M4 MacBook Air will be a no-brainer upgrade from M1, here’s why

Apple is expected to launch the M4 MacBook Air very soon. When it arrives, the device will offer a compelling upgrade for existing MacBook Air users, particularly anyone using the M1 model.

Upgrading from M1 to M4 MacBook Air gets you a lot

For most users, buying every new laptop Apple makes isn’t a good option. Year-over-year upgrades tend to be relatively minor. But waiting several years between upgrades? That can mean you’re in for a real treat with a new MacBook.

Here’s a sampling of new features the M4 MacBook Air will provide compared to the M1 model:

• M4 performance boost: Per Apple, compared to M1 the M4 chip is up to 1.7x faster for daily tasks like browsing and app use, up to 2.1x faster for more demanding workflows like gaming and media editing, and its Neural Engine is over 3x faster—giving it much more headroom for AI.
• New design: This one will be a positive for most buyers (more on that shortly). The new, sleek design first introduced with the M2 model will provide a big visual difference if you buy an M4.
• Much better camera: The M2 and M3 Air upgraded the M1’s 720p camera to 1080p, but the M4 is expected to go further with a new 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View support.
• Extended battery life: The M4 chip’s efficiency results in battery improvements. With the iPad Pro, Apple shrunk the device while maintaining the same battery life. The MacBook Pro, meanwhile, offered extended battery life. Expect the Air to follow the MacBook Pro’s path.
• Multiple external displays: The M1 MacBook Air only lets you run a single external display, but the M4 will support two external monitors even with the lid open.

• Bigger, brighter, nano-textured screen: Back in the M1 era, there was only one 13.3-inch size option for the Air. Now, the small model has a 13.6-inch display and there’s a 15.3-inch model too. The M4’s display will also be brighter than the M1’s, and likely include a nano-texture option.
• More RAM (probably): All new M4 Macs start at 16GB RAM and go up to a max of 32GB, so depending on your M1 specs, that could be a big upgrade.
• 4-speaker sound system: I personally don’t use built-in Mac speakers much, but if you do, you’ll get a 4-speaker array in the M4 Air that the M1 didn’t have.
• MagSafe and port versatility: Apple continues to include just two USB-C ports on the MacBook Air. However, recent models have added MagSafe, which the M1 lacks—thus enabling safer charging and freeing up a USB-C port.

This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it does make pretty clear how big of an upgrade the M4 model will be over the M1 MacBook Air.

Two possible drawbacks

I have to admit, it’s not necessarily all positive change. Depending on your preferences, there are two aspects of the M4 MacBook Air’s design that could be negatives:

1. the display notch
2. and the new (M2-style) overall design

While the notch on the iPhone never bothered me much, I find it much more of an eyesore on Macs. I’m also very fond of the classic tapered MacBook Air design that the M1 had. The new design is nice, to be sure, but it doesn’t evoke the same affection.

M4 offers the most reasons to upgrade yet

Anecdotally, I’ve noticed that quite a few users of the M1 MacBook Pro upgraded to the M4 when it arrived last November, and were very happy with their choice.

Similarly, I think the M4 MacBook Air will make an ideal upgrade for M1 users.

The M1 is no slouch. I used an M1 Air myself until last year. But it’s been around for over four years now—a perfectly solid run.

You’ll notice that some of the upgrades I shared above—many, in fact—also come with the M3 or M2 models.

But if you’re the kind of person who only upgrades your laptop every 4+ years, you’re best off getting the latest and greatest. Future-proofing matters, especially with a device you plan to hold on to a while.

The M4 MacBook Air will be here soon, and by accumulating all the improvements of the M3 and M2, while adding its own, it will be the most compelling M1 upgrade yet.

Do you plan to upgrade to the M4 MacBook Air from an M1? Let us know in the comments.

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