Apple MacBook Air (13-Inch, M4) Review: Improved Performance at a Lower Price

The new 13-inch MacBook Air with the M4 chip brings incremental but valuable upgrades, including improved performance, a brighter display, a new Sky Blue color option, and a longer battery life. Apple has doubled the base memory to 16 GB and improved the webcam to 12 megapixels, with Center Stage support. A major change is the price drop to $999, making it more affordable than previous models. The MacBook Air can now support two external displays without requiring the laptop lid to be closed, enhancing productivity. However, it still lacks additional ports, and there is no nano-texture glass option. Despite minor overheating issues under heavy workloads, the M4-powered Air remains an excellent lightweight laptop for students and professionals who prioritize portability and performance. For those with an older Intel MacBook or an M1 model, upgrading to the M4 version may be worthwhile, especially for better multitasking and AI-powered features. While the MacBook Air continues to lack major design changes, its affordability and enhanced performance make it a compelling choice for most users.