The new MacBook Air M4 release

  • The new MacBook Air M4 was released on March 5, 2025, and is available for pre-order, with shipping starting March 12, 2025.
  • It comes in 13-inch and 15-inch models, starting at $999 and $1,199, respectively.
  • Features the M4 chip with a 10-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU, 16GB base memory (upgradable to 32GB), and up to 2TB storage.
  • Includes a new sky blue color, alongside midnight, starlight, and silver, with up to 18 hours of battery life and a 12MP Center Stage camera.

The MacBook Air M4 marks Apple’s latest update to its popular laptop line, announced just days ago on March 5, 2025. It’s available for pre-order now, with shipping expected to begin on March 12, 2025, making it timely for users looking to upgrade before the spring season.

Pricing and Models

The 13-inch model starts at $999, while the 15-inch model is priced at $1,199, offering options for different needs and budgets. This pricing keeps the MacBook Air accessible for a wide range of users, from students to professionals.

Performance and Features

Powered by the M4 chip, this laptop boasts a 10-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU, ensuring smooth performance for multitasking and creative tasks. It also features 16GB of base memory, upgradable to 32GB, and storage options up to 2TB. An unexpected detail is its support for up to two external displays, enhancing productivity for users needing multiple screens.


Survey Note: Comprehensive Analysis of the MacBook Air M4 Release

The release of the new MacBook Air M4 on March 5, 2025, represents a significant update to Apple’s lineup, blending enhanced performance with familiar design elements. This section provides a detailed examination of the release, covering all aspects from announcement to specifications, ensuring a thorough understanding for potential buyers and tech enthusiasts.

Background and Announcement

Apple unveiled the MacBook Air M4 on March 5, 2025, via a press release, aligning with recent trends of quieter launches for certain products. This announcement came shortly after Tim Cook’s X post on March 3, 2025, teasing “something in the Air,” which fueled speculation and was confirmed two days later Tim Cook’s X post. The timing, just before the current date of March 6, 2025, at 11:00 PM PST, ensures the information is fresh and relevant.

Release Date and Availability

The MacBook Air M4 became available for pre-order on the announcement date, March 5, 2025, with shipping scheduled to start on March 12, 2025. This rapid rollout is consistent with Apple’s strategy to meet demand during the early spring, as noted in various tech reports Macworld. Pre-orders can be placed directly through Apple’s website, ensuring accessibility for global customers.

Design and Aesthetics

The design retains the sleek, lightweight form factor that has defined the MacBook Air series, with a thickness under 0.5 inches and weights of 2.7 pounds for the 13-inch model and 3.3 pounds for the 15-inch model Tom’s Guide. A notable addition is the new sky blue color, complementing existing options of midnight, starlight, and silver. This aesthetic update, while not a complete redesign, offers a fresh look for users, as reported in Digital Trends.

Processor and Performance

The MacBook Air M4 is powered by the M4 chip, featuring a 10-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU, built on TSMC’s second-generation 3-nanometer process with 28 billion transistors Wikipedia. This chip, first seen in the iPad Pro in May 2024, now enhances the MacBook Air with improved efficiency and performance, particularly for AI tasks, thanks to a 16-core Neural Engine capable of 38 TOPS Laptop Mag. Compared to the M3, it offers higher memory bandwidth (120GBps vs. 100GBps) and two additional efficiency cores, as detailed in Macworld.

Display Specifications

Both the 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch models feature Liquid Retina displays with resolutions of 2560×1664 and 2880×1864, respectively, supporting up to 500 nits brightness and the P3 color gamut Digital Trends. These displays include True Tone for adaptive color temperature and can support two 6K external monitors, a significant upgrade for productivity, as noted in WIRED.

Memory and Storage Options

Memory starts at 16GB, a notable increase from previous base models, and can be upgraded to 32GB, aligning with Apple’s push for AI readiness Forbes. Storage options range from 256GB to 2TB, catering to users with varying needs for file storage and application usage, as seen in Apple Tech Specs.

Battery Life and Camera

The MacBook Air M4 offers up to 18 hours of battery life, suitable for extended use without charging, as claimed in Apple’s press release Apple Newsroom. The new 12MP Center Stage camera enhances video calls with features like automatic framing and Desk View, improving virtual communication, as reported in MacRumors.

Pricing and Comparison

Pricing is set at $999 for the 13-inch model and $1,199 for the 15-inch, maintaining competitiveness. Compared to the M3 models, the M4 offers enhanced performance and features like dual external display support, making it a compelling upgrade, as noted in Tom’s Guide. Educational discounts are available, starting at $1,069 for the 13-inch and $1,369 for the 15-inch in some regions Apple DE.

Additional Features and Environmental Impact

The MacBook Air M4 supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring fast connectivity, and includes two Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports and a MagSafe 3 charging port MacRumors. Environmentally, it’s made with over 50% recycled materials, aligning with Apple’s sustainability goals, as detailed in Apple Tech Specs.

For students, professionals, and casual users, the MacBook Air M4 offers a blend of portability, performance, and features. Its long battery life, enhanced camera, and support for multiple displays make it ideal for remote work and creative tasks. Given its recent release and competitive pricing, it’s a strong choice for those looking to invest in a reliable, future-proof laptop.