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M4 MacBook Air: 8 New Features You Need to Know
- The M4 MacBook Air finally runs two external monitors.
- Apple just boosted the webcam to a sharp 12MP Center Stage cam.
- The price has dropped $100, and base RAM doubled to 16GB, making Apple's best laptop an even better buy. Learn more.
Apple's latest MacBook Air, powered by the new M4 chip, introduces several significant upgrades, making it one of the most compelling updates to the Air lineup in years. With the new 13-inch and 14-inch models available for pre-order and set to launch on Wednesday, March 12, here's everything noteworthy about the refreshed Air.
Photo via Inc. Magazine // The all-new M4 MacBook Air from Apple.
1. Dual External Display Support (Finally!)
The M4 MacBook Air finally addresses a major limitation that's frustrated Air users for years: external displays. Apple confirms in the official specifications that the latest model now supports two external monitors at once—with the lid open—making it a practical triple-display workstation.
Specifically, the new MacBook Air supports two external displays at up to 6K resolution (60Hz), leveraging Thunderbolt 4 and DisplayPort 1.4 through USB-C. Previously, M1 and M2 Airs were limited to a single external screen, while the M3 required shutting the laptop's lid to utilize two displays. This update eliminates that awkward workaround, aligning it closer to the versatility typically reserved for MacBook Pros.
2. Dramatic Camera Upgrade
Apple has finally responded to persistent criticisms about Mac webcams. The new M4 MacBook Air sports a 12MP Center Stage camera, a substantial jump from the previous 1080p FaceTime HD model. Not only is resolution sharper, but the camera also supports Center Stage, dynamically adjusting to keep the user centered during calls, and Desk View, offering an overhead perspective during video conferencing.
In practical terms, users will see fewer ghosting effects and improved clarity, addressing long-held frustrations with Apple's traditionally lackluster webcams.
3. Faster Setup With iPhone
Setting up a new MacBook Air is about to get easier. Apple announced a proximity-based setup feature coming to macOS Sequoia 15.4 in April. Just bring an iPhone or iPad (running iOS/iPadOS 18.4 or later) near your new MacBook Air, and it will automatically transfer your Apple ID, passwords, files, and settings. Goodbye, tedious setups.
4. Fresh "Sky Blue" Finish and Matching MagSafe Cable
Apple has refreshed its color lineup, introducing a new "Sky Blue" shade, replacing the traditional Space Gray. Each MacBook Air comes bundled with a matching Sky Blue MagSafe 3 charging cable, highlighting the company's attention to cohesive aesthetics. It's subtle—perhaps too subtle—often blending into the classic silver finish under warm lighting conditions, which some users might find slightly underwhelming.
While the new color might seem reserved compared to vibrant desktop iMac options, it’s a welcome addition that breaks from Apple's usual palette.
Photo via 9to5Mac // The M4 MacBook Air comes in a gorgeous new Sky Blue color.
5. Performance Boost with the M4 Chip
The heart of the new MacBook Air is Apple's latest M4 chip, featuring notable upgrades:
- CPU: 10 cores (4 performance cores, 6 efficiency cores)
- GPU: 8-core (base model) or 10-core GPU options
- Memory: Increased to a minimum of 16GB RAM with an available upgrade to 24GB
- Memory Bandwidth: Increased to 120GB/s from 100GBps on the M3
- Graphics: Hardware-accelerated ray tracing supported
Early Geekbench scores indicate substantial performance gains—approximately 20% faster than the M3 for CPU tasks and notably quicker graphics rendering in tests like Blender's classroom scene.
However, battery life remains steady at 18 hours, suggesting Apple channeled efficiency gains toward increased performance rather than extending battery longevity.
Photo via Apple // The power of the new 2025 MacBook Air truly shines thanks to Apple's latest and greatest M4 chipset.
6. Improved Base Configuration at a Lower Price
Apple has made a strategic move by lowering prices while enhancing features. The base 13-inch MacBook Air with M4 now starts at $999—$100 less than its M3 predecessor—and includes a generous 16GB of RAM standard. The larger 15-inch version starts at $1,199, also $100 less than the previous generation.
Considering these improved specs at a lower price, the MacBook Air now presents a stronger value proposition than before.
Apple has put new chips in its established design while shoring up the device’s biggest flaws and dropping the price by $100.— The Verge
7. Improved Thunderbolt 4 Ports
Both USB-C ports on the new MacBook Air have received an upgrade to Thunderbolt 4, offering improved data transfer speeds and expanded compatibility with peripherals and docks. Given the MacBook Air's limited port options—just two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports and a MagSafe connector—this improvement is particularly valuable.
8. Slightly Larger Battery, Same All-Day Battery Life
Despite incorporating a slightly larger 53.8-watt-hour battery (up from 52.6 watt-hours), the M4 Air maintains the same advertised 18-hour battery life as earlier versions. It seems Apple has funneled efficiency gains from the chip upgrade toward boosting performance rather than extending battery runtime.
Users can expect the same reliable battery performance that's become a hallmark of the Air, confidently powering through an entire day.
Is the New M4 MacBook Air Worth It?
Apple's latest MacBook Air updates aren't revolutionary, but collectively they're compelling. The device maintains a familiar—and highly praised—design, paired with practical upgrades like better webcam quality, dual external monitor support, and Thunderbolt 4.
Coupled with a rare $100 price cut and improved baseline RAM, the MacBook Air is arguably the best value in Apple's laptop lineup. It's not flashy, but it excels exactly where it counts, offering users reliable performance, improved features, and affordability.
Photo via CNET // The Apple M4 MacBook Air.
With these refinements, the M4 MacBook Air looks set to continue its legacy as Apple's most approachable and sensible laptop choice.
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