Apple M4 MacBook Air is here: Is it worth upgrading from the M3 model?

Apple MacBook Air

Apple has officially launched the M4 MacBook Air, and it’s set to start shipping next week. While the latest iteration of Apple’s widely popular laptop brings some notable upgrades, the question remains—should you upgrade if you already own an M3 MacBook Air? It is a question that every Apple product owner asks when the new model comes. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences to help you decide.

All that RAM

Apple has pulled off a nice surprise here with the M4 MacBook Air’s base variant. The M3 model originally started with 8GB of RAM, though Apple later bumped it to 16GB as a standard option in late 2023. With the M4 model, 16GB of RAM is now the default, providing a noticeable performance improvement for those upgrading from an earlier model. Additionally, the maximum RAM capacity has increased from 24GB on the M3 to 32GB on the M4, making it a more capable machine for power users.

Look better on those video calls

Apple has also upgraded the FaceTime HD camera on the MacBook Air. The M3 model featured a 1080p camera, which, while adequate, was never a standout feature. The M4 MacBook Air now includes a 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View support and 1080p HD video recording, making video calls sharper and more dynamic. If you frequently use your laptop for meetings, this could be a worthwhile reason to upgrade.

An all-new colour option

Now, colour isn’t that big a deal for many MacBook buyers. A reason for that has been Apple’s lack of generosity. Not anymore though. For those who care about aesthetics, Apple has introduced a new Sky Blue color alongside Silver, Starlight, and Midnight. While it doesn’t impact performance, a fresh color option can be enough of a reason for some users to trade up. We have to admit that the Sky Blue colour does look quite delectable.

Dial M for M4

At the heart of this update is the new M4 chip, Apple’s latest and most advanced silicon. While the M3 MacBook Air is still a strong performer, the M4 offers notable improvements, including 10 CPU cores (up from 8 on the M3) and a 16-core Neural Engine capable of processing up to 38 trillion operations per second. What all those numbers translate into is better efficiency, improved AI capabilities, and enhanced performance for everyday tasks like browsing, messaging, and creative work.

Connect more displays

One of the more practical updates with the M4 MacBook Air is its improved external display capabilities. The M3 model supported two external displays but had a rather quirky trade-off — it required the laptop’s lid to be closed when using both. The M4 version removes this limitation, allowing users to run two external displays while still using the MacBook Air’s built-in screen—a major advantage for those who need a multi-monitor setup.

All about the money

Apple may have played a blinder here as it lowered the starting price of the M4 MacBook Air to Rs 99,999, down from Rs 1,14,999 for the M3 model. That’s quite a big reason to upgrade as it makes the M4 version a more attractive option for those looking to upgrade from an older MacBook.

What remains the same

Despite these improvements, the M4 MacBook Air retains much of the same design and core features as the M3 model. The 13-inch and 15-inch display sizes, battery life, Thunderbolt 4 ports, MagSafe charging, Touch ID, and Magic Keyboard remain unchanged.

Should you upgrade?

For most M3 MacBook Air owners, the M4 upgrade may not be necessary, as the core experience remains largely the same. However, if you’re coming from an older MacBook Air, want better RAM capacity, improved display support, or simply love the new Sky Blue color, the M4 MacBook Air is a compelling option. With a faster processor, smarter AI features, and a lower price tag, it’s a future-proof machine that will last you for years to come.