The MacBook Air M4 and MacBook Air M2 are two distinct models of Apple's popular laptop series, each featuring different Apple silicon chips. Here are the main differences between them:
Performance and Chip Specifications
- CPU and GPU: The MacBook Air M4 is equipped with a 10-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU, offering significantly enhanced performance compared to the M2 model, which has an 8-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU[1][10]. The M4 chip provides a substantial boost in both CPU and GPU capabilities.- Memory and Bandwidth: The M4 chip supports up to 32GB of unified memory, while the M2 chip typically starts with 8GB and can be configured up to 24GB[5][8]. Additionally, the M4 chip benefits from a more modern manufacturing process and higher theoretical memory bandwidth[10].
Design and Features
- Design: Both models share a similar design, with the M4 model featuring a new "Sky Blue" color option, replacing Space Gray, while maintaining the same overall aesthetic as the M2 model[5][7].- Camera: The MacBook Air M4 includes a 12MP FaceTime camera with Center Stage functionality, which is an upgrade over the M2 model[7].
- Ports: Both models have Thunderbolt ports, but the M4 model supports driving two external screens simultaneously, enhancing its connectivity capabilities[5].
Performance Comparisons
- General Performance: The M4 chip delivers up to 40% better performance in productivity tasks compared to the M2 chip, thanks to its increased number of transistors (28 billion vs. 20 billion)[2].- Specific Tasks: The M4 model is significantly faster in tasks like spreadsheet calculations, video editing, and photo editing compared to both Intel-based and M2 models[1].
Pricing
- Price Point: The MacBook Air M4 starts at $999, which is $100 cheaper than the previous year's model, offering better value with enhanced specifications[5][7].Overall, the MacBook Air M4 offers superior performance, enhanced AI capabilities, and improved features compared to the M2 model, making it a more powerful and efficient choice for users seeking advanced computing capabilities.
Citations:[1] https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/03/apple-introduces-the-new-macbook-air-with-the-m4-chip-and-a-sky-blue-color/
[2] https://istyle.ae/blog/m4-chip-vs-m2-chip-what-is-the-difference-between-these-two-apple-chipsets
[3] https://www.macrumors.com/guide/2025-macbook-air/
[4] https://media.distrelec.com/Web/Downloads/_t/ds/MacBook-Air-M2-2022_eng_tds.pdf
[5] https://www.techradar.com/computing/macbooks/apple-finally-unveils-the-macbook-air-with-the-m4-chip-but-the-best-news-is-the-new-price
[6] https://mashable.com/comparison/apple-mac-mini-m4-vs-mac-mini-m2
[7] https://www.laptopmag.com/laptops/apple-macbook-air-m4-refresh-price-release-date-specs
[8] https://support.apple.com/en-us/111867
[9] https://www.apple.com/macbook-air/compare/
[10] https://nanoreview.net/en/cpu-compare/apple-m4-vs-apple-m2