The all-new MacBook Air powered by Apple’s latest M4 chip is here. Although there’s no change in design, the new device comes with better performance, new features, and even a fresh color option, all at $100 less than the previous generation.
While it’s a no-brainer to call it the best option for new MacBook users, the question is, is it a worthy upgrade if you already own one? If you’re on the fence, here are four reasons you should and shouldn’t upgrade to the M4 MacBook Air.
Reasons to upgrade to the M4 MacBook Air
If you’re coming from an older MacBook Air generation, the M4 MacBook Air offers notable improvements in performance and versatility. Here are four reasons why it might be worth the upgrade.
1. Next-level performance
According to Apple, the M4 MacBook Air is a major leap in performance compared to the M1 or Intel-based MacBook Air, thanks to:
- A 10-core CPU that delivers better speed and efficiency
- An improved Neural Engine for AI-powered tasks
- Faster graphics processing for gaming and creative work
In terms of numbers, the M4 MacBook is almost three times faster than the M1 model and 23 times faster than the now very old, fastest Intel-based MacBook Air. Besides this, if you’re coming from the Intel-based MacBook generation, you will also get six additional hours of battery life. All in all, the M4 MacBook Air will make a noticeable difference if you use your current MacBook Air for demanding tasks like video editing, coding, or gaming.
2. Enhanced multi-display setup
The Macbook Air M4 is not just about performance; it also delivers convenience. If you prefer a multi-display setup for work but have always been dissatisfied with your current MacBook Air’s external display support, the M4 MacBook Air is the perfect upgrade for you.
With the MacBook Air M4, you can connect up to two 6K external displays in addition to its built-in Liquid Retina display. This means unlike previous models (M3 and older models), which require the lid to be closed for dual-monitor setups, the M4 MacBook Air can run two external displays even with the laptop lid open.
3. A fresh new color option and lower entry price
As a MacBook user, I have always envied iMac users because of the beautiful color options they can choose from. While the new sky blue color is still not comparable to the aesthetically pleasing colorways Apple offers on its all-in-one computers, it does feel like a breath of fresh air among the other monotonous colorways Apple has always offered on MacBooks. You also get a color-matched MagSafe charging cable. Cool, isn’t it?
Besides offering a new colorway, Apple has also lowered the price by $100 on all variants this time. So, if you couldn’t upgrade to M3 MacBook Air due to budget constraints last year, you can now get the M4 MacBook Air for $100 less.
4. A new 12MP Center Stage camera
While there’s no denying that Apple’s MacBook Air lineup is one of the best in hardware and software quality for its price, the camera quality on the previous models wasn’t as impressive. With the M4 MacBook Air, Apple has eliminated this issue and added a new 12MP Center Stage camera.
I own an M1 MacBook Air but use my iPhone for video calls to appear better, as my MacBook camera quality isn’t good enough. If you face the same issue, going for the M4 MacBook Air might be the best decision.
The best thing about the new 12MP Center Stage camera is that it automatically keeps you centered in the frame even if you move around during an active FaceTime call or important meeting. It also supports Desk View, which allows the camera to capture the user and a top-down view of their desk, a great way to showcase your handwritten stuff.
Reasons to not upgrade to the M4 MacBook Air
While the M4 MacBook Air is a great device, it doesn’t offer enough upgrades for some users. If you already have a recent MacBook or are on a budget, here’s why you might want to skip this one.
1. M3 MacBook Air is still powerful (and cheaper)
Yes, the M4 MacBook is a powerful device, but so is the M3 MacBook Air, which was launched just a few months back. It offers excellent performance, supports two external monitors (when closed), and now comes at a discounted price. Additionally, Apple discontinued the 8GB RAM variants when it launched the M4 Mac last year and bumped the existing M2 and M3 MacBook Air models to 16GB as the starting RAM option.
So, if you don’t need the latest features, the M3 might be a better value, considering there is no significant performance difference between the two devices, plus it now comes at a discounted price.
2. No design and build changes
The M4 MacBook Air looks identical to the M2 and M3 models, which isn’t something unusual for Apple. However, if you already own an M3 model or even an M2 model and don’t need the power of the M4 chip, the new color option or the 12MP Center Stage camera alone doesn’t make up for the money you’ll need to spend.
If you are not getting any thinner bezels, a new display, or a fresh design, why upgrade for merely a performance upgrade, which a regular user won’t feel anyway?
3. No enhancement in battery life compared to M2 or M3 models
While Apple MacBooks are way ahead of laptops from other brands in terms of battery performance, the M3 or even M2 MacBook Air offers the same 18-hour battery life found on the M4 MacBook Air. Sadly, Unlike the M4 iPad Pro, which got a major battery efficiency boost, the M4 MacBook Air doesn’t bring any enhancements in power consumption.
If your M2 or M3 MacBook Air can still last through your workday, you won’t see a noticeable improvement. If there isn’t even a noticeable improvement, why upgrade? Waiting for the M5 MacBook Air makes more sense.
4. The M4 MacBook Pro is a better option if your budget approves
If you are considering upgrading to the M4 MacBook Air just for the performance upgrade, the M4 MacBook Pro is an all-out better investment. You get a superb ProMotion XDR display, better battery backup, an extra Type C port, an HDMI port, and much more for the extra money you spend.
So, if you are a power user who loves to test your machine to its best level, the M4 MacBook Pro will be a better long-term investment.
Verdict
The M4 MacBook Air is, without a doubt, the best MacBook Air you can buy as of the time of writing. It offers faster performance, better multi-display support, and a fresh new color option at a lower price. All this makes the M4 Macbook Air a worthy option if you are thinking which MacBook you should buy and upgrade if you’re using an M1 or Intel MacBook Air. However, you must hold your horses if you own an M2 or M3 MacBook Air.
Sure, the M4 chip is more powerful and capable than the M2 or M3, but not all users need that much power. That said, if you are getting a good trade-in deal for your current M2 or M3 MacBook Air and have the extra money to spare, you might justify the upgrade.
Are you planning to upgrade to M4 MacBook Air? Do share your thoughts in the comments.
You may find these interesting:
