Apple Unveils the New MacBook Air Featuring the M4 Chip

Apple unveiled a new MacBook Air on Wednesday, featuring enhanced performance while keeping its familiar design. The latest model is powered by the M4 chip, the newest addition to Apple’s M-series lineup.

Available in 13-inch and 15-inch sizes, the MacBook Air starts at $999 for the smaller model—$100 less than the previous entry price of $1,099. Preorders begin today, with shipments starting on March 12.

The base model retains 16GB of RAM, meeting the minimum requirements for Apple Intelligence, with an option to upgrade to 32 GB.

Enhanced Connectivity with Thunderbolt 4 and MagSafe

Apple has also upgraded the laptop’s connectivity. While previous MacBook Air models featured two Thunderbolt 3 ports, the new version comes with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, allowing users to connect up to two external displays alongside the built-in screen. It also includes a MagSafe 3 charging port and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The MacBook Air’s webcam has been upgraded to support Center Stage, a feature that keeps the speaker centered in the frame. Apple has also introduced a new sky blue color, while the existing options—midnight, starlight, and silver—remain available.

While the MacBook Air is lighter and more affordable than the MacBook Pro, it does come with trade-offs. The MacBook Pro offers longer battery life and a superior mini-LED display with higher pixel density.

MacBook Air’s Enduring Popularity and Market Appeal

Despite these differences, the MacBook Air remains one of the best-selling laptops, offering a strong balance of performance and price. Although the M4 update isn’t a major redesign, it is expected to sustain strong sales, much like the M3 version.

Apple debuted the M4 chip in the iPad Pro in May 2024. Over the past year, it has steadily integrated the M4 chip across its product lineup, with the MacBook Pro, Mac Mini, and iMac now featuring M4 or its Pro and Max variants.

Read the original article on: TechCrunch

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