CUPERTINO, CA — Apple today announced the highly anticipated MacBook Air, powered by its revolutionary M4 chip, during a virtual keynote event. The latest iteration of the ultra-thin laptop promises to redefine performance and portability, blending cutting-edge technology with the sleek design the MacBook Air line is known for.
The M4 Chip: A Leap Forward in Performance
At the heart of the new MacBook Air is Apple’s custom-designed M4 silicon, built on an advanced 3-nanometer process. The chip boasts an 8-core CPU (with four performance cores and four efficiency cores) and a 10-core GPU, delivering up to 20% faster processing and 30% improved graphics performance compared to the M3. Apple also highlighted the M4’s 16-core Neural Engine, which accelerates machine learning tasks like video analysis and image processing.
“The M4 chip redefines what’s possible in a thin and light notebook,” said John Ternus, Apple’s SVP of Hardware Engineering. “Whether you’re editing 4K video, coding, or multitasking across apps, the MacBook Air now handles it all with remarkable efficiency.”
Slimmer Design, Brighter Display
The MacBook Air retains its iconic wedge-shaped profile but now features a thinner chassis at just 0.44 inches thick and a lighter weight of 2.7 pounds. It’s available in four finishes: Midnight, Starlight, Space Gray, and a new Pacific Blue. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display shines brighter at 500 nits, supporting over 1 billion colors for vivid visuals.
All-Day Battery Life and Enhanced Connectivity
Apple claims the M4’s efficiency allows up to 18 hours of video playback, extending the MacBook Air’s reputation as a marathon device for students and professionals. Two Thunderbolt 4 ports and MagSafe charging return, alongside improved Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 support for faster wireless connectivity.
macOS Sequoia: Optimized for the M4
The new MacBook Air launches with macOS Sequoia, introducing features like Advanced Stage Manager for window organization and AI-powered Siri enhancements. The M4’s Neural Engine also enables real-time transcription in Notes and smarter photo searches in Photos.
Sustainability Takes Center Stage
Apple emphasized its environmental commitment, revealing the MacBook Air’s enclosure is made from 100% recycled aluminum. The device is also part of Apple’s push toward carbon neutrality, with packaging using 90% recycled materials.
Pricing, Availability, and Where to Buy
The MacBook Air with M4 starts at $1,099 for the 256GB model, with configurations up to 2TB of storage and 24GB of unified memory. Pre-orders begin Friday, with shipments starting June 15.
For those eager to upgrade, the new MacBook Air is available directly from Apple’s online store. Customers can customize specs or trade in older devices for credit.
Early Reactions and Competing Options
While Apple’s website is the primary retailer, the MacBook Air will also be sold through third-party partners. Tech enthusiasts looking for deals can find it on Amazon, which often bundles accessories like sleeves or hubs.
Conclusion
The MacBook Air with M4 cements Apple’s lead in the ultraportable market, offering pro-level power in a fanless design. Between its blazing speed, stunning display, and eco-friendly build, it’s poised to be a favorite among creatives, students, and professionals alike. As one Apple executive put it, “This isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a revolution.”
