Apple M4 MacBook Air Review: Faster, Smarter, and Affordable
Apple has introduced the latest iteration of its most popular laptop, the MacBook Air M4, bringing with it a combination of improved performance, Apple Intelligence, and a surprising price drop. While Apple is not the global leader in the PC market—it ranks behind Lenovo, HP, and Dell—it has a loyal customer base that eagerly anticipates every new release, even when the updates are incremental.
The MacBook Air M4 follows a strategic shift in Apple’s pricing, making the device more accessible to a wider audience. With a price reduction that brings it closer to entry-level iPhone territory, Apple seems to be positioning the MacBook Air to attract new users into its ecosystem. Here’s a closer look at what the M4 MacBook Air has to offer.
What’s New in the MacBook Air M4?
While Apple has retained the familiar design of the MacBook Air, the major upgrades are under the hood.
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More Powerful M4 Chip
The M4 chip is the highlight of this release. Compared to the M3, it comes with additional two CPU cores and allows RAM expansion up to 32GB, a notable enhancement at a more affordable price. -
Improved Neural Engine
One of the standout specifications is the 16-core neural engine, capable of processing 38 trillion operations per second. This marks an impressive 111% increase in performance compared to the M3 chip, making it a significant leap for machine learning and AI-driven applications. -
Retained Design and Port Selection
Unlike its internal improvements, the exterior remains unchanged. The device continues to feature two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports and a MagSafe 3 charging port on the left, with a 3.5mm headphone jack on the right. Apple’s minimalist approach to design is evident, maintaining the lightweight and thin form factor that defines the MacBook Air series.
Performance: Faster, But How Much?
Apple has made bold claims about the performance improvements in the M4 MacBook Air. According to the company, users can expect:
- Up to 5x faster spreadsheet calculations
- Up to 8x faster video editing
- Up to 3.6x faster photo editing
- Up to 60% faster web browsing
While these figures are impressive, they are mostly in line with expectations for next-generation chipsets. However, when put to the test, the M4 MacBook Air does deliver smooth performance across demanding applications, such as Adobe Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, and even gaming with the Resident Evil 4 remake. The graphics rendering and AI-driven tasks work seamlessly, showing significant optimizations over previous models.
Apple is also heavily marketing its Apple Intelligence features as a major selling point. These AI-powered capabilities assist with writing improvements, email organization, image generation, and media management, adding more functionality beyond just raw performance upgrades.
Battery Life: Still Impressive
Apple has managed to maintain an 18-hour battery life, which has remained consistent across all M-series MacBook Air models since 2020. This ensures that users can go through an entire day of work, entertainment, and creative tasks without worrying about recharging.
In a one-hour YouTube test at full brightness, the M4 MacBook Air lost 11% battery, demonstrating slight efficiency improvements over the M2 and M3 models. This makes it a reliable device for students, professionals, and content creators who need extended battery life.
The Biggest Surprise: Price Reduction
Beyond the performance improvements, the most noteworthy change in the M4 MacBook Air is its lower price.
- The base model is priced Dh600 lower than the M3 version.
- Compared to the M2 MacBook Air, the price has dropped by about 20%.
- Special pricing is available for students and educators, making it even more accessible.
This pricing strategy is an unusual move for Apple, which is known for keeping its products at a premium. However, the goal is clear: Apple wants to expand its user base by making its most popular laptop more affordable. This move could also serve as a gateway for non-Apple users, encouraging them to switch to the Mac ecosystem.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Upgrade?
The M4 MacBook Air brings several improvements, particularly in processing power, AI capabilities, and affordability. However, users who already own an M3 or M2 MacBook Air may not find the upgrade essential unless they need enhanced RAM options or Apple Intelligence features.
For those entering the MacBook ecosystem for the first time, the M4 MacBook Air presents a compelling option. The combination of a powerful chip, long battery life, and a lower price point makes it one of the most attractive MacBooks in recent years.
With Apple’s continued focus on AI-driven performance and more competitive pricing, the M4 MacBook Air is positioned as a smart investment for users looking for a versatile and future-proof laptop.
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