Apple has just unveiled its newest M4 MacBook Air, which will start shipping next week. If you currently own an M3 MacBook Air, you might be wondering whether the M4 model is worth your consideration. Here’s a rundown of the main differences.
What’s new in the M4 MacBook Air compared to the M3 model?
Apple typically updates its most popular Macs annually. Approximately a year ago, the M3 MacBook Air was released.
Due to these regular updates, there are often no substantial changes from year to year. You are more likely to get a better value by waiting a few cycles before upgrading.
However, the M4 MacBook Air does present some appealing feature enhancements that may persuade an M3 owner to consider the upgrade. Here are five compelling reasons to think about making the switch sooner.
#1: 16GB Base RAM with Higher Maximum Capacity
When Apple debuted its first M4 Macs last fall, they took the unusual step of upgrading the existing M2 and M3 MacBook Air to a starting RAM of 16GB.
However, if you purchased a MacBook Air last fall, you are likely not ready to upgrade yet.
Historically, the M3 MacBook Air started with only 8GB of RAM. If that’s the configuration you currently have, transitioning to a new M4 MacBook Air would immediately elevate you to the new standard of 16GB.
Even if you’ve already upgraded your M3 Air’s RAM, it might still feel inadequate. While the M3 model maxed out at 24GB, the M4 model increases that limit to 32GB.
#2: 12MP Center Stage Camera
The camera on the MacBook Air has never been its highlight. It’s acceptable, but it doesn’t compare with what modern iPhones or iPads offer.
- The M3 model came equipped with a 1080p FaceTime HD camera.
- The M4 boasts an enhanced 12MP Center Stage camera that features support for Desk View, in addition to 1080p HD video recording.
If you frequently make video calls, the improved camera on the MacBook Air could be a significant motivating factor to upgrade.
#3: Sky Blue Color Option
While this may seem trivial concerning the MacBook Air’s performance, color can greatly influence a device you use daily.
The M4 MacBook Air is available in four stunning colors:
- Sky Blue
- Silver
- Starlight
- Midnight
Sky Blue is the standout new addition, and it’s quite beautiful. If you are enchanted by this new color, trading in your M3 MacBook Air for the M4 could be a delightful choice.
#4: M4 Chip with Increased CPU Cores and Enhanced Neural Engine
It’s essential to highlight the M4 chip, so what better point to introduce it than feature number four?
Apple’s M4 is the latest chip in its lineup. This suggests enhanced longevity and more capability compared to the M3.
But will you actually notice a significant difference? That depends on your use case.
The M4 features 10 CPU cores, providing a notable 25% increase from the 8 cores in the M3.
The additional two cores are efficiency cores, which are beneficial for routine tasks like web browsing, emailing, messaging, and light creative work.
Moreover, the updated Neural Engine in the M4 delivers substantial benefits, especially for AI applications, boasting a capability of up to 38 trillion operations per second.
#5: Starting Price of $999
While this isn’t a feature improvement per se, it’s definitely a reason to consider upgrading.
The appeal of the $999 price point is unmistakable, being $100 lower than the starting price of the M3 MacBook Air, which was $1,099.
While a $100 reduction might not seem enormous, a drop to $999 could make the prospect of upgrading more appealing.
What Hasn’t Changed?
Most aspects of the M4 MacBook Air remain unchanged from the M3 model.
These include:
- 13-inch and 15-inch variations
- Physical design
- Display technology
- Battery life
- Two Thunderbolt 4 ports and MagSafe
- Touch ID
- Magic Keyboard
- And more
M4 MacBook Air vs M3 MacBook Air: Summary
For many users, the M4 MacBook Air does not present sufficient changes to warrant upgrading from the M3 model. This is perfectly reasonable; Apple does not expect this computer to attract buyers who recently purchased a MacBook Air.
Nonetheless, for tech enthusiasts, those who adore the new Sky Blue color, and anyone for whom specific feature upgrades would enhance their computing experience, the M4 MacBook Air makes for an excellent upgrade, even if your M3 is still performing well.
Are you pondering an upgrade from an M3 MacBook Air to an M4? Share your thoughts in the comments.
