4 major updates to expect from the MacBook Air M4

The MacBook Air, Apple's most popular computer, is about to get a new upgrade with the M4 chip, which could be announced as early as this month. Ahead of release, we highlight four key improvements that should make you consider upgrading.

Autonomy

The M4 chip has already demonstrated its energy efficiency in iPad Pro tablets and MacBook Pro laptops, so it's no surprise that the new MacBook Air will last even longer than previous models.

More RAM

With the development of technologies such as Apple Intelligence, the company has changed its approach to the allocation of RAM. If previously the standard configuration included 8 GB of RAM, now even models with M2 chips have 16 GB. Updated laptops on M4 will likely have a minimum of 16 GB, with the ability to upgrade to 32 GB or even 64 GB.

Improved interaction with external monitors

Until recently, the MacBook Air only supported one external monitor. With the release of the MacBook Air on M3, the company added the ability to connect two displays, but only with the lid closed. We hope that the new Air on M4 will be able to work with the built-in screen and two external monitors at the same time, which will be useful for users who often work with big data or follow changes in financial markets.

Webcam with Center Stage

Another significant update will be the new 12MP camera with Center Stage, which is already available in the MacBook Pro and iMac of late 2024. This technology is also expected to appear in the MacBook Air, improving the quality of video calls.

Nano-texture coating option

This may be a controversial decision. Apple offers a nano-texture coating for some iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, and iMac models for an additional fee. This matte coating has its drawbacks: it can distort colors, fades over time, and cannot be restored, making the display unusable. If someone doesn't like this coating, there's always a matte film that can be removed when they get tired of it.

Natasha Kumar

By Natasha Kumar

Natasha Kumar has been a reporter on the news desk since 2018. Before that she wrote about young adolescence and family dynamics for Styles and was the legal affairs correspondent for the Metro desk. Before joining The Times Hub, Natasha Kumar worked as a staff writer at the Village Voice and a freelancer for Newsday, The Wall Street Journal, GQ and Mirabella. To get in touch, contact me through my natasha@thetimeshub.in 1-800-268-7116