The MacBook Air.
Arguably one of the most iconic laptops of our time, and certainly a device that many have been waiting for an upgrade.
Well, the wait is over.
Apple has unleashed the new MacBook Air with the M4 chip, and the tech world is buzzing.
But is it a seismic shift or just a subtle nudge in the right direction?
Let’s dive in and find out.
What’s New in the M4 MacBook Air?
So, what exactly does the M4 MacBook Air bring to the table?
Is it merely a spec bump with a fresh coat of paint, or does it offer a truly compelling reason to upgrade?
Here’s a breakdown of the key features and enhancements.
1.
M4 Chip: Powering the Future
The heart of any great laptop is its processor, and the M4 chip is the star of this show.
Apple claims a significant performance leap compared to previous models.
Spreadsheet calculation in Microsoft Excel is now up to 4.7x faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air, and up to 1.6x faster than the 13-inch MacBook Air with M1.
Video editing in iMovie is up to 8x faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air, and up to 2x faster than the 13-inch MacBook Air with M1.
Photo editing in Adobe Photoshop is up to 3.6x faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air, and up to 2x faster than the 13-inch MacBook Air with M1.
Web browsing is up to 60 percent faster when compared to a PC laptop with an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, and more demanding tasks get up to 2x faster performance.
But what does that translate to in the real world?
Imagine rendering complex 3D models or compiling code in a fraction of the time.
The M4 isn’t just about raw speed; it’s about efficiency, ensuring that your MacBook Air stays cool and quiet even under heavy workloads.
Here’s a quick look at how the M4 stacks up:
- 10-core CPU
- Up to 10-core GPU
- Up to 32GB unified memory
2.
A Fresh New Hue: Hello, Sky Blue
Aesthetics matter, and Apple knows it.
The M4 MacBook Air introduces a new sky blue color, replacing the space gray option.
While starlight, silver, and midnight remain, this new hue offers a subtle yet refreshing change.
Is it blue enough?
That depends on your personal taste, but it’s certainly a welcome addition to the lineup.
The Verge’s hands-on video gives you a closer look:
3.
Lower Starting Price: A Return to Form
Perhaps the most surprising and welcome change is the price.
The 13-inch model now starts at $999, and the 15-inch at $1,199.
This marks a return to the previous pricing for the 13-inch, making the M4 MacBook Air more accessible than its predecessor.
For many, this price cut alone could be the deciding factor.
Matt Talks Tech highlights the significance of the price point:
4.
Enhanced Camera and Display Support
The M4 MacBook Air also receives some notable upgrades in the camera and display departments.
The FaceTime camera is now a 12MP sensor with Center Stage, ensuring you’re always in focus during video calls.
Moreover, the laptop can now drive two external displays while keeping the lid open, effectively creating a triple-monitor setup.
Talk about a productivity booster!
5.
Built for Apple Intelligence
This new macbook air is built to support Apple Intelligence.
This feature will provide users with even better performance and features that can be used to enhance workflows.
Performance Benchmarks: How Does the M4 Stack Up?
Apple claims the M4 MacBook Air is up to 23x faster than the last Intel-based model, but as always, it’s essential to read the fine print.
This comparison is based on specific tasks, such as using the Super Resolution feature in Pixelmator Pro.
While impressive, it’s not necessarily indicative of overall performance across all applications.
However, the general consensus is that the M4 offers a substantial performance boost, especially for tasks that leverage machine learning.
Performance Boosts
- Spreadsheet calculation performance in Microsoft Excel is up to 4.7x faster than the fastest Intelbased MacBook Air, and up to 1.6x faster than the 13inch MacBook Air with M1.
- Video editing in iMovie is up to 8x faster than the fastest Intelbased MacBook Air, and up to 2x faster than the 13inch MacBook Air with M1.
- Photo editing in Adobe Photoshop is up to 3.6x faster than the fastest Intelbased MacBook Air, and up to 2x faster than the 13inch MacBook Air with M1.
- Web browsing is up to 60 percent faster when compared to a PC laptop with an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, and more demanding tasks get up to 2x faster performance.
Other Noteworthy Features
Beyond the M4 chip, the sky blue color, and the lower price, the MacBook Air retains many of the features that users have come to love.
- Touch ID and Magic Keyboard: Secure and comfortable input.
- Liquid Retina Display: A vibrant and sharp visual experience.
- Versatile Connectivity: Thunderbolt ports, MagSafe charging, and a headphone jack.
- macOS Sequoia: An unrivaled operating system experience.
Max Tech provides another perspective on the M4 MacBook Air and Mac Studio:
The Verdict: Should You Upgrade?
So, is the M4 MacBook Air worth the upgrade?
If you’re still rocking an Intel-based MacBook Air or even an M1 model, the answer is a resounding yes.
The performance gains, combined with the lower price and enhanced features, make it a compelling option.
However, if you recently purchased an M2 or M3 MacBook Air, the upgrade might be less enticing.
The performance improvements are incremental, and the design remains largely unchanged.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual needs and budget.
Below is a comparison table between the Macbook Air M4 and the MacBook Pro M4
| Feature | MacBook Air M4 (13-inch) | MacBook Pro M4 (14-inch) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $999 | $1,749 |
| Display | 13.6-inch Liquid Retina | 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR |
| Processor | M4 Chip | M4 Pro or M4 Max Chip |
| External Display Support | Dual Displays | Up to Four Displays |
| Camera | 12MP FaceTime HD | 1080p FaceTime HD |
| Weight | 2.7 lbs | 3.5 lbs |
Pricing and Availability
The M4 MacBook Air is available for preorder now and will begin shipping on March 12.
The 13-inch model starts at $999 ($899 for education), and the 15-inch model starts at $1,199 ($1,099 for education).
Both are available in sky blue, midnight, starlight, and silver.
Final Thoughts: A Worthy Successor?
The MacBook Air M4 is a solid upgrade that addresses some key concerns while maintaining the core values that made the Air so popular.
The lower price is a game-changer, and the performance improvements are certainly welcome.
While it might not be a revolutionary leap, it’s a significant step forward for Apple’s most beloved laptop.
Now, the big question: Will you be pre-ordering the new Sky Blue M4 MacBook Air?
Maximize Your M4 MacBook Air: A Guide to Optimizing Performance
Now that you’ve (hopefully!) pre-ordered your M4 MacBook Air, let’s explore how to get the most out of its powerful new chip.
Here’s a practical guide to optimizing performance and making the most of your new machine.
Step 1: Initial Setup and Software Updates
Once your MacBook Air arrives, the first step is a smooth setup.
During the initial setup, ensure you connect to a stable Wi-Fi network to download the latest macOS updates.
Apple frequently releases updates that optimize performance and fix bugs.
To check for updates manually, go to System Settings > General > Software Update.
Step 2: Optimize Storage
Even with the base storage configuration, managing your storage wisely is crucial.
macOS offers built-in tools to help you identify and remove unnecessary files.
Go to System Settings > General > Storage for recommendations.
Consider offloading large files to iCloud Drive or an external drive to free up space on your internal SSD.
Tip: The less full your SSD is, the faster it’ll generally perform.
Step 3: Manage Background Apps
Many applications run processes in the background, consuming system resources and potentially impacting performance.
To identify and manage these apps, use Activity Monitor (search for it in Spotlight).
Activity Monitor shows you which apps are using the most CPU and memory.
Close any unnecessary apps that are hogging resources.
Consider disabling “Open at Login” for apps you don’t need running automatically (System Settings > General > Login Items).
Step 4: Optimize Battery Usage
The M4 chip is known for its efficiency, but you can further extend battery life with a few tweaks.
Adjust your display brightness, disable location services for apps that don’t need them, and use Safari, which is optimized for macOS, over other browsers.
Consider using Optimized Battery Charging (System Settings > Battery) to prolong the lifespan of your battery.
Step 5: Take Advantage of Apple Intelligence Features
The M4 MacBook Air is designed to work seamlessly with Apple Intelligence.
Make sure you understand how to use the new AI-powered features to enhance your workflow.
Explore features like intelligent search, quick actions, and enhanced photo editing capabilities.
These features are optimized for the M4 chip, providing a smoother and more efficient user experience.
Step 6: Configure Display Settings
Calibrating your display can significantly improve your visual experience.
While the Liquid Retina display is excellent out of the box, adjusting settings like color profile and resolution can make a difference, especially for creative tasks.
Go to System Settings > Displays and experiment with different settings to find what works best for you.
If you use external displays, ensure they are properly configured for optimal resolution and refresh rate.
Step 7: Leverage Keyboard Shortcuts
Mastering keyboard shortcuts can drastically improve your productivity.
macOS offers a wealth of shortcuts for everything from navigating the Finder to editing documents.
Take some time to learn and memorize the most useful shortcuts for your workflow.
You can customize keyboard shortcuts in System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts.
Step 8: Embrace the Power of Automator
Automator is a built-in macOS application that allows you to create custom workflows to automate repetitive tasks.
Whether it’s batch renaming files or automating image processing, Automator can save you a lot of time and effort.
Explore Automator to see how you can streamline your daily tasks and boost your productivity.
Step 9: Optimize for Specific Tasks
Different tasks require different optimizations.
For example, if you’re a video editor, ensure your editing software is configured to leverage the M4 chip’s GPU acceleration.
If you’re a developer, use Xcode’s profiling tools to identify and optimize performance bottlenecks in your code.
Tailor your settings and workflows to suit the specific tasks you perform most often.
Step 10: Stay Updated with New Technologies
The tech world is constantly evolving, and new technologies and techniques emerge regularly.
Stay informed about the latest developments in macOS and Apple hardware to discover new ways to optimize your M4 MacBook Air.
Read tech blogs, watch tutorials, and experiment with new tools to continuously improve your workflow and maximize your performance.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to unlocking the full potential of your M4 MacBook Air and enjoying a smooth, efficient, and productive computing experience.
M4 MacBook Air: Your Questions Answered
Is the M4 MacBook Air a significant upgrade from the M1 MacBook Air?
Yes, the M4 chip offers a substantial performance boost compared to the M1, especially for tasks like video editing and photo editing.
The price is also lowered.
Is the new sky blue color the only new color option?
No, the MacBook Air is also still available in starlight, silver, and midnight.
Is the M4 MacBook Air worth upgrading to if I already have an M2 or M3 MacBook Air?
The upgrade might be less enticing.
The performance improvements are incremental.
Final Verdict: The M4 MacBook Air – A Solid Step Up
The M4 MacBook Air is a worthwhile upgrade, particularly for those with older Intel-based or M1 models.
The performance enhancements, coupled with the attractive price point and fresh color option, make it a compelling choice for both new and returning MacBook Air users.
While not revolutionary, it’s a significant improvement in Apple’s most popular laptop.