Apple’s MacBook Air has long set the benchmark for ultraportable laptops, and the M4 iteration is no exception—especially now that it’s available at a startling $749 on Amazon. This price drop isn’t just a seasonal discount; it represents a strategic shift as Apple positions the Air to dominate the mainstream market. For developers, engineers, and tech-savvy professionals, the M4 Air offers tangible improvements over its predecessor, including a base configuration with a 10-core CPU (up from the M3’s 8-core), support for up to 32GB of unified memory, and the ability to drive two external displays with the lid open. Yet, as with any evolution, it raises questions: Does this ‘refinement-over-revolution’ approach justify an upgrade, and what does it signal for Apple’s hold on the ultraportable segment?

The Quiet Powerhouse: Hardware That Hums

At its core, the M4 chip delivers performance that bridges the gap between consumer and pro devices. Benchmark tests place it tantalizingly close to the MacBook Pro M4, with significant gains in multitasking and energy efficiency. The base model now starts with 16GB of memory—double the entry point of older Intel-based Airs—making it viable for heavier workloads like light coding environments or containerized testing. As Kyle Kucharski notes in his ZDNET review, this is a machine engineered for longevity: “For users upgrading from an M1 or older Intel Mac, the difference is night and day. Even the M3 feels outpaced in sustained workloads.”

A Display Revolution (With One Caveat)

One of the most lauded upgrades is the expanded display support. Developers juggling IDEs, documentation, and live previews will appreciate the triple-screen flexibility—a first for the Air line. The built-in 13.3-inch Liquid Retina display remains stunning, with 500 nits of brightness and P3 wide color. However, the omission of Apple’s anti-glare nano-texture glass option feels like a missed opportunity. As Kucharski observes, glare can be intrusive in brightly lit environments, a frustration for those coding in sun-drenched coffee shops or under office fluorescents.

Productivity Perfected, Ports Neglected

Where the M4 Air shines brightest is in seamless integration. The new 12MP webcam with Center Stage transforms video calls, using AI to keep users framed perfectly—a boon for remote stand-ups or client meetings. Combined with macOS’s refined window management and Siri integrations, it creates a frictionless workflow. Battery life holds steady at 14+ hours for typical use, though rivals like the Asus Zenbook A14 now edge ahead in endurance. Yet, Apple’s Achilles’ heel persists: only two USB-C ports, both clustered on the left side. For developers reliant on peripherals, this necessitates a dongle ecosystem, a stark contrast to rivals offering HDMI or SD slots.

The Verdict: Who Wins and Who Waits?

At $749, the M4 MacBook Air isn’t just competitive—it’s compelling. It democratizes pro-tier features like robust multi-display support and future-proofed memory, all wrapped in a fanless, 2.7-pound chassis. For developers seeking a portable secondary machine or students diving into Xcode, it’s arguably the best-value Apple laptop ever. Yet, it’s not flawless. Repairability remains locked behind Apple’s walled garden, and the port scarcity frustrates power users. If you own an M3 Air, the upgrade is incremental; if you’re on Windows or an older Mac, this price makes the leap irresistible. In a landscape where AI and cloud tools demand ever more from our devices, the M4 Air proves that sometimes, evolution is the smartest revolution.

Source: Analysis based on Kyle Kucharski’s hands-on review for ZDNET, available at ZDNET.com.