MacBook Air M4 leaks about release date, specs and price

The M4 journey has begun, and the tech world is buzzing with anticipation. When can we expect the new M4 chips to be integrated into the latest Macs, including the MacBook Air? Whether it’s this year or in 2025, we’re diving deep into all the details about the MacBook Air M4’s release date, price, and expected changes.

The M4 Chip: A Powerhouse:

The M4 chip, first introduced with the iPad Pros, is a significant upgrade. The MacBook Air will likely feature both versions of the M4: a 9-core CPU version with six efficiency cores and three performance cores, and a 10-core CPU version with an additional performance core. The baseline MacBook Air will come with the standard M4, while the higher-end model will offer the more powerful option. The M4 is designed to run cooler, which should help the MacBook Air stay comfortable during everyday use. However, for intensive tasks, the M4 MacBook Pro might be a better choice due to its built-in fan.

Compared to the M3 chip, the M4 boasts two extra efficiency cores and a higher memory bandwidth, promising enhanced performance and efficiency. The inclusion of hardware-accelerated ray tracing and AI enhancements with a powerful Neural Engine underscores Apple’s commitment to cutting-edge technology.

The Design: What to Expect

First off, if you were hoping for a brand-new design for the MacBook Air, you might be a tad disappointed.Apple introduced a new design with the M2 MacBook Air in 2022, and this design carried through to the M3 update in 2024. The current design has been a staple for the M2 and M3 generations, and Apple typically sticks with a design for four to five generations. Expect ultra-thin and lightweight chassis, fanless design, and cool-to-the-touch aluminum exterior. We anticipate the same 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch size options, with dimensions and weight likely mirroring the M3 models. The 13-inch MacBook Air M3, for instance, weighs just 2.7 pounds and measures 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches. The 15-inch model is slightly larger and heavier at 3.3 pounds and 13.4 x 9.35 x 0.45 inches. Also, expect the same sleek, beloved design with no new ports or significant alterations. The current design has received widespread acclaim, so the good news is it’s staying put!

Expected Specifications:

As far as other specs are concernet, Expect Storage starting at 256GB and go up to 2TB. The M4 chip will offer a 9-core or 10-core CPU, paired with a 10-core GPU, all built on a 3-nanometer die. RAM options will range from 8GB (baseline) to 24GB. The aluminum body, MagSafe, USB-C Thunderbolt 4, and USB 4 ports will remain, along with color options in Midnight, Space Gray, Silver, and Starlight. The 1080p webcam will continue to sit in the notch, and battery life is expected to improve slightly to around 19 hours.

key points related to design and specs :

Fingerprint Reduction: The Midnight version of the MacBook Air, introduced with the M3, features an anodization seal to reduce fingerprints. This process is expected to continue with the M4.
Memory and Performance: While there’s speculation about increased memory limits for higher-end models, the base M4 MacBook Air is likely to maintain similar memory configurations to keep costs manageable.
Battery Life: With two extra efficiency cores, the M4 chip is expected to deliver improved battery life, making it more energy-efficient.
Size and Weight: No significant changes anticipated.
Camera, Mics, and Speakers: Expected to remain the same, continuing the high-quality experience.
Ports: Similar to the current M3 MacBook Air.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth specifications to stay unchanged.

OLED Displays: Not Just Yet

You might be wondering about OLED displays, especially since they’re now featured in the iPad Pros. However, the earliest we can expect OLED displays in MacBook Airs is 2027. Initially, these displays will likely debut in the MacBook Pros around 2026. So, it’s a bit of a wait for those OLED screens. Currently expect to Retain the current high-resolution Retina display.

AI and Machine Learning Enhancements:

The M4 chip will reportedly feature a more advanced Neural Engine with an increased number of cores compared to the M3 chip’s 16-core Neural Engine. This improvement is expected to significantly boost the MacBook Air’s capabilities in handling AI and machine learning tasks, aligning with the broader integration of AI features across Apple’s software ecosystem.

MacBook M4 Performance:

The fanless design of the MacBook Air means that thermal management is crucial for maintaining performance. Despite this, the M4 chip is expected to deliver robust performance without compromising on portability. The enhanced Neural Engine will also play a significant role in boosting AI-powered features, although specific software implementations remain to be seen.

Expected Performance Scores:

• Single-Core Score: Approximately 3,600
• Multi-Core Score: Approximately 14,500

These scores are based on Geekbench 6 benchmarks and indicate that the MacBook Air M4 will be a powerhouse for both everyday tasks and more demanding applications.

Macbook Air M4 Release Date: Mark Your Calendars

The release date for the new MacBook Air largely depends on when the MacBook Pros with M4 chips launch. According to industry insider Mark Gurman, the M4 Pro MacBook Pros are expected either at the end of 2024 or early 2025. If they launch in late 2024, we might see the MacBook Air with an M4 chip by March 2025. If the Pro models are delayed to early 2025, expect the MacBook Air announcement at WWDC 2025.

Macbook Air M4 Price:

Pricing for the MacBook Air M4 models remains speculative at this point, as Apple has not released any official information. However, most rumors suggest that there won’t be a significant price increase from the current M3 models.Pricing is expected to start at $1,199 for the 13.6-inch model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The 15.3-inch model with the same specs will likely cost $1,399 but will include the 10-core CPU.