Apple is anticipated to unveil the M4 MacBook Air shortly, likely as its first new product of the year. Upon its release, there will be a key feature that might entice users of the M2 and even M3 variants to consider an upgrade: enhanced support for external displays.
External display limitations have long troubled MacBook Air users
Traditionally, support for external displays has not been a strong point for the MacBook Air.
With the M1 and M2 models, the MacBook Air allowed connections to only a single external display—an issue for many users.
After years of anticipation, last year’s M3 MacBook Air finally addressed this limitation.
The M3 Air made it possible to connect two external displays simultaneously, but with a caveat: you must keep the MacBook Air’s lid closed.
So, while the M3 model was indeed a step forward from its predecessors, users were still restricted to two screens.
Now, however, the upcoming M4 MacBook Air is set to change the game.
M4 MacBook Air to facilitate two monitors with the lid open
The forthcoming MacBook Air will be powered by the same M4 chip already available in the base MacBook Pro. And just as the M3 MacBook Pro hinted at expanded display capabilities for the M3 Air, we’re seeing a similar scenario with the M4.
The M4 MacBook Air is projected to support a total of up to three displays: two external monitors alongside its internal display while the lid is open.
This is consistent with the specifications of the M4 MacBook Pro, and we should expect similar compatibility with the M4 Air.
For many users, this could provide compelling reasons to upgrade.
Whether you’re on last year’s M3 Air or even an older M2 or M1 model, the capability to drive two monitors while keeping the lid open is a significant advantage.
This means you can utilize the MacBook Air’s built-in keyboard and trackpad rather than relying on separate peripherals, while also increasing your total screen real estate.
Is the external display support of the M4 MacBook Air enough for you to consider an upgrade? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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