After months of anticipation, Apple has officially announced the new MacBook Air M4, bringing faster performance, better AI capabilities, and an improved display—all while maintaining its signature thin and lightweight design. Available in both 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch sizes, the new MacBook Air starts at just $999 or ₹99,900 in India, making it more affordable than ever.
With up to 18 hours of battery life, support for two external displays, a new 12MP Center Stage camera, and an eye-catching Sky Blue color option, this update is more than just a minor refresh. Let’s dive into the details of what makes the M4 MacBook Air one of the most compelling laptops of 2024.
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Apple Unveils the MacBook Air M4: More Power, Lower Price
What’s New in the MacBook Air M4?
At first glance, the MacBook Air M4 might look similar to its predecessor, but the internal upgrades make all the difference.
1. The Power of the M4 Chip
Apple’s M4 chip delivers up to 20% faster performance than the previous M3 model, thanks to enhanced CPU and GPU cores. While it may not match the raw power of the MacBook Pro’s M4, it offers a noticeable performance boost, making everyday tasks, creative workflows, and multitasking even smoother.
2. More Memory for AI and Multitasking
Apple has doubled the base RAM to 16GB, up from 8GB in the M3 MacBook Air. This upgrade is particularly exciting as it prepares the MacBook Air M4 for Apple’s upcoming AI-driven features in macOS Sequoia. Users can also opt for 32GB of RAM, making it the most powerful Air yet.
3. New 12MP Center Stage Camera
For remote workers and content creators, the 12MP Center Stage camera is a game-changer. This AI-powered camera automatically adjusts and follows your movement during video calls, keeping you in the frame at all times. It also supports Desk View, which is perfect for presentations and live streaming.
4. Dual External Display Support
Unlike previous MacBook Air models, which could only support one external display, the M4 MacBook Air can connect to two 6K external displays alongside its built-in screen. This is a major win for professionals who rely on multiple monitors for work.
5. Nano-Texture Display for Pro-Level Clarity
Borrowing from the MacBook Pro, the new nano-texture display option reduces glare and enhances clarity, making it ideal for designers, photographers, and video editors.
6. Lower Price, More Value
Apple has dropped the starting price of the MacBook Air M4 to $999, making it $100 cheaper than its predecessor. The 15-inch model starts at $1,099, making it one of the best value-for-money laptops in Apple’s lineup.
In India, Apple Macbook Air M4 starts from ₹99,900:
- 13″ 16GB+256GB: ₹99,900
- 15″ 16GB+256GB: ₹1,24,900
MacBook Air M4 vs. M3 vs. M2: Specs Comparison
| Feature | MacBook Air M4 | MacBook Air M3 | MacBook Air M2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chip | M4 (20% faster than M3) | M3 | M2 |
| RAM (Base/Max) | 16GB / 32GB | 8GB / 24GB | 8GB / 24GB |
| Display Size | 13.6” / 15.3” | 13.6” / 15.3” | 13.6” / 15.3” |
| External Display Support | 2 x 6K displays | 1 x 6K display | 1 x 6K display |
| Camera | 12MP Center Stage | 1080p | 1080p |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Starting Price | $999 / $1,099 | $1,099 / $1,299 | $999 / $1,199 |
Market Positioning: Who Should Buy the MacBook Air M4?
The MacBook Air M4 is designed for students, professionals, and creatives who need powerful performance in a lightweight, portable form factor. With a lower price, improved AI capabilities, and support for multiple displays, it’s an excellent choice for:
✅ Students & Professionals – Fast, efficient, and affordable with a long-lasting battery.
✅ Content Creators – Upgraded 12MP Center Stage camera and nano-texture display for enhanced video and image editing.
✅ Remote Workers – Dual external display support and an AI-powered webcam for seamless productivity.
If you need even more power for heavy video editing or coding, the MacBook Pro M4 may be a better fit. But for most users, the MacBook Air M4 strikes the perfect balance between performance, portability, and price.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
1. What is the price of the MacBook Air M4?
The 13-inch model starts at $999 or ₹99,900, while the 15-inch model starts at $1,099 or ₹1,24,900.
2. When can I buy the MacBook Air M4?
Pre-orders are open now, and it will be available starting March 12, 2024.
3. Does the MacBook Air M4 support two external monitors?
Yes! It now supports two 6K external displays, a first for the MacBook Air lineup.
4. How much faster is the M4 chip compared to the M3?
Apple claims the M4 is 20% faster than the M3, making it a solid upgrade.
5. Is the MacBook Air M4 good for gaming?
While it’s not designed for gaming, the M4’s improved GPU can handle light to moderate gaming better than previous models.
Final Thoughts: Should You Upgrade?
With faster performance, improved AI features, better display options, and a more affordable price, the Air M4 is a fantastic upgrade for most users. If you’re using an M1 or Intel-based MacBook Air, this is the perfect time to switch. However, if you already own an M3 model, the performance gains might not be worth an immediate upgrade.
Either way, the MacBook Air M4 proves Apple is committed to making premium laptops more accessible, and this might just be the best Air ever. 🚀
