The new M4 MacBook Air, featuring Apple’s latest M4 chip, offers a performance boost and improved efficiency, solidifying its position as a top contender among Apple’s impressive MacBook lineup. This anticipated update completes Apple’s transition, equipping all its laptops with the powerful M4 chip.
This M4 MacBook Air represents a significant refinement rather than a complete redesign. The M4 chip provides a noticeable performance upgrade compared to the previous M3 model, while other aspects remain largely unchanged. Apple claims the M4 MacBook Air handles demanding tasks like video and photo editing up to twice as fast as the M1 version, making it a compelling upgrade for M1 users.
The laptop retains the same chassis, display, speakers, and keyboard as its predecessor. Apple’s 2022 redesign of the MacBook Air remains current, and another significant design overhaul isn’t expected for a few years. However, a new “sky blue” color option joins the existing palette, and the base price has dropped by $100 to a more affordable $999.
Further enhancements include a 12MP Center Stage camera and support for two 6K external displays in addition to the integrated display. Both 13-inch and 15-inch models are available for pre-order now, with an official release date of March 12.
The M4 chip, or a variant thereof, now powers the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac Studio, representing approximately half of Apple’s current computer offerings. While other models like the Mac Pro have yet to adopt the M4, the transition is anticipated within the coming months.
Industry rumors indicate Apple’s imminent shift towards the M5 chip, with a new M5-powered MacBook Pro potentially arriving in late 2025. Given Apple’s recent trend of annual Mac releases, an M5 MacBook Air is likely to follow sometime in 2026.
