Apple To Launch MacBook Air Refresh With M4 In March

The eagerly awaited MacBook Air models featuring the M4 chip are set to launch within just a few weeks. As reported by Bloomberg, Apple is reducing the stock of the current generation and preparing for the debut of the new M4-equipped versions in March.

While design alterations are not anticipated, Apple is likely to retain the sleek aesthetics introduced with the M2 MacBook Air. The key enhancement will stem from the M4 chip, which promises improved processing capabilities and better energy efficiency.

The M4 silicon showcases a sophisticated architecture with 10 CPU cores—comprising four performance cores and six efficiency cores—together with an equal number of GPU cores. Apple asserts that the M4 provides nearly 1.8 times the performance of the M1 chip, with an impressive potential to deliver up to 3.4 times the speed for demanding tasks, such as graphics rendering in Blender.

A recent Geekbench score for the M4 MacBook Air has surfaced, indicating performance metrics that rival those of the MacBook Pro. Should this be verified, it would showcase a remarkable feat for an entry-level, fan-less Apple laptop.

Another important upgrade includes enhanced AI functionalities from a next-generation neural processing unit (NPU) that boasts three times the speed of its predecessor. If the M4 MacBook Pro serves as a benchmark, the upcoming MacBook Air will support connections to two external monitors in addition to its built-in display.

Currently, to run dual monitors with the M3 MacBook Air, users must shut the laptop lid. As is customary, the M4 MacBook Air will likely come in both 13-inch and 15-inch variants. However, a switch from an LCD panel to a mini-LED display is improbable due to cost considerations.

There are rumors suggesting that Apple is considering an OLED upgrade for its laptops in the future. The M4 MacBook Pro is equipped with a 12-megapixel front camera featuring Center Stage technology, but it remains uncertain if the MacBook Air will receive a similar update, potentially leaving its 1080p webcam as is.

It will be interesting to see if Apple decides to infuse some lively color options akin to those found in the iMac lineup into the M4 MacBook Air. The previous M3 generation introduced a new shade called Midnight (dark blue), while the M2 series gained popularity with its Starlight hue.