Apple has launched a brand new MacBook Air on its web site, providing improved efficiency whereas retaining the acquainted design. The brand new laptop computer is provided with Apple’s M4 chip, the latest addition to the M-series chip lineup.
The MacBook Air is available in two sizes. Prospects can select between a 13-inch and a 15-inch show. Pricing begins at $999 for the 13-inch mannequin, which is $100 decrease than the earlier entry worth of $1,099. Pre-orders begin at the moment and shipments begin on Wednesday, March 12.
This replace maintains 16GB of RAM within the base configuration, unchanged from final yr’s mannequin. Which means that the entry-level MacBook Air nonetheless meets the minimal necessities for Apple Intelligence. Prospects can improve built-in reminiscence to 32GB when buying the laptop computer.
Earlier MacBook Air fashions had two Thunderbolt 3 ports. Apple nonetheless provides two Thunderbolt ports, however it’s upgrading these ports to Thunderbolt 4. With these ports, you possibly can plug as much as two exterior shows and preserve the built-in show operating. Prospects additionally get a MagSafe 3 charging port and previous 3.5mm headphone jack port.
The webcam has been upgraded and now help Heart Stage, a software program function that places the individual at present speaking within the middle of the body. Apple additionally provides a model new coloration referred to as sky blue. The three different colours (midnight, starlight and silver) are nonetheless obtainable.
Whereas the MacBook Air is lighter and extra inexpensive than the MacBook Professional, these benefits include some trade-offs. For example, the MacBook Professional provides longer battery life and boasts a nicer mini-LED show with increased pixel density.
Regardless of these variations, the MacBook Air stays one of many top-selling laptops attributable to its good steadiness between efficiency and worth. Though the M4 replace isn’t a radical change, it’s more likely to keep robust sale, much like the M3 MacBook Air.
Apple first launched the M4 chip with the iPad Professional in May 2024. Over the previous yr, the corporate has progressively transitioned its product lineup to the M4 chip, with the MacBook Professional, Mac Mini, and iMac now that includes M4 chips or their Professional and Max variants.