Latest hint about MacBook Air M4 from Tim Cook, suggestive of significant updates
In March 2025, Apple unveiled the long-awaited M4 MacBook Air, offering a performance boost and a few notable improvements over its predecessor, the M3 MacBook Air. The new laptop comes in both 13-inch and 15-inch models, with starting prices of $999 and $1,199 respectively - a welcome decrease of about $100 compared to the previous versions [2][4].
The heart of the M4 MacBook Air is the Apple M4 chip, built on the company's second-generation 3nm architecture. This upgrade promises better performance-per-watt, enhanced capabilities in AI-related tasks, and improvements in creative workflows. The chip supports up to 32GB of unified memory and can handle up to two external monitors with the laptop lid open [1][2][3][4].
Key improvements in the M4 MacBook Air include a 12MP ultra-wide webcam with the Centre Stage feature for improved video calls, and a reported battery life of up to 15 hours of web browsing. However, the design and port selection remain the same, with only two USB-C ports and MagSafe charging [1][2][3].
While there have been rumours about an iPad Air update featuring the M4 chip, no specific information or confirmation has been found [4].
The M4 MacBook Air is seen as a solid, incremental upgrade, particularly for users with older MacBooks. However, it may not be essential for those who have recently purchased M2 or M3 models [1][2][3]. The new MacBook Air's Geekbench Metal score of 54,806 places it higher than the MacBook Air 13 (M3, 2024) but lower than the MacBook Pro 14 (M4, 2024) and MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Pro, 2024) [5].
Meanwhile, there is uncertainty about whether tariffs will affect the price of the M4 MacBook Air, as TSMC, the company producing Apple's A16 chips, is reportedly producing them in Arizona to avoid price hikes. TSMC is also eyeing the purchase of manufacturing plants currently owned by Intel [6].
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References: [1] MacWorld (2025). MacBook Air (M4, 2025) review. [Online] Available at: https://www.macworld.co.uk/review/apple-macbook-air-m4-2025-3251712/ [2] TechRadar (2025). MacBook Air (M4, 2025) review. [Online] Available at: https://www.techradar.com/reviews/apple-macbook-air-m4-2025 [3] CNET (2025). MacBook Air (M4, 2025) review. [Online] Available at: https://www.cnet.com/reviews/apple-macbook-air-m4-2025/ [4] 9to5Mac (2025). MacBook Air (M4, 2025): Everything we know so far. [Online] Available at: https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/17/macbook-air-m4-2025-everything-we-know-so-far/ [5] Geekbench (2025). MacBook Air (M4, 2025) benchmarks. [Online] Available at: https://www.geekbench.com/MacBook-Air-M4-2025 [6] Reuters (2025). TSMC to produce Apple's A16 chips in Arizona to avoid tariffs. [Online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/business/tsmc-produce-apples-a16-chips-arizona-avoid-tariffs-2025-02-23/
- The M4 MacBook Air's processor, the Apple M4 chip, has improved performance-per-watt and increased capabilities in AI-related tasks and creative workflows compared to its predecessors.
- The M4 MacBook Air comes with a new 12MP ultra-wide webcam featuring the Centre Stage feature, promising better video call quality.
- The M4 MacBook Air has a reported battery life of up to 15 hours when browsing the web, offering a significant boost in usability.
- Despite the improvements, the laptop's design and port selection remain unchanged, with only two USB-C ports and MagSafe charging.
- In terms of storage and memory, the M4 MacBook Air supports up to 32GB of unified memory and can handle two external monitors when the laptop lid is open.
- A review of the M4 MacBook Air indicates that it outperforms the MacBook Air 13 (M3, 2024) but falls below the MacBook Pro 14 (M4, 2024) and MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Pro, 2024).
- Tariffs may affect the price of the M4 MacBook Air, with reports suggesting that TSMC, the company manufacturing Apple's A16 chips, may avoid price hikes by producing them in Arizona.
