The M4 MacBook Air from Apple merges performance and portability, priced at $999.

      Apple has recently launched a new MacBook Air featuring its M4 chip, enhancing both performance and efficiency in one of its top MacBook models. This long-anticipated update ensures that all Apple laptops are now equipped with the M4 chip.

      As anticipated, the M4 MacBook Air represents more of an evolution than a groundbreaking change. The M4 chip offers a slight performance boost over the earlier M3 version, though few other alterations have been made. Apple claims that the M4 MacBook Air can handle tasks such as video and photo editing up to twice as fast as its M1 predecessor, making it a potential upgrade for M1 users.

      The laptop's design remains unchanged, including the display, speakers, and keyboard. The last design update for the MacBook Air was in 2022, and a similar redesign is not expected for a couple of years. However, a new “sky blue” color has been introduced, and the starting price has been reduced to $999, reflecting a $100 decrease.

      New features include a 12MP Center Stage camera and the ability to support two 6K external displays along with its built-in screen. Both the 13-inch and 15-inch models are available for pre-order now, with a launch date set for March 12.

      The M4 chip (or a variation of it) is now included in the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac Studio, making its way into about half of Apple’s computer lineup. Other models like the Mac Pro have yet to receive the chip but are anticipated to do so in the coming months.

      There are speculations that Apple will swiftly transition to the M5, with a new MacBook Pro featuring this chip expected to be released in late 2025. Apple has begun shifting most of its Macs to an annual release schedule, suggesting that an M5 MacBook Air will likely debut in 2026.

      Alex Blake has been contributing to Digital Trends since 2019, primarily focusing on Mac computers...

      The new iPhone 16e is now available, and it has me feeling frustrated about the MacBook.

      The arrival of the iPhone 16e marks the most significant overhaul in Apple's budget iPhone lineup. With the integration of Face ID, an A18 chip, and USB-C connectivity, the updates affect nearly every aspect of the device.

      Perhaps the greatest change is the introduction of a sizable 6.1-inch OLED display. This model, previously known as the iPhone SE, now boasts an all-screen front for the first time and features OLED technology.

      Apple's top M4 Macs are currently available at substantial discounts, making this an ideal time to purchase.

      A few years ago, I acquired a refurbished MacBook Pro with the M1 Pro chip from Apple, which turned out to be an excellent decision. The MacBook Pro was in like-new condition, and I purchased it at a significant discount. It remains a reliable device today.

      Now, Apple is offering discounts on two of its best Macs, with reductions of around 15%—a considerable savings on devices that can cost several hundred or even thousands of dollars.

      I have been waiting for a MacBook resurgence, while Dell has already delivered one.

      I recall when Apple introduced the M1 silicon in the iPad Pro, marked by CEO Tim Cook's smirk in his first action-packed commercial, dropping a technological surprise on an utterly unprepared audience. I thought, tablet computing would never be the same! Within a week, I spent a lot on the iPad Pro and have no regrets about my choice.

      A similar wave of excitement occurred a decade ago when Apple launched the 12-inch MacBook. Being the thinnest laptop Apple had ever produced, it was a feat of engineering. However, its high price of $1,299, coupled with mediocre performance, a controversial keyboard, and poor battery life, ensured it didn’t last beyond five years.