Apple has refreshed its MacBook Air lineup, introducing the M4 processor, a new sky blue finish, and a surprisingly lower price point. The 13-inch model now starts at $999, while the 15-inch begins at $1,199. Both are available for pre-order and will launch on March 12th.
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Both the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models now feature the M4 chip, aligning them with recent Mac Mini, iMac, and MacBook Pro releases. This upgrade also brings support for dual external displays while the laptop lid remains open. The design remains largely unchanged, with the addition of the 12-megapixel Centre Stage webcam, previously exclusive to the MacBook Pro.
The base model is equipped with an M4 chip featuring a 10-core CPU and 8-core GPU, 16GB of unified memory, and 256GB of storage. Users can configure the device with a 10-core GPU (matching the base 14-inch MacBook Pro), 32GB of RAM, and up to 2TB of storage.
Initial impressions of the M4 Airs are that they retain the classic MacBook Air experience, now with a more powerful chip. The new sky blue colour is a welcome addition, though Apple could potentially explore more vibrant hues, as seen in the iMac line.
The M4 upgrade and Centre Stage camera are sensible, anticipated improvements. While they may not represent a revolutionary leap, the price reduction is a notable surprise, particularly in the face of rising tariffs. This unexpected affordability makes the new MacBook Air a more compelling proposition.