Apple is reportedly gearing up to announce a new Mac, potentially as early as this week, according to Bloomberg. This strongly suggests the arrival of the much-anticipated M4-powered MacBook Air, aligning with Apple’s typical refresh cycle following the M3 MacBook Air launch in early March 2024. Expectations are high for the new models, likely available in both 13-inch and 15-inch versions, mirroring the current generation.
The M4 Chip: A Performance Boost
The key upgrade will undoubtedly be the inclusion of Apple’s M4 silicon. This new chip promises enhanced processing power and improved energy efficiency, further solidifying the MacBook Air’s position as a performance leader in the ultraportable laptop category.
The lid of Apple
The M4 boasts a 10-core CPU, comprising four high-performance cores and six efficiency cores for handling less demanding tasks. Graphics performance also receives a boost thanks to a 10-core GPU, a notable improvement over the previous generation Apple silicon.
This same M4 chip has already proven its capabilities in the MacBook Pro, and its more powerful siblings, the M4 Pro and M4 Max, are also available. Interestingly, benchmarks suggest the M4 in the MacBook Air could rival the performance of the entry-level MacBook Pro. Apple claims the M4 offers performance roughly 1.8 times higher than the M1 and up to 3.4 times faster in graphics-intensive tasks like Blender rendering.
Neural Engine and Thermal Considerations
The M3 MacBook Air in front of a window.
The M4’s next-generation Neural Processing Unit (NPU) is also expected to deliver a significant speed boost, approximately three times faster than its predecessor. However, it’s important to remember that the MacBook Air’s fanless design can lead to thermal throttling under sustained heavy loads. This means that while benchmarks might look impressive, real-world performance under continuous stress could be different from the MacBook Pro.
Design and Pricing
From a design perspective, the M4 MacBook Air is rumored to retain a similar aesthetic to the M3 model. The addition of new color options would be a welcome change, but remains uncertain. Pricing is also unknown, but if Apple maintains current pricing, the 13-inch model could start at $1,099.
Conclusion: A Powerful Upgrade
The impending arrival of the M4 MacBook Air promises a significant performance upgrade for Apple’s popular ultraportable. With a faster CPU, GPU, and NPU, the new MacBook Air is poised to deliver even more power and efficiency. While the fanless design might introduce some thermal limitations, the overall package should be a compelling option for users seeking a portable and powerful machine. Stay tuned for the official announcement from Apple, expected soon.
