Apple has officially unveiled the latest iteration of the MacBook Air, now powered by the cutting-edge M4 chip. This new model boasts up to 18 hours of battery life and features an upgraded 12MP Center Stage camera. Starting at a competitive price of $999—$100 less than the prior version—education pricing is available at $899. Consumers can pre-order both the 13-inch and 15-inch variants today, with in-store availability commencing on March 12.
The MacBook Air’s M4 chip is engineered with a robust 10-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU, claiming to deliver performance that is “up to 2x faster than the M1” and an astounding “up to 23x faster” than Intel-based models. The enhanced Neural Engine also offers a substantial speed boost for AI-driven applications, reportedly being “up to 3x faster than the M1.”
Apple emphasizes that the M4 chip optimizes efficiency across various tasks, including web browsing, spreadsheet handling, and video editing. Retaining its reputation for impressive battery life, the new MacBook Air promises “up to 18 hours” of usage on a single charge.
A new sky blue color option has been introduced, joining the existing colors of midnight, starlight, and silver. The sleek, lightweight design makes it an ideal choice for users on the go, whether for professional, educational, or entertainment purposes.
The updated MacBook Air also features the advanced 12MP Center Stage camera, which intelligently keeps users centered during video calls. Additionally, it now supports “up to two external 6K displays” while closed, appealing to professionals and students who require versatile multi-screen setups.
Designed to leverage Apple Intelligence, the MacBook Air incorporates innovative features such as Image Playground for creative visuals, Genmoji for custom emoji creation, and sophisticated writing tools. The addition of AI-powered assistance via Siri enhances user experience, all while ensuring built-in privacy protections.
The macOS Sequoia operating system brings further improvements, including iPhone Mirroring, enhanced Safari browsing experiences, and better support for gaming.
Highlighting its commitment to sustainability, the new MacBook Air incorporates “over 55 percent recycled content,” including a 100 percent recycled aluminum enclosure. This effort aligns with Apple’s broader Apple 2030 initiative to transition to renewable electricity in manufacturing.
Pre-orders for the new MacBook Air models are now open, with the 13-inch model priced at $999 and the 15-inch model starting at $1,199, along with educational pricing options. Additional details on configurations are available for interested customers.
