Tag Archive for: ultraportable

Apple's newest MacBook Air, featuring the M4 chip, has arrived, bringing meaningful improvements at a surprisingly lower price point. The latest iteration of Apple's popular ultraportable combines enhanced performance, longer battery life, and several user-requested features, making it one of the most compelling MacBook releases in recent years.

Here at iFeeltech, we've been enthusiastic supporters of Apple's Silicon journey from the beginning. I use a MacBook Air M3 with 16GB of memory, which handles everything I throw at it. What I love most is how it has completely replaced my clunky desktop computer. I can toss it in my backpack, and when I return to the office, I place it on my desk, connect a single USB-C cable to my monitor, and have a complete workstation setup in seconds.

What's New with the M4 MacBook Air

The M4 MacBook Air introduces several notable improvements while maintaining the beloved form factor of its predecessors. Apple officially unveiled these new models on March 5, 2025, with availability beginning on March 12.

Lower Price Point

Perhaps most surprising is Apple's decision to lower the starting price. The 13-inch model now starts at $999, while the 15-inch version starts at $1,199—both $100 less than their M3 counterparts. Educational pricing reduces these further to $899 and $1,099, respectively.

Increased Base Memory

The base configuration now includes 16GB of unified memory as standard, addressing one of the most frequent user requests. This change alone significantly improves the value proposition, as 8GB was increasingly becoming a limitation for multitasking.

New Color Option

Visually, Apple has introduced a new Sky Blue color option, replacing the previous Space Gray. This metallic light blue finish exhibits a subtle gradient effect as light reflects off its surface, joining the existing Midnight, Starlight, and Silver options. Each color now comes with a matching MagSafe charging cable.

Dual External Display Support

The M4 MacBook Air also addresses some limitations of previous models by supporting up to two external 6K displays simultaneously. This enhancement greatly expands the Air's multitasking capabilities and makes it a more viable option for professionals who require multiple monitors.

Improved Battery and Camera

Battery life has also improved, with Apple claiming up to 18 hours of video streaming and 15 hours of wireless web browsing. The upgraded 12MP Center Stage camera enhances video call quality with features that keep users centered in the frame.

The M4 Chip

At the heart of the new MacBook Air lies Apple's latest silicon innovation—the M4 chip. This new processor features a robust 10-core CPU architecture with four performance cores and six efficiency cores, designed to balance raw processing power with energy efficiency.

CPU and GPU Specifications

The graphics capabilities vary between models: the base 13-inch configuration includes an 8-core GPU, while higher-end configurations and the 15-inch model feature a more robust 10-core GPU. Both versions have a 16-core Neural Engine dedicated to accelerating AI-based tasks.

Performance Improvements

Apple's performance claims are substantial, with the M4 MacBook Air delivering up to twice the speed of the M1 model and an impressive 23x faster performance compared to the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air. These aren't just abstract numbers—they translate to meaningful improvements in everyday tasks:

• Spreadsheet calculations in Microsoft Excel run up to 4.7x faster than on Intel-based MacBook Airs
• Video editing in iMovie is up to 8x faster than Intel models and twice as fast as the M1
• Photo editing in Adobe Photoshop is up to 3.6x quicker than Intel MacBooks
• Web browsing is up to 60% faster compared to PC laptops with Intel Core Ultra 7 processors

Graphics and Thermal Performance

Notably, the M4 chip also incorporates hardware-accelerated ray tracing—a feature typically found in dedicated graphics cards—suggesting enhanced capabilities for graphically intensive applications and casual gaming.

In real-world testing, the M4 chip scores approximately 30% higher CPU-centric benchmarks than the M3. While it may occasionally throttle under sustained heavy loads due to the Air's fanless design, the performance remains impressive for an ultraportable device that operates in complete silence.

Apple Intelligence Integration

The MacBook Air M4 fully embraces Apple's new intelligence platform, bringing a suite of AI-powered features designed to enhance productivity and creativity without compromising privacy.

Creative Abilities

Apple Intelligence introduces several creative abilities that leverage the M4's Neural Engine. Image Code playground allows users to quickly generate visual concepts, while Genmoji enables the creation of personalized emoji characters. These abilities make visual communication more intuitive and personalized.

Enhanced Writing and Productivity

Writing Abilities receive a significant upgrade with intelligence features that can help refine text, summarize lengthy documents, and generate content based on simple prompts. These capabilities integrate seamlessly with existing apps, making writing more efficient across various document types.

Improved Siri and ChatGPT Integration

Siri has been enhanced to understand context better and now allows smooth transitions between spoken and typed requests. The voice assistant can provide step-by-step instructions for Mac features and settings, making it easier to navigate the system.

Perhaps most notably, Apple has integrated ChatGPT capabilities directly within Writing Abilities and Siri. This optional feature provides access to ChatGPT's knowledge base without requiring a separate account. Apple has implemented privacy protections such as IP address obscuring, and users maintain complete control over enabling this integration.

Design and Build Quality

The MacBook Air M4 maintains the iconic thin profile and lightweight construction that has defined the Air lineup. The 13-inch model measures just 0.44 inches in thickness and weighs 2.7 pounds, while the 15-inch variant is slightly thicker at 0.45 inches and weighs 3.3 pounds.

Physical Dimensions and Fanless Design

Apple has primarily preserved the design language from the previous M3 model, focusing on internal upgrades rather than a visual overhaul. The fanless design continues to be a standout feature, ensuring completely silent operation even under demanding workloads.

Color Options and Build Materials

The new Sky Blue finish replaces Space Gray in the color lineup and offers a subtle yet distinctive option. It features a metallic light blue that displays a gentle gradient as light plays across its surface. Midnight, Starlight, and Silver options remain available for those who prefer the established aesthetic.

The build quality remains exceptional, with precise machining, tight tolerances, and high-quality materials throughout. The laptop feels solid when handled, with no flexing or creaking that might suggest compromised durability. The hinge mechanism provides smooth opening action while maintaining enough tension to keep the display steady during use.

Display, Keyboard, and Trackpad

Display Specifications

The MacBook Air M4 retains the vibrant Liquid Retina display, a hallmark of recent Apple laptops. The 13-inch model features a 2560×1664 resolution, while the 15-inch version offers 2880×1864 pixels, delivering a crisp 224 pixels per inch density.

The display reaches 500 nits of brightness, making it usable even in well-lit environments. It supports the P3 wide color gamut for accurate color reproduction. Apple's True Tone technology automatically adjusts the color temperature based on ambient lighting conditions, reducing eye strain during extended use. The standard 60Hz refresh rate is adequate for most tasks, though some competitors now offer faster refresh rates.

Keyboard and Input

The keyboard remains Apple's excellent Backlit Magic Keyboard, featuring a comfortable key travel distance and quiet typing experience. The Touch ID sensor integrated into the power button provides quick, secure authentication for logins and purchases.

Apple's Force Touch trackpad continues to set the industry standard with its large surface area, precise tracking, and pressure-sensing capabilities. Multi-touch gestures work flawlessly, enhancing navigation throughout macOS.

Performance Benchmarks and Real-World Usage

Benchmark testing reveals that the M4 MacBook Air delivers substantial performance improvements over previous generations, though results vary depending on the specific task.

CPU and Productivity Performance

In CPU-focused benchmarks like Cinebench R24, the M4 achieves approximately 30% higher scores than the M3 MacBook Air and outperforms the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V by around 50%. This translates to faster response times for everyday applications and improved multitasking capabilities.

Creative Workloads

Content creation tasks also show meaningful improvements. In PugetBench for Photoshop, the M4 MacBook Air outperforms its M3 predecessor, handling complex edits, filters, and layer manipulations with greater fluidity. Video editing is similarly improved, with faster rendering times and smoother timeline scrubbing.

AI and Gaming Performance

The M4 demonstrates significant advancements in AI-related tasks. Geekbench AI benchmark scores are substantially higher than previous generations, and configurations with 32GB of RAM can even run demanding AI models like Deepseek r1 at 32B parameters.

Casual gaming is certainly viable on the M4 MacBook Air. Titles like Wuthering Waves run smoothly, while more demanding games such as Total War: Warhammer 3 achieve playable frame rates around 30fps at medium settings.

Thermal Considerations

The fanless design does impose some thermal constraints under sustained heavy workloads. In stress tests, the M4 chip may throttle slightly to manage heat, resulting in performance that occasionally trails the actively cooled M4 MacBook Pro in extended benchmark runs. However, the thermal design proves adequate for typical workloads with intermittent intensive tasks.

Connectivity and Battery Life

Ports and Connectivity

The MacBook Air M4's port selection includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports that support USB 4, DisplayPort, and charging. These are complemented by a dedicated MagSafe 3 charging port and a 3.5mm headphone jack with advanced support for high-impedance headphones.

The MagSafe connection provides a magnetic safety feature that detaches if the cable is accidentally pulled. Having a dedicated charging port also means both Thunderbolt ports remain available for peripherals even while charging.

Wireless Standards

Wireless connectivity features Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring fast Internet access and stable connections with wireless peripherals. These specifications represent the current standard for premium laptops.

Battery Performance

Battery capacity varies by model, with the 13-inch MacBook Air housing a 53.8Wh battery and the 15-inch version containing a larger 66.5Wh unit. Apple claims up to 18 hours of video playback and 15 hours of wireless web browsing—figures that have been largely supported by independent testing.

In real-world usage, most users can expect an entire workday of productivity without needing to recharge, even with mixed workloads. Battery life naturally decreases with more intensive tasks, but remains impressive relative to competing laptops.

Comparison with Windows Laptops

The MacBook Air M4 faces competition from an increasingly capable range of Windows ultraportables, including those powered by Intel's Core Ultra processors and Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X Elite chips.

Performance Comparison

Performance testing shows mixed results when comparing the M4 to competing processors. While the M4 delivers superior performance in specific tasks like photo editing in Photoshop, it doesn't consistently outperform all Windows alternatives across every benchmark. The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge, with its Snapdragon X Elite chip, presents robust competition in some performance metrics.

Display Technology

Display technology represents one area where some Windows competitors may have an advantage. Several premium Windows ultraportables now offer OLED screens with higher refresh rates, providing richer contrast, perfect blacks, and smoother animations compared to the M4's 60Hz Liquid Retina LCD.

Battery Life and Efficiency

Battery life remains excellent on the M4 MacBook Air, though some Windows competitors with efficient ARM processors can deliver comparable endurance. The efficiency gap that Apple enjoyed when first introducing Apple Silicon has decreased as Windows manufacturers have embraced similar architectures.

Ecosystem Differences

The operating system itself remains perhaps the most significant differentiator. macOS provides a tightly integrated software and hardware experience with exclusive features like Continuity and AirDrop. Windows offers broader compatibility with software and peripherals, more gaming options, and greater hardware customization.

Pricing and Configurations: More Value at Every Level

Apple has repositioned the MacBook Air M4 with a more accessible pricing structure while simultaneously increasing base specifications. The 13-inch model starts at $999, while the 15-inch version begins at $1,199. Educational pricing reduces these further to $899 and $1,099, respectively.

Base Configurations

The base configuration of the 13-inch model features the M4 chip with an 8-core GPU, 16GB of unified memory, and a 256GB SSD. The 15-inch base model includes the M4 with a more powerful 10-core GPU. The increased base memory from 8GB to 16GB represents a significant value improvement.

Upgrade Options

For users with more demanding needs, Apple offers several upgrade options:

• Memory: 24GB (+$200) or 32GB (+$400)
• Storage: 512GB (+$200), 1TB (+$400), or 2TB (+$800)

While these upgrade prices remain relatively high compared to market rates, the inability to upgrade after purchase means selecting the right configuration initially is important.

Recommended Configurations

For most everyday users, the base model with 16GB of RAM provides an excellent balance of performance and value. Those working with larger files should consider storage upgrades, with 512GB offering a reasonable middle ground. Professional users who regularly work with video editing, complex coding projects, or virtual machines should consider the higher memory options.

Pros and Cons

What Stands Out

• Lower starting price makes the MacBook Air more accessible
• 16GB RAM as standard addresses a long-standing limitation
• Performance improvements are substantial for upgrades from Intel or M1 models
• Dual external display support removes some limitations
• Battery life remains exceptional, lasting through a full workday
• Fanless design ensures silent operation

Areas for Improvement

• Display hasn't received meaningful upgrades in several generations
• 60Hz refresh rate falls behind competitors offering 90Hz or 120Hz panels
• Some Windows alternatives feature superior OLED displays
• Port selection remains limited to just two Thunderbolt ports
• Memory and storage upgrade pricing is significantly higher than market rates

Conclusion: Who Should Buy the M4 MacBook Air?

The MacBook Air M4 represents one of the most compelling values in Apple's laptop lineup in recent years. Combining improved performance, increased base memory, and a lower starting price addresses key feedback points from previous generations.

Upgrade Recommendations

• From Intel or M1 MacBooks: The performance improvements will be immediately noticeable across virtually all tasks.
• From M2 or M3 MacBooks: Consider if dual external display support or increased base memory addresses specific needs in your workflow
• Windows users: An excellent entry point to macOS, though expect an adjustment period

Configuration Guide

• Everyday users: Base model with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage
• Students and mobile professionals: Consider the 512GB storage upgrade
• Content creators: 24GB memory option and at least 512GB of storage
• Power users: Maximum 32GB memory configuration

The 13-inch model offers the best balance of portability and value, while the 15-inch version provides a more comfortable screen size and slightly better speakers.

Final Thoughts

After examining every aspect of the MacBook Air M4, it's clear that Apple has delivered its most balanced and value-oriented Air to date. The combination of improved performance, longer battery life, increased base memory, and a lower starting price creates a compelling package that addresses the needs of a wide range of users.

Here at iFeeltech, we've watched Apple's transition to its silicon with great interest, and the M4 represents the most refined iteration yet. While my personal M3 MacBook Air continues to serve me well, the improvements in the M4—particularly the dual external display support and standard 16GB RAM—address the few limitations I've encountered in daily use.

The MacBook Air has evolved from being merely a lightweight alternative to the Pro line into a capable primary computer for most users. Whether you are working on documents at a coffee shop, editing photos on your commute, or connecting to multiple displays in your home office, the M4 MacBook Air handles it with remarkable efficiency.

What makes this release particularly noteworthy isn't just the raw performance improvements but Apple's decision to enhance capabilities while lowering the entry price simultaneously. This approach makes cutting-edge technology more accessible without compromising the premium experience that defines Apple products.