The MacBook Air M4 introduces several significant upgrades compared to its predecessors, particularly the M3 and M1 models. Here are the key new features:
M4 Chip
- Performance: The M4 chip features a 10-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU, offering substantial performance improvements. It is up to 23 times faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air and up to twice as fast as the M1 model[1][4].- Neural Engine: The M4 chip includes a 16-core Neural Engine, capable of handling up to 38 trillion operations per second, which is significantly faster than the M1 and M3 models. This enhances AI-based tasks like photo enhancement and video noise reduction[2][5].
External Display Support
- The M4 MacBook Air supports two external displays with the lid open, allowing users to work with up to three screens simultaneously. This is an improvement over the M3 model, which required the lid to be closed to use two external displays[2][3].RAM and Memory
- Base RAM: The base RAM has been doubled to 16GB from the 8GB in the M3 model. The M4 MacBook Air also supports configurations up to 32GB, offering more flexibility for demanding tasks[5][7].- Unified Memory: The M4 chip supports up to 32GB of unified memory, which is an increase from the 24GB limit in the M3 model[5].
Camera and Audio
- Camera: The M4 MacBook Air features a 12MP Center Stage camera, which is a significant upgrade from the 720p camera in the M1 model. It supports Desk View and 1080p HD video recording, making it ideal for video calls[3][7].- Audio: The M4 model includes a four-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio support, offering better sound quality compared to the stereo speakers in the M1 model. It also features enhanced microphone capabilities like Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum modes[7].
Battery Life
- The M4 MacBook Air offers up to 18 hours of battery life, providing up to six additional hours compared to Intel-based models[1][4].Color Options
- The M4 MacBook Air introduces a new "Sky Blue" color option, adding to the existing midnight, starlight, and silver colors. This new color features a dynamic gradient effect when light reflects off its surface[1][4].Price
- The starting price of the MacBook Air M4 is lower than its predecessor by $100, making it more accessible while offering improved specifications[10].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://9to5mac.com/2025/03/03/apples-m4-macbook-air-coming-this-week-with-these-six-features/
[3] https://www.macrumors.com/2025/03/06/new-m4-macbook-air-6-key-things/
[4] https://www.apple.com/uk/newsroom/2025/03/apple-introduces-the-new-macbook-air-with-the-m4-chip-and-a-sky-blue-color/
[5] https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/m4-macbook-air-vs-m3-macbook-air-5-biggest-changes-2689651-2025-03-06
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjKXAkOGbDM
[7] https://9to5mac.com/2025/03/05/m4-macbook-air-vs-m1-macbook-air-upgrades-in-every-category/
[8] https://www.macrumors.com/guide/m2-vs-m3-vs-m4-macbook-air/
[9] https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/macbooks/macbook-air-m4
[10] https://www.laptopmag.com/laptops/apple-macbook-air-m4-refresh-price-release-date-specs
[11] https://www.forbes.com/sites/ewanspence/2025/03/05/apple-macbook-air-m4-upgrade-memory-storage-price-new-macbook/