Introduction
The Apple MacBook Air 13 M4 continues the legacy of Apple's ultraportable line, featuring the new M4 chip, a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, and a fanless design. Priced at $1,099,000, it targets users seeking premium performance and portability.
Specifications
| Brand | Apple |
|---|---|
| Model | MacBook Air 13 M4 |
| CPU | Apple M4 Chip (10-core: 4 performance, 6 efficiency) |
| GPU | Apple M4 (10-core) |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5X-7500 |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| Display | 13.6-inch Liquid Retina, 2560x1664, 60Hz, 500 nits, P3 wide color |
| Weight | 2.7 lbs (1.22 kg) |
| Battery | Up to 18 hours video playback |
| Price | $1,099,000 |
Performance
The M4 chip delivers impressive CPU performance. In Geekbench 6, it scores 3,781 single-core and 14,858 multi-core (Beebom). Cinebench 2024 yields 176 single-core and 972 multi-core points. The fanless design ensures silent operation, though sustained workloads may see mild throttling. Compared to rivals like the Framework Laptop 13 ($950,000) and Lenovo Legion Pro 5 ($1,200,000), the MacBook Air excels in efficiency but lacks upgradeability.
Gaming
The integrated 10-core GPU is not designed for hardcore gaming. In 3DMark Wild Life Extreme, it scores 9,807 points (58.7 FPS average) (Beebom). Light titles like Lies of P run at 60 fps 1080p medium settings (Engadget), but AAA games require cloud streaming or lower expectations. The MacBook Air is better suited for productivity than gaming.
Display
The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display offers 2560x1664 resolution, 500 nits brightness, and P3 wide color gamut coverage. It lacks a high refresh rate (stuck at 60Hz) and XDR technology found in MacBook Pros, but colors are accurate and viewing angles are excellent. No PWM flickering ensures eye comfort.
Battery Life
Apple claims up to 18 hours of video playback, and real-world testing confirms this. The 13-inch model lasted 18 hours and 15 minutes in HD video playback tests (Engadget). Efficiency stems from the M4 chip's low power consumption and the large 53.8Wh battery.
Verdict
The Apple MacBook Air 13 M4 is a superb ultraportable for everyday tasks, offering excellent performance, build quality, and battery life. However, its $1,099,000 price is steep, and the lack of ports and 60Hz display may deter some. If you value macOS ecosystem and portability, it's a worthy investment; otherwise, consider the HP Spectre x360 14 ($1,200,000) for more versatility.