Apple has lifted the lid on its MacBook Air which gets a big spec boost for a cheaper price.
Apple is having a very busy week. The US technology giant has already revealed new tablets including a faster iPad Air that now features an M3 processor. If that wasn’t enough to tickle those tech tastebuds, there are more gadgets coming from the team in Cupertino.
It’s just been confirmed that an update to the hugely popular MacBook Air is on its way with this highly portable PC being given a boost via the mighty M4 chip inside its aluminium shell.
Thanks to that M4 brain, Apple is promising that users will be able to perform intensive digital tasks without fear of things grinding to a halt. In fact, according to Apple’s stats, Video editing in iMovie on the new MacBook Air is up to 8x faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air and Photo editing in Adobe Photoshop is up to 3.6x faster.
That M4 processor not only means a performance bump but also long battery life with this device able to keep on going for over 17 hours on a single charge.
The power boost will also help this PC stay up to speed with Apple Intelligence – that means users will be able to get instant help editing photos, writing emails, sorting their inbox and more.
That processor isn’t the only upgrade with the Air also receiving an improved 12MP camera. This snapper now features Centre Stage technology which is able to track faces so you always stay in shot when making video calls.
Apple has confirmed that it also supports Desk View, which simultaneously displays the user and a top-down view of their desk, making video calls even more engaging.
To help make it stand out from the crows, the new Air also comes in a refreshed colour called sky blue. This striking shade now joins midnight, starlight, and silver in the range.
It’s still available in two sizes – 13-inch and 15-inch – plus, it has all the usual features, such as a Touch ID fingerprint scanner, Force Touch trackpad, MagSafe charging, plenty of ports, and a durable aluminium design.
If that sounds enticing there is more good news with Apple dropping the price this year. That means things start from £999 – that’s £100 less than before. Students can even get more money off with Apple offering the new Air to those in education for just £899.
It’s available to pre-order now, and it will arrive in stores next week.
“MacBook Air is by far the world ’s most popular laptop, and today we’re giving everyone even more reasons to love it, including a big boost in performance with the M4 chip, a new Centre Stage camera, and a beautiful new sky blue colour,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing.
“Combined with its thin and light, fanless design, all-day battery life, and the incredible capabilities of macOS Sequoia with Apple Intelligence, MacBook Air is unlike any other laptop. And with a new lower starting price of £999, MacBook Air delivers more value to consumers than ever before, making this the perfect moment to upgrade or experience the Mac for the first time.”