Apple updates the $999+ 13" and $1,199+ 15" MacBook Air with an M4, offering a 10-core CPU and an 8-core GPU, and a blue color option, shipping from March 12
Upgrades at a lower cost. I'll take it. … Apple just updated the MacBook Air with an M4 processor, a new sky blue color option …
The VergeAntonio G. Di Benedetto
Context & Ripple Effects
Apple’s prior 13- and 15-inch Air refresh moved the line to M3 at higher $1,099 and $1,299 entry points. Later, Apple made 16GB of memory standard on M2 and M3 Air models without changing the $999 starting price, establishing a higher baseline specification before this chip update.
The M4 had already reached the higher-priced MacBook Pro range in October through Apple’s M4 MacBook Pro refresh. Bringing the chip to Air extends that silicon generation into Apple’s volume-oriented notebook line while lowering the 13-inch entry price versus the prior M3 launch.
First-order effects
MacBook Air buyers get an M4-based 13-inch model from $999 and a 15-inch model from $1,199, alongside a new sky blue finish, beginning March 12.
Apple’s current Air lineup shifts from the previous M3 generation to M4, making M3 Air configurations the older generation in its retail channel.
Second-order effects
The lower M4 entry price raises the value bar for remaining M3 Air inventory and for competing thin-and-light laptops at similar price points.
Apple can keep a clearer performance-and-price separation between Air and the M4 MacBook Pro family, whose starting prices remain substantially higher in the related coverage.
Third-order effects
If this cadence persists, Apple’s in-house chip releases will continue to move from Pro models into Air on a relatively short cycle, tightening the window in which older notebook generations remain current.
The combination of more baseline memory and a lower-priced processor refresh points toward competition in mainstream laptops shifting further from entry price alone to the standard configuration buyers receive.
The trend: Apple is using regular silicon upgrades and stronger base configurations to refresh its mainstream laptop line without requiring a higher entry price.
I don't want to sound like a fanboy because stuff like 256GB of storage is still really annoying, but this is a remarkable laptop for $999 and nothing really comes close.
Say hello to the new MacBook Air! The world's most popular laptop now features M4, Apple Intelligence capabilities, and a beautiful new color—sky blue. [video]
Macs are lowkey the best value in computing right now Insane speed and power, excellent and premium design, lasting speed and software support for years to come, and now great prices! (Plus even cheaper when you shop on the education store!) [image]
The MacBook Air 13-in (M4) looks like a solid spec bump over the MBA M3. Other than the new chip we have: - New Sky Blue color (Space Gray is out) - 53.8-watt-hour but same stated battery life - 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports instead of the Thunderbolt 3 - Unified Memory (RAM) tops out at…
Apple rolls out M4 MacBook Air at $999 with sky blue color option, 12MP FaceTime camera + upgraded $1999 and $3999 Mac Studio with the M4 Max and first M3 Ultra chip. https://www.bloomberg.com/...
Down to $999 is fantastic, but ideally, I'd like it to revert to the original Air M1 price of $799. I'm willing to settle for the old design. That would be an unbeatable laptop killer price.
Apple has released new 13/15-inch MacBook Airs 💻 💨 Faster M4 chip 🌈 Sky Blue, Midnight, Starlight and Silver colors 📸 Improved 12MP Center Stage camera 🔋 Up to 18 hours of battery life 💰 Starrting at $999 🗓️ Available March 12 [image]
Apple just launched a new MacBook Air: there's support for two external displays - and you don't have to close the lid any more! https://www.forbes.com/... [image]