Apple just unveil thenew MacBook Air M4 , available in 13″ and 15″ sizes . It comes in a new color and packs some solid upgrades that might tempt you if you ’re using an honest-to-god model . permit ’s break down the key difference between the MacBook Air M4 and last class ’s M3 to help you decide if it ’s time for an upgrade .
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1. M4 Chip vs M3 Chip: Better Performance and Efficiency
The new MacBook Air comes with the upgraded Apple M4 chip , which was introduced last year and we ’ve see on the new iMac , last yr ’s MacBook Pro , and iPad Pro . Meanwhile , the M3 chip on the old MacBook Air , was bring out in late 2023 .
Both fries are built on TSMC ’s 3 nm process , but the M4 use a newer , 2d - multiplication technology for in force efficiency and performance . Both offer 8 - inwardness and 10 - core GPU choice , but the M4 also has a 10 - core CPU , while the M3 has an 8 - burden CPU . to boot , the M4 has a higher transistor numeration , give it more processing business leader .
Plus , the M4 has an upgraded Neural Engine and high-pitched memory bandwidth ( 120GB / s vs 100GB / s ) , making it smoother for demanding task .
Apple MacBook Air M4 vs MacBook Air M3
In benchmarks , the M4 delivers a 20–25 % betterment in individual - core performance and about 25–30 % in multi - core performance . fundamentally , apps open quicker , graphics are effective , and rendering ’s quicker .
Apple says the M4 is up to twice as fast when upgrading from an M1 MacBook Air . And liken to the degraded Intel - based MacBook Air , it provides a 23x performance boost .
2. Base RAM Doubles: M4 Air Starts at 16GB
The MacBook Air M4 now come with 16 GB of unified computer storage as the base option . This upgrade not only supportsApple intelligence operation featuresmore efficiently but also allow special headway for multitasking and run exact apps .
When the MacBook Air M3 plunge , it started with 8 GB of RAM on the basis fashion model — likely what you have if you grease one’s palms one ahead of time . However , Apple later standardise the MacBook Air mannikin to commence at 16 GB of RAM , meaning the 8 GB option is no longer available .
With more RAM , you’re able to keep more Chrome tabs candid , edit videos more smoothly ( if you ever need to ) , and run multiple apps at once without retardation . If you ’re using an 8 GB substructure model , upgrading to the M4 Air could very well be worth it .
3. More Memory Options: M4 Air Goes Up to 32GB
With the MacBook Air M3 now discontinue from Apple ’s on-line store , it was antecedently available with 16 GB and 24 GB memory options . The new MacBook Air M4 , however , now goes up to 32 GB of unified memory .
This upgrade lets you fully tip into the M4 Saratoga chip ’s big businessman — keeping more apps and web internet browser tabs open without stave and handling large video file cabinet more swimmingly . Plus , with extra memory , your MacBook Air is better future - proof for ask labor down the line .
However , the base model still comes with 256 GB of memory board , so if you ’re planning to max out the RAM , look at upgrading the storage as well .
Apple MacBook Air M4 vs MacBook Air M3
4. Thunderbolt 4 vs Thunderbolt 3: More External Monitors
If you take a closer aspect at the ports , you ’ll remark that the MacBook Air M4 now features Thunderbolt 4 , an upgrade from Thunderbolt 3 on the previous genesis . Thunderbolt 4 guarantees a minimum data transfer speed of 32 Gbps , while Thunderbolt 3 starts at 16 Gbps .
More significantly , the M4 MacBook Air now digest two external display at up to 6 K resolution at 60Hz — without needing to shut the laptop ’s lid . In line , the M3 MacBook Air could only connect one extraneous monitor at 6K/60Hz , and if you wanted to use two displays , you had to shut the MacBook ’s lid , with the 2nd varan capped at 5K/60Hz .
This is a big deal for dealer , telecasting editors , and multitaskers who rely on multiple screens for their workflow .
External Display Support on MacBook Air M4 vs M3
5. Upgraded 12MP Centre Stage Camera for Sharper Video Calls
The MacBook Air M4 now features an upgraded 12MP tv camera with Center Stage reenforcement . This means the camera automatically adjust to keep you in the anatomy during video vociferation which is perfect if you tend to move around or glint away while talking .
It also supports Desk View , which shows both your fount and a top - down view of your desk at the same metre . This works using your Mac ’s built - in tv camera or an iPhone tv camera , though it ’s also available on older MacBook Air models .
With this upgrade , you ’ll get astute telecasting quality and in force dispirited - light visibility , making your FaceTime , Google Meet , and Zoom foretell look more professional .
Image: Apple
6. Longer Software Support: Future-Proofing with the M4 Air
With a newer CPU and higher read/write memory configuration , the MacBook Air M4 is course more future - proof . Plus , it will have software updates for a long period compared to the M3 Air or older models .
On modal , MacBooks get around seven years of software program updates . That means the M4 Air could be supported until 2032 , while the M3 Air may barricade receiving updates by 2031 . It ’s just an supererogatory year , but if you ’re someone who keeps their Mac for the foresightful catch , it could make a difference — I still acknowledge people using MacBooks from 2017 without consequence .
7. New Color Option: Sky Blue Replaces Space Gray
And yes , the elephant in the elbow room — the raw Sky Blue colour . It ’s a swooning metallic refinement that looks flowing , modern , and emphatically brook out . But here ’s the stop : it interchange Space Gray from previous models .
So , if you love the classical gray finish and already have an M3 Air in that colour , you might need to hold onto it for a while . But if you ’re drawn to the impudent Sky Blue look , it ’s in spades a stylish alternative . For those who prefer the classics , Silver , Starlight , and Midnight are still available .
8. Bonus Surprise: M4 Air is Cheaper
The MacBook Air M4 begin at $ 999 for the 13 - inch model and $ 1,199 for the 15 - inch model—$100 less than the M3 Air , which in the beginning launched at $ 1,099 and $ 1,299 , respectively .
In India , the 13 - in modelling start at ₹ 99,900 , while the 15 - inch version cost ₹ 124,900 . That ’s ₹ 15,000 cheaper than the M3 Air model , which debut at ₹ 114,900 for the 13 - in and ₹ 134,900 for the 15 - column inch .
MacBook Air M4 vs MacBook Air M3: Should You Upgrade?
With a fast M4 cow dung , more Aries the Ram by nonremittal , better external display support , an upgraded camera , and a lower starting terms , the MacBook Air M4 add substantial improvements over its predecessor .
If you ’re still using an M1 Air ( or an old Intel modelling ) , this rising slope will feel like a night - and - twenty-four hours difference . Even for M2 and M3 Air substance abuser , the improved chip and better extraneous admonisher financial backing might be tempting — especially if you multitask a lot .
And with Apple actually lowering the cost , the MacBook Air M4 is arguably the best value MacBook Air yet . If you ’ve been waiting for the correct prison term to upgrade , this might be it . But if your current Mac still handles your workflow just fine , you might want to hold on a little longer .
