook Air models, the M4 version will look very familiar as there have been no design changes.
However, it now features a new Sky Blue color that replaces Space Gray. Although this subtle blue can appear less vibrant depending on the lighting, it’s not a groundbreaking update. The real enhancements lie inside, primarily with the new M4 chip.
Known for its speed, the M4 boasts CPU performance improvements of up to 30 percent and GPU performance enhancements of up to 21 percent compared to the M3. Both the M3 and M4 chips are built on a 3-nanometer process, resulting in incremental changes rather than radical innovations. Nevertheless, users upgrading from Intel-based Macs, Windows PCs, or even the M1 MacBook Air from 2020 will experience significant performance upgrades.
The new MacBook Air is available in both 13-inch and 15-inch models, with differences mainly in display size, weight, speaker system, and price. Notably, both sizes have a battery life of up to 18 hours when streaming video and 15 hours while browsing the web. The device features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, allowing for connectivity with peripherals and the capability to support two 6K external displays at 60Hz.
Additionally, Apple has included a new 12-megapixel front-facing camera, a major improvement over the previous 1080p camera, now offering features like Center Stage and Desk View. Pricing for the 13-inch MacBook Air starts at $999 for 16GB of RAM, with an 8-core GPU and a 10-core CPU, while the 15-inch variant also starts at the same RAM configuration but comes with a 10-core GPU and CPU. Users looking for enhanced performance, especially for tasks like video editing or gaming, can upgrade both models to support up to 32GB of RAM.
While the update is incremental, the MacBook Air remains the best option for most users. Its price point, coupled with the M4 chip and 16GB of RAM, makes it an attractive choice. For users seeking a non-portable alternative, the Mac mini with similar specs is available for $599.
In terms of trade-offs, the main distinction between the MacBook Air and the pricier MacBook Pro is the display quality; the Pro features a brighter mini-LED display, HDR support, more ports, and longer battery life. It also offers the option for faster M4 Pro or M4 Max chips. Overall, if you’re using an older Intel-based or M1 MacBook Air, now might be an excellent time to consider an upgrade, as significant design changes are unlikely in the near future.
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