As anticipated, Apple presented the new MacBook Air featuring the new M4 chip that has up to 18 hours of battery life, a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera, and improved external monitor support. The Cupertino-based company is selling the device at a lower starting price of €1,249, attenuating the previous price of €1,349 by €100, while the Education sector will pay €1,119. The new variant of the MacBook comes with significant upgrades, it’s price set lower than its predecessor.
Apart from the colour upgrades, the MacBook Air comes in a new sky-blue color ro it’s pre-existing colors of midnight, starlight and silver. The new MacBook Air can be preordered now and is offered in 13-inch and 15-inch sizes along with the new added colors, which will be available in stores from March 12.
M4 CHIP AND 12MP CAMERA
It’s worth noting the inclusion of the new 4 series M4 chip, which Apple says it was designed to bring additional power to “The New Air” MacBook. The company boasts that now it is at least two times faster than the M1 version and 23 times faster than Intel-based models. The SoC (System on Chip) has a 10-core CPU along with a GPU that can go all the way up to 10 cores. Ithas a maximum capacity of 32GB of unified memory, enabling smooth daily operation, photo and video capturing and editing, and even high-resolution spreadsheet files. The M4 chip will allow seamless multitasking.
One of the most notable new features is the speed of both the hardware and software. The response time of the neural engine on the M1 has now been enhanced to three times faster when dealing with AI jobs such as automatic image editing and background noise elimination from videos.
Just like its predecessor, the latest design of the MacBook Air is still ultra portable, measuring 13.3” and 1.3 kg, and for the first time, without the use of any fans. The unit has also improved in versatility since the new MacBook Air supports up to two external monitors, an upgrade that expands connectivity options.
Moreover, Apple has shifted the things its MacBook Air is able to do. Now, for web conferences and video calls, users will benefit from the new 12MP front camera that supports Center Stage automatic framing with eye tracking. There is also Desk View mode allowing users to show their face and their work pieces at the same time which is ideal in some hands-on presentations and demonstration. Ultra-high sound quality is provided by the new Dolby Atmos support, as well as the advanced audio system from four microphones, now enhanced with professional-grade noise cancellation.
APPLE INTELLIGENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY
The integration of Apple Intelligence could be seen in the recently released macOS Sequoia with the new M4 MacBook Air. Apple is adding new content including the highly anticipated Image Playground for personalized image generation as well as writing and editing tools with AI assistance, all being made available in Italy in April. Given that Apple Intelligence is encapsulated in macOS Sequoia, it can be accessed via Siri or writing utilities without needing separate sign in. Alongside the aforementioned elements, the latest edition of MacOS will also feature more sophisticated Safari browsing, a novel password security application, and an upgraded Gaming Mode.
With the new MacBook Air, Apple also becomes the first company in the world to use over 95% recycled lithium in the battery, 100% recycled cobalt, and aluminum in the lid alongside claiming the use of rare earth elements such as magnets. The new MacBook Air will contain over 55% of reclaimed materials including a casing made of 100% recycled aluminum. With all of these advancements, Apple is continuing to pursue its goal of using renewable resources in production processes by 2030, and becoming carbon neutral.
PRICES AND AVAILABILITY
Public demand for the new MacBook Air is likely to become saturated in March of 2024 after initial order availability starts on February 27 and early and online store access is on March 12. The early website ordering option should be available from February 27.
- MacBook Air 13″: With M4 features: €1,119 with a student discount and €1,249 for general customers.
- MacBook Air 15” with M4 chip: €1,549 (€1,419 for students and the Education sector).
Apple has the Apple Trade In program where consumers can reduce the price of a new purchase by exchanging an old device.
