A Fresh Design with a New Color
Apple has introduced the latest version of its 15-inch MacBook Air, now powered by the M4 chip. While the overall design remains unchanged since 2022, a new Sky Blue color option has been added to the lineup. This subtle hue, which appears silver in certain lighting, provides a fresh aesthetic without straying too far from Apple’s signature minimalist style. However, Space Grey, a long-time favorite among users, has been removed from the options, leaving some customers disappointed.
Despite the introduction of a new color, the MacBook Air maintains its status as the thinnest laptop in its category, measuring just 0.45 inches thick. The device continues to feature a 15.3-inch LED 60-Hz screen, an optimized keyboard and trackpad, and a robust aluminum build. One of the most notable upgrades is the ability to support two external displays without requiring the laptop to be closed, a capability that was missing in previous models. This improvement is expected to appeal to professionals and hybrid workers who require extended screen space for productivity.
The laptop’s port configuration remains mostly unchanged, with both USB-C ports and MagSafe located on the left side, while the right side only houses a headphone jack. Some users may find the placement inconvenient, as having a USB-C port on both sides could enhance flexibility for charging and connectivity.
Performance Boost with the M4 Chip
The highlight of the latest 15-Inch MacBook Air is its upgraded M4 chip, which delivers a significant boost in both single-core and GPU performance. Compared to its predecessor, the M3 model, the M4 provides a 22% increase in GPU speed, 31% in multi-core processing, and 18% in single-core tasks, according to benchmark tests. This enhanced performance makes the device a solid choice for tasks such as photo editing, 3D modeling, and even casual gaming.
Apple has also expanded the memory configuration options, now allowing users to upgrade to 32 GB of RAM, up from the previous limit of 24 GB. However, Apple’s pricing for storage upgrades remains steep, with the cost to increase storage to 1 TB reaching $400.
The M4 chip introduces Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-powered features aimed at improving workflow efficiency. The device’s 16-core Neural Engine enables local AI processing, offering users tools such as text formatting in third-party apps and enhanced image generation capabilities. While Apple Intelligence remains in its early stages, it showcases the company’s growing emphasis on integrating AI into its devices.
Battery Life and Market Positioning
Apple claims that the M4 15-Inch MacBook Air offers up to 18 hours of battery life, though real-world testing suggests it can exceed 20 hours in local video playback. However, intensive tasks such as gaming and software installations can drain the battery more quickly. The fanless design continues to be a defining feature, allowing for silent operation, though it requires throttling the CPU under heavy workloads to prevent overheating.
With this launch, Apple has streamlined its MacBook Air lineup, discontinuing the M2 and M3 models in favor of the M4. The new pricing structure places the 15-inch MacBook Air at $100 more than its predecessor, widening the gap between it and the 14-inch MacBook Pro. This distinction makes the MacBook Air a more attractive option for users seeking a balance between performance, portability, and affordability.
