A Powerful Upgrade with M4 Chip
Apple has unveiled the MacBook Air M4, bringing significant performance upgrades, an elegant new sky blue colour, and a lower starting price of A$1,699 inc. GST. The latest model is twice as fast as the M1 MacBook Air and delivers up to 18 hours of battery life.
Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, Greg Joswiak, said,
“MacBook Air is by far the world’s most popular laptop, and today we’re giving everyone even more reasons to love it.”
The MacBook Air M4 supports up to two external displays, features 16GB of unified memory, and integrates seamlessly with macOS Sequoia for Intelligence capabilities.
Figure 1: Now available in a stunning new sky blue, the MacBook Air is powered by the ultra-fast M4 chip, designed for seamless Intelligence integration. Offering exceptional performance and value, it starts at an RRP of A$1,699, including GST. [Apple]
Sky Blue: A Fresh Colour Option
The MacBook Air M4 introduces an all-new sky blue finish, alongside midnight, starlight, and silver. The light metallic blue shade creates a dynamic gradient when reflecting light. The company has also included a colour-matched MagSafe charging cable for all options.
Also Read: Apple Launches iPhone 16e: A More Affordable Entry to the iPhone Experience
M4 Chip: Unmatched Performance
The M4 chip enhances multitasking and demanding tasks like photo editing and video rendering. It includes a 10-core CPU, up to 10-core GPU, and supports up to 32GB of unified memory.
The MacBook Air M4 is up to:
- 2x faster than the M1 model
- 23x faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air
- 3x faster in AI-based tasks like background noise removal
For users upgrading from Intel-based models, Apple claims a six-hour battery boost.
Built for Apple Intelligence
The MacBook Air M4 is designed for Apple Intelligence, featuring:
- Image Playground for creating AI-generated visuals
- Genmoji for custom emoji creation
- Writing Tools for enhanced text editing
- Integrated ChatGPT support for instant AI-driven assistance
Apple ensures user privacy, stating that AI models run on-device. When cloud access is needed, Private Cloud Compute ensures data security.
Upgraded Camera and Display Support
The new 12MP Center Stage camera offers better video quality for FaceTime, online meetings, and Desk View. Desk View allows users to share top-down views of their desk, ideal for work demonstrations.
For external display users, the MacBook Air M4 now supports up to two 6K monitors, making it a strong option for business professionals and content creators.
Portability, Security, and Immersive Sound
Apple maintains the MacBook Air’s thin and light design, making it perfect for travel. Other key features include:
- Touch ID for secure logins and payments
- Wi-Fi 6E and Thunderbolt ports for fast connectivity
- Dolby Atmos speakers with Spatial Audio support
macOS Sequoia: The Ultimate Experience
The MacBook Air M4 runs on macOS Sequoia, which introduces:
- iPhone Mirroring for direct phone access on Mac
- Safari Highlights for faster browsing insights
- Advanced window tiling for better multitasking
- A dedicated Passwords app for managing credentials
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
Apple highlights its commitment to sustainability with the MacBook Air M4, featuring:
- 55% recycled materials, the highest in any Apple product
- 100% recycled aluminium enclosure
- 95% recycled lithium in the battery
- Fully fibre-based packaging
Apple aims to be carbon neutral by 2030, using 100% renewable energy in its facilities.
Pricing and Availability
The MacBook Air M4 is available for pre-order now and will be in stores from 12 March. Pricing details:
- 13-inch MacBook Air M4: A$1,699 inc. GST
- 15-inch MacBook Air M4: A$2,099 inc. GST
- Education pricing starts at A$1,549 inc. GST
Apple continues to push the boundaries of performance, design, and sustainability, making the MacBook Air M4 a compelling choice for students, professionals, and creatives.
