Apple is anticipated to unveil the M4 MacBook Air shortly. This upcoming model is expected to provide a significant upgrade for those currently using the M1 variant.
Transitioning from M1 to M4 MacBook Air offers substantial benefits
For many, it isn’t practical to purchase every new laptop that Apple introduces. Incremental upgrades each year typically result in minimal changes. However, delaying your upgrade for several years can lead to a noteworthy enhancement with a new MacBook.
Here are some notable features that the M4 MacBook Air is expected to include compared to the M1:
- M4 performance enhancement: According to Apple, the M4 chip can perform up to 1.7 times faster for everyday tasks like browsing and app usage, up to 2.1 times quicker for intensive workflows such as gaming and media editing, while its Neural Engine is more than three times faster—providing significant capacity for AI tasks.
- New design: Most buyers will appreciate this change (more on that later). The modern and sleek design introduced with the M2 model will create a striking visual transformation for those who opt for the M4.
- Superior camera quality: The M2 and M3 Air upgraded the M1’s 720p webcam to 1080p, but the M4 is set to introduce an even better 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View support.
- Improved battery efficiency: The M4 chip’s efficiency should yield extended battery life. The iPad Pro has shown that it’s possible to reduce device size while maintaining battery life, and the MacBook Pro has provided better battery longevity. Expect the Air to mirror the improvements seen in the MacBook Pro.
- Support for multiple external displays: The M1 MacBook Air is limited to one external display, but the M4 will facilitate the connection of two external monitors while keeping the laptop lid open.
- Larger, brighter, and nano-textured display: In the M1 era, the Air was available only in a 13.3-inch size. Now, a 13.6-inch model is available alongside a 15.3-inch variant. The M4’s display will likely be brighter than that of the M1 and could offer a nano-texture option.
- Increased RAM potential: New M4 Macs will have a minimum of 16GB RAM, with the capacity to expand to 32GB, representing a big shift depending on your previous M1 specs.
- Upgraded four-speaker audio system: While I typically don’t use built-in Mac speakers much, they’ll feature a four-speaker setup in the M4 Air, which was absent in the M1.
- MagSafe and enhanced port options: Apple will continue its design of offering two USB-C ports on the MacBook Air. However, the recent models have incorporated MagSafe, which the M1 lacked—allowing for safer charging and opening up a USB-C port for other uses.
While this is not an exhaustive list, it clearly illustrates how substantial the advancements in the M4 model are compared to the M1 MacBook Air.
Two potential downsides
It’s important to note that not all changes are necessarily positive. Depending on personal preference, there are two elements of the M4 MacBook Air’s design that some may find unappealing:
- The display notch
- The new (M2-style) overall aesthetics
While the notch on the iPhone has never particularly bothered me, I find it much more distracting on a Mac. Additionally, I have a fondness for the classic tapered design of the M1 MacBook Air. Although the new design is undoubtedly appealing, it doesn’t elicit the same emotional connection for me.
M4 presents the strongest reasons for an upgrade yet
From my observations, quite a number of M1 MacBook Pro users upgraded to the M4 when it launched last November and expressed satisfaction with their decision.
Similarly, I believe that the M4 MacBook Air will serve as an excellent update for M1 users.
The M1 is a capable machine; I personally used an M1 Air until last year. However, it has been around for more than four years—a commendable duration.
You may have noticed that many of the upgrades mentioned above are also available with the M3 or M2 models.
However, for those who tend to upgrade their laptops every four years or more, seeking the latest and most advanced model is the best path. Future-proofing is crucial, especially for devices meant to be kept long-term.
The M4 MacBook Air will be launching soon, and by integrating all the enhancements of the M3 and M2 along with its distinct improvements, it promises to be the most enticing upgrade for M1 users to date.
Are you considering upgrading to the M4 MacBook Air from an M1? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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