The 15-inch MacBook Air has often been considered an in-between device, filling a narrow gap between the 13-inch MacBook Air and the 14-inch MacBook Pro. However, with the introduction of the M4 model, Apple has significantly improved its performance, expanded its capabilities, and lowered its price. These updates position the 15-inch MacBook Air as a more compelling option in Apple’s MacBook lineup.
Apple has retained the sleek design of the MacBook Air from 2022, maintaining its status as the thinnest laptop in its category. While the physical structure remains unchanged, Apple has introduced a new Sky Blue color option, which has received mixed reactions. While some users appreciate its subtle, silvery-blue hue, others lament the removal of the popular Space Grey option. Regardless, the design continues to impress with its thin, premium build.
The 15.3-inch LED 60-Hz display remains unchanged from previous models, providing the same high-quality visuals. The keyboard and trackpad continue to offer an excellent user experience. While the overall build remains solid, there have been no major advancements in display technology, such as mini-LED or ProMotion, which are exclusive to the MacBook Pro lineup.
M4 MacBook Air Now Supports Dual Displays Without Closing the Laptop Lid
One of the most notable upgrades in the M4 MacBook Air is its ability to support two external displays without requiring the laptop to be closed. This improvement makes the device a more viable option for professionals, hybrid workers, and small business owners who rely on multiple screens. Previously, users had to upgrade to the 14-inch MacBook Pro to access this feature, making this a significant enhancement.
M4 MacBook Air Boosts Performance, Adds Dual Display Support, and Drops in PriceThe MacBook Air retains its minimal port selection, featuring two USB-C ports and MagSafe charging on the left side, with only a headphone jack on the right. Many users have expressed a desire for a more balanced port layout, particularly a USB-C port on the right side for easier charging flexibility. While the lack of additional ports is expected for the MacBook Air, it remains a point of contention.
The M4 chip provides a substantial performance increase over its predecessor. Compared to the M3 model, the M4 offers a 22% faster GPU, 31% improved multi-core performance, and an 18% boost in single-core tasks. This makes the M4 MacBook Air significantly more powerful than the M2 model, making it a great option for users upgrading from older versions.
M4 MacBook Air Offers Enhanced AI Processing Silent Operation and Exceptional Battery Life
With the M4 chip, Apple has also introduced improved AI processing capabilities. The new Neural Engine delivers 38 TOPS (trillions of operations per second), enabling local AI processing for features such as automatic text formatting and image generation. While Apple Intelligence is still a work in progress, these AI features enhance the MacBook Air’s usability in certain applications like note-taking and creative tasks.
As with previous MacBook Air models, the M4 version remains a fanless machine. This contributes to a silent operation, even under heavy loads, making it ideal for users who prioritize noise-free computing. However, the lack of active cooling does lead to thermal throttling, with recorded CPU temperatures reaching up to 102 degrees Celsius. While surface temperatures remain manageable, this does limit sustained performance compared to the actively cooled MacBook Pro.
Battery life remains one of the MacBook Air’s strongest features. Apple claims an 18-hour battery life, but real-world tests show over 20 hours of local video playback. However, high-intensity tasks such as gaming can drain the battery much faster. Despite this, the M4 MacBook Air still offers excellent battery efficiency, allowing users to go through an entire workday without needing to recharge.
The M4 MacBook Air solidifies its place as a strong contender in Apple’s lineup. With improved performance, AI capabilities, and expanded external display support, it offers significant value. The price drop makes it a more attractive option compared to previous iterations, creating a clearer distinction between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models. Overall, the M4 15-inch MacBook Air is a well-rounded device that balances performance, portability, and price, making it one of the best MacBooks available today.
