Apple has refreshed its MacBook Air lineup with the latest M4 chip, artificial intelligence (AI) features, and a new Sky Blue color. The updated models also come with an improved front-facing camera and support for dual external displays. Most notably, Apple has reduced the price of the new laptops by $100, bringing the 13-inch model down to $999 and the 15-inch variant to $1,199.
M4 Chip Brings Performance Upgrades
At the core of the new MacBook Air models is Apple’s M4 chip, which was first introduced in the iMac and Mac mini last year. This chip features a 10-core CPU and either an 8-core or 10-core GPU, depending on the chosen configuration. Apple claims the M4 chip delivers 1.6 times faster performance in Microsoft Excel, double the speed in iMovie, and a similar boost in Adobe Photoshop compared to MacBook Air models powered by the older M1 chip.
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While Apple’s comparisons focus on older models, the performance gains over the more recent M3 chip are less significant. However, the M4 introduces enhanced external display capabilities, allowing the new MacBook Air to support two 6K monitors at 60Hz. This marks a major improvement over the previous generation, which could only handle a single 6K display.
AI Features and Enhanced Software Capabilities
Artificial intelligence is playing a growing role in Apple’s latest devices. The MacBook Air now comes with AI-powered features similar to those rolled out on the iPhone last year. These tools include Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-powered enhancements that integrate with ChatGPT for writing emails, messages, and photo editing.
Apple’s focus on AI aligns with a broader industry trend, with many PC makers integrating AI functionality into their latest models. The push for AI-enabled devices is expected to drive a recovery in the PC market after a post-pandemic slump.
Aesthetic Refresh with New Sky Blue Color
Alongside the performance upgrades, Apple has introduced a fresh color option for the MacBook Air. The new Sky Blue finish joins the existing Midnight, Starlight, and Silver colors. This metallic light blue shade is designed to create a dynamic gradient effect when reflecting light.
Upgraded 12MP Center Stage Camera
The new MacBook Air models also feature an upgraded front-facing camera. The 12MP Center Stage camera, previously seen on the MacBook Pro, provides higher resolution images while maintaining 1080p video quality. The ultra-wide lens enables Center Stage, a feature that keeps users in frame during video calls, even as they move. Additionally, the Desk View feature allows users to display a perspective-corrected view of their workspace during video calls.
No Major Design Changes, But Battery Tweaks
Apple has largely maintained the MacBook Air’s existing design. The new models retain the same dimensions, display, keyboard, trackpad, speakers, and microphone array as their predecessors.
One small change is a slightly larger battery. The new MacBook Air has a 53.8Wh battery, compared to the previous 52.6Wh unit. However, Apple has not advertised any improvements in battery life.
New Mac Studio with M3 Ultra for AI Developers
In addition to the MacBook Air, Apple has also introduced an updated Mac Studio powered by the new M3 Ultra processor. This high-performance chip is designed for AI developers, video and photo editors, and other power users. The Mac Studio with the M3 Ultra chip will come with at least 96GB of memory, while a version with the M4 Max chip will start with 36GB of memory.
Apple claims the M3 Ultra chip will allow Mac Studio users to run large language models with more than 600 billion parameters directly on their computers. The new Mac Studio lineup starts at $1,999.
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With the latest MacBook Air models, Apple is not only pushing for better performance but also making its premium laptops more accessible. The $100 price cut on both the 13-inch and 15-inch models is a notable move, especially as AI-powered PCs become a growing segment in the market. The new MacBook Air models are available for pre-order now and will be in stores starting March 12.