Apple is set to introduce the MacBook Air M4 this week, marking the latest upgrade to its popular laptop series.
Highlights
Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a teaser video with the phrase, “There’s something in the AIR.”
While official specifications remain undisclosed, reports suggest the upcoming model will retain the familiar MacBook Air design while integrating the M4 processor and potential support for Apple Intelligence, the company’s suite of AI-powered features.
Design and Hardware Updates
The MacBook Air M4 is expected to be available in 13-inch and 15-inch variants, continuing the trend set by the M3 model launched in March 2024.
Internally, these models are reportedly codenamed J713 and J715. While no major design changes are anticipated, Apple may introduce its nano-texture display coating—previously seen in the MacBook Pro M4—to reduce glare and improve screen clarity.
Additionally, an upgrade from Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 4 ports is a possibility, enhancing data transfer speeds and external display support.
Another key area of focus could be battery efficiency, as the M4 chip—built on an advanced 3-nanometer process—is expected to bring improvements in both performance and power management.
AI and Performance
One of the key aspects of the M4-powered MacBook Air is the potential integration of Apple Intelligence.
Reports suggest that this AI suite requires a minimum of 8GB RAM, indicating that even the base model of the MacBook Air M4 will likely meet this threshold.
If implemented, this could mark a shift toward AI-driven computing across Apple’s laptop lineup, ensuring even entry-level devices are optimized for future AI advancements.
The launch of the MacBook Air M4 also aligns with Apple’s broader transition to its latest silicon. With this release, the iMac, Mac Mini, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air will all feature the M4 chip.
The remaining devices—Mac Studio and Mac Pro—are expected to receive M4 upgrades later in 2025, with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggesting that the Mac Studio M4 could arrive between March and June, followed by the Mac Pro at a later stage.
External Display Support
One of the anticipated improvements in the MacBook Air M4 is expanded external display support. The current MacBook Air M3 only allows one external monitor, which has been a limitation for some users.
If Apple extends support to two external monitors with the lid open, similar to the MacBook Pro M4, this could make the MacBook Air more versatile for professionals and students.
Another potential enhancement is the introduction of Apple’s nano-texture coating, previously available in the MacBook Pro lineup. If included, this feature would offer better glare reduction and sharper visuals, benefiting users working in bright environments.
Battery Life and Efficiency Gains
The M4 chip’s efficiency improvements could also lead to extended battery life.
The MacBook Pro M4 already offers up to 24 hours of battery life, and if Apple optimizes power management for the MacBook Air M4, users may experience similar benefits, including longer screen-on time, reduced heat generation, and faster wake-from-sleep speeds.
Will Apple Increase Base RAM to 16GB?
Apple recently increased the base RAM for MacBook Pro M4 models from 8GB to 16GB. While the MacBook Air has traditionally started at 8GB, it remains to be seen whether Apple will apply the same upgrade to this lineup.
Given that Apple Intelligence requires at least 8GB of RAM, an increase to 16GB in the base model could improve multitasking, creative workloads, and overall performance.
Pricing and Potential Discontinuation of M2 MacBook Air
The MacBook Air M3 currently starts at $1,099, and Apple is not expected to change pricing for the M4 model. However, the M2 MacBook Air—still available at $999—may be discontinued following the M4 launch.
Apple typically retains older models at lower price points, but with recent inventory clearances of the M3 MacBook Air, the company could streamline its lineup by phasing out the M2 variant.
Could Apple Introduce More ‘Air’ Products?
Apple’s teaser using the phrase “something in the AIR” has led to speculation that more products beyond the MacBook Air M4 could be on the horizon.
The iPad Air is due for an update in early 2025, and Apple’s AirTag tracking devices are also rumored to receive a refresh later this year.
While the immediate focus remains on the MacBook Air M4, the company could make additional announcements in the coming months.
The first hints of an M4 chip upgrade surfaced in October 2024 through Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, with his latest report narrowing the launch window to this week.
Beyond the MacBook Air, Apple is also expected to introduce an M4-powered Mac Studio, reportedly codenamed J575, between March and June.
Apple’s latest move comes amid increasing competition in AI-driven computing, as major tech firms focus on integrating AI-specific hardware and software.
