New M4 MacBook Air: 6 Key Things You Should Know

[MacRumors]

Apple's newly announced M4 MacBook Air brings several notable upgrades while maintaining the sleek design that's made the Air lineup so popular. Here are six important things you should know about the latest iteration of Apple's ultra-portable laptop.

Note that the new 13-inch and 14-inch MacBook Air with M4 chip is available to pre-order now, and it launches Wednesday, March 12.

Support for Two External Displays

In a notable improvement over previous models, the new M4 MacBook Air can natively support two external displays while keeping the laptop's lid open. This means users can work with up to three screens simultaneously (the MacBook's built-in display plus two external monitors).

Apple's technical specifications confirm the new MacBook Air "simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display at 1 billion colors and up to two external displays with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz." Support also includes Thunderbolt 4 digital video output and native DisplayPort 1.4 output over USB-C.

The enhancement eliminates the limitation found in previous M1 and M2 models, which officially supported only one external display. It also improves upon the M3 which could drive two external displays but required the laptop's lid to be closed.

12MP Center Stage Camera

The M4 MacBook Air comes equipped with a major camera upgrade, replacing the previous 1080p FaceTime HD camera with a 12-megapixel camera. This new camera not only provides higher resolution but also supports Center Stage, which automatically keeps you centered in the frame during video calls as you move around.

The camera also supports Desk View, a feature that provides an overhead perspective of your desk during video calls. MacBook webcam quality has been a long-standing complaint, so this change should address the issue, especially for users who regularly rely on video conferencing.

Easier Setup

Apple has simplified the setup process for new Mac owners. Starting next month with the release of macOS Sequoia 15.4, users will be able to set up their new MacBook Air by simply bringing their iPhone or iPad close to the Mac.

This proximity-based setup allows you to quickly sign in to your Apple Account and automatically transfer your files, photos, messages, passwords, and other personal data to your new MacBook Air. The iPhone or iPad will need to be running iOS 18.4 or iPadOS 18.4 or newer for this feature to work. Those updates will also be released in April.

New Color (and MagSafe Charger)

The M4 MacBook Air introduces a new "sky blue" color option, replacing the previous space gray variant. To complement this new finish, Apple has also released a matching sky blue USB-C to MagSafe 3 charging cable.

Like other MacBook Air models, the new M4 version comes with a color-matched MagSafe cable in the box. The magnetic connection provides the safety advantage of detaching if someone trips over the cord, preventing potential damage to the laptop. For those wanting an additional cable or a different color, Apple sells the MagSafe 3 charging cable separately for $49.

Battery Life

Despite the performance improvements offered by the new M4 chip, battery life ratings remain unchanged from the previous M2 and M3 models. This consistency suggests that the power efficiency gains from the new chip are being directed toward performance rather than extended battery life.

In addition, the new MacBook Air features a slightly larger 53.8-watt-hour battery compared to the 52.6-watt-hour battery in previous models, which likely helps maintain battery life despite the more powerful processor.

$100 Price Cut

Apple has reduced the starting price of the MacBook Air, offering the 13-inch M4 model at $999 – that's $100 less than the previous-generation M3 MacBook Air's starting price of $1,099. You also get 16GB of RAM as a minimum, which wasn't the case when the M3 MacBook Air first launched.

The base 13-inch configuration includes a 10-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16GB of unified memory, and 256GB of SSD storage. The 15-inch model starts at $1,199, maintaining the same price point as its M3 predecessor.

Article Link: New M4 MacBook Air: 6 Key Things You Should Know

 

[AppleFanBoyCAN]

Pace of innovation at Apple is painfully slow! No new exciting product in sight this year

 

[green_diyos]

Overall it's a good refresh.

Would be nice to have C1 5G modem built-in but I expect the M5 SoC will have a 5G modem built-in

 

[AppleFanBoyCAN]

Why do they keep limiting the nicest colors to non-premium products! I want a sky blue MacBook Pro!

 

[tigres]

Anyone know if you install DisplayPort, will it provide 3 monitor support?

 

[azentropy]

Overall decent upgrade, but Apple always leaves us wanting a bit more. Would have liked to see the Nano display option, a cellular option, maybe black instead of midnight, an additional Thunderbolt port on the right etc.

 

[iea96]

Still no compelling reason to upgrade from my M1 MBA. Will consider when they get rid of the notch and switch the screen to OLED. So around 2037 I'm guessing...

 

[Belisama]

Why do they keep limiting the nicest colors to non-premium products! I want a sky blue MacBook Pro!

No.

"Pro" products must be black, or gray.

In The World According to Tim, "pros" don't need colors. Pros are serious people. Serious people don't need colors.

Kapish?

 

[Belisama]

This MBA is quite expected, but I think we should rejoice for ONE reason:
We can read "$100 price cut" and "Apple" in the same article.

 

[jdclifford]

Still no compelling reason to upgrade from my M1 MBA. Will consider when they get rid of the notch and switch the screen to OLED. So around 2037 I'm guessing...

Try this. https://topnotch.app/?ref=topnotchapp
I’ve been using it on my MBA and MBP for a while now. NO VISIBLE NOTCH.

 

[Belisama]

Still no compelling reason to upgrade from my M1 MBA. Will consider when they get rid of the notch and switch the screen to OLED. So around 2037 I'm guessing...

+1
The only feature I miss is the "12MP Center Stage Camera", but when necessary I use my iPhone as a webcam and it's even better (and more flexible).
The battery of my 2020 M1 MBA is still is excellent condition, possibly thanks to AlDente. MacOS is fully functional.
I hope the next major design update will be notch-free, with a better display and even better battery life. This persistent and antediluvian notch is really a bummer.

 

[Purrific]

Logical me:
I am resisting trading in my MBP M3, because my screen is immaculate, and that is what you spend your time looking at, at the end of the day. But I just love the form factor of the lil 13" MBA and have tried out both the 13" and 15" before. The price is great (for Apple), and I would think their next move should be to bump base storage to 512GB. I need a minimum of 1TB to store my photos and do a seamless transfer. (My MBP is the only place I have my photos downloaded - I suppose I don't need to have them downloaded as I have a 2TB iCloud subscription, but I do prefer to have them on there just in case).

I think when the MBP goes to OLED screens, a natural move would be for the MBA to get the miniLED screens. Maybe at that time, we would also lose the notch. That's when I would buy.

But, yeah, base model $999, $899 with education discount is pretty amazing - especially in this time of looming tariffs.

Illogical me:
I really want one 😆

 

[Squidiey]

Pace of innovation at Apple is painfully slow! No new exciting product in sight this year

But hey, we got a new chip and a cheaper price!

Edit: Plus, it is just me or the M4 Macs (especially the Mac mini and MacBook Air) have better value than their predecessors?

 

[Squidiey]

Try this. https://topnotch.app/?ref=topnotchapp
I’ve been using it on my MBA and MBP for a while now. NO VISIBLE NOTCH.

But does it take (more) space when I/we use fullscreen (NOT Maximized) windows on Mac?

 

[Squidiey]

Logical me:
I am resisting trading in my MBP M3, because my screen is immaculate, and that is what you spend your time looking at, at the end of the day. But I just love the form factor of the lil 13" MBA and have tried out both the 13" and 15" before. The price is great (for Apple), and I would think their next move should be to bump base storage to 512GB. I need a minimum of 1TB to store my photos and do a seamless transfer. (My MBP is the only place I have my photos downloaded - I suppose I don't need to have them downloaded as I have a 2TB iCloud subscription, but I do prefer to have them on there just in case).

I think when the MBP goes to OLED screens, a natural move would be for the MBA to get the miniLED screens. Maybe at that time, we would also lose the notch. That's when I would buy.

But, yeah, base model $999, $899 with education discount is pretty amazing - especially in this time of looming tariffs.

Illogical me:
I really want one 😆

I would rather prefer a Dynamic Island that interacts with system elements like the menu bar instead of a boring black rectangle

 

[brightonguy]

I still cannot believe MacBook Air is actually not selling out, considering how powerful this machine is and what you get for a thousand dollars. This should be flying off the shelves in my opinion. Apple Marketing team should really do marketing to attract people to macOS features - not just how amazing the hardware is.

 

[jdclifford]

But does it take (more) space when I/we use fullscreen (NOT Maximized) windows on Mac

But does it take (more) space when I/we use fullscreen (NOT Maximized) windows on Mac?

I can’t see any difference.

 

[Mity]

Anyone know if you install DisplayPort, will it provide 3 monitor support?

You mean DisplayLink? DisplayLink along with a compatible dock will give you 3 external displays.

 

[JungleNYC]

While I am usually one of the grumblers here (lol) I think this is a really decent little upgrade. Better chip, better camera, new color, and lower price.

I personally really, really need a new small laptop (still on a 2019 intel 16" w/ Touch Bar, eek!), and we recently upgraded to an M3 iMac and the M4 mini, so this will be a much needed family refresh to "all apple silicone".

Would have I preferred a 'tik' refresh here? sure. But this is damn good imo.

 

[danbuter]

Just add a USB-A port or another USB-C port. They always cheap out on this.

That said, I'm probably going to pick up a blue Air. I've been looking at these laptops since M1 hit, but haven't really needed a new one yet.

 

[MacRumorUser78]

This MBA is quite expected, but I think we should rejoice for ONE reason:
We can read "$100 price cut" and "Apple" in the same article.

But $200 to go from 16GB to 24MB. Assuming I am reading the store page correctly.

Thinking about upgrading M1 MBA and other than a speed bump, no compelling features. Not trying to start a discussion war, but I suspect most people won't care or notice the changes in practice. And would we miss those features five years out?

A cellular modem would be nice, but then using iPhone hotspot saves $120 a year or more. If you used it all the time cellular would be great. iPad has had cellular option for a long time.

 

[ducknalddon]

I still cannot believe MacBook Air is actually not selling out

It is Apple's best selling model, they aren't selling out because Apple has become very good at managing their supply chains.

 

[MajorFubar]

Just add a USB-A port or another USB-C port. They always cheap out on this.

They exclude legacy ports because of 'Courage'

Or to put it another way, it gives them an opportinuty to <sell you an adaptor for £69>

 

[Peterrocks!]

But $200 to go from 16GB to 24MB. Assuming I am reading the store page correctly.

Thinking about upgrading M1 MBA and other than a speed bump, no compelling features. Not trying to start a discussion war, but I suspect most people won't care or notice the changes in practice. And would we miss those features five years out?

A cellular modem would be nice, but then using iPhone hotspot saves $120 a year or more. If you used it all the time cellular would be great. iPad has had cellular option for a long time.

Yeah but in the base model going from 16GB to 24GB also increase the GPU from 8 cores to 10, which is a $100 upgrade in itself.

 

[joshwithachance]

Dropping the price $100 makes this year's MBA, along with the M4 chip and new finish, QUITE the appealing upgrade and great value imo...