Apple has introduced the new MacBook Air with the M4 chip. In addition to more power and a lower starting price, there are some interesting changes that are not immediately obvious. These include expanded support for external monitors, a new color with a matching MagSafe charging cable, optimized setup with the iPhone and continued Wi-Fi 6E instead of the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard.
The MacBook Air has been one of Apple's most popular laptops for years. With each new generation, there are smaller and larger changes that are intended to improve everyday use. With the M4 model, Apple is not only using a more powerful chip, but is also correcting some of the weaknesses of earlier models. The ability to use multiple external monitors in particular should be a great relief for many users. But there are other details that make the new generation MacBook Air interesting.
Support for multiple external displays
A frequently criticized point of the MacBook Air models with Apple chips was the limited use of external monitors. While older Intel MacBooks could easily control multiple displays at the same time, this was not possible with the M1 and M2 models. It was only with the M3 MacBook Air that a second display could be used - but only if the laptop lid remained closed. The M4 MacBook Air finally solves this problem. Apple has confirmed that the device now supports up to two external displays with a resolution of 6K at 60 Hz. This makes the MacBook Air more flexible for many users, especially those who work with multiple screens in the office or home office. According to the technical specifications, the MacBook Air can now use the full native resolution of its internal display and also control two external monitors with up to 6K at 60 Hz. Two Thunderbolt 4 ports are available for video output, supporting the DisplayPort 1.4 standard via USB-C.
Wi-Fi 6E remains, Wi-Fi 7 is missing
When it comes to wireless connectivity, Apple continues to rely on Wi-Fi 6E. This means that while the MacBook Air offers fast and stable Wi-Fi, it does not support the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard. This puts it behind some other new devices, including the iPhone 16 range. For most users, however, this is unlikely to make much difference. Wi-Fi 6E offers higher bandwidth and less interference compared to Wi-Fi 6 because it uses additional frequency ranges. In practice, this ensures a reliable and fast internet connection, especially in environments with many connected devices.
New MagSafe charging cable in sky blue
There is a visual innovation in the color selection. With the M4 MacBook Air, Apple is replacing the space gray color with a new version in sky blue. The device is delivered with a color-coordinated MagSafe charging cable. The charging cable is now also available separately. If you need a replacement cable or want to give your existing MacBook Air a visual upgrade, you can buy the MagSafe cable for 55 euros.
Simplified setup with iPhone
A practical improvement concerns the setup of the MacBook. With macOS Sequoia 15.4, Apple is introducing a new feature that allows the MacBook Air to be automatically set up with an iPhone or iPad nearby. As soon as the iPhone is near the MacBook, all important data such as Apple account information, photos, messages, passwords and files can be transferred quickly and easily. This makes the initial setup of a new device much easier, especially for users who are already deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem.
Prices and availability
The new M4 MacBook Air can ordered immediately The first deliveries are scheduled for March 12th. As usual, there are two size variants:
- The 13-inch model starts at 1,199 euros
- The 15-inch model costs from 1,499 euros
Orders can be placed directly from Apple.
The M4 MacBook Air in everyday life: improvements that count
The M4 MacBook Air brings some useful improvements. The ability to use multiple external displays makes the device much more flexible. The simplified setup with the iPhone makes it easier to get started, and the new color provides a small but welcome visual change. If you are looking for a powerful, lightweight notebook that can be used in a variety of ways both in everyday life and at work, the new MacBook Air is a well thought-out upgrade. (Image: Apple)
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