Apple is expected to launch the M4 MacBook Air very soon, likely as its first new product of the year. When it arrives, there will be one new feature that could motivate users of the M2 and even M3 models to upgrade: more robust external display support.
External display limitations have plagued MacBook Air users
Historically, external display support hasn’t been the MacBook Air’s strong suit.
With both the M1 and M2 models, the MacBook Air only let you connect to a single external monitor—a huge restriction for many users.
After years of hoping for a change, last year’s M3 MacBook Air brought one.
Apple’s M3 Air enabled driving two external displays simultaneously. But there’s a catch: you have to keep the MacBook Air’s lid closed.
So while the M3 model was still an improvement over its predecessors, you were still ultimately limited to two screens.
Finally though, the M4 MacBook Air is set to change that.
M4 MacBook Air to support two monitors with the lid open
Apple’s new MacBook Air will run the same M4 chip available already in the base MacBook Pro. And just like when the M3 MacBook Pro tipped us off to expanded display support coming to the M3 Air, the same story is playing out again.
Apple’s M4 MacBook Air is expected to support up to three displays total: two external monitors plus the internal display with lid open.
This is what the M4 MacBook Pro specs support, and we should see the same compatibility with the M4 Air.
Which for some users could be reason enough to upgrade.
Whether you’re using last year’s M3 Air, or certainly an older M2 or M1 model, the ability to drive two monitors plus keep your lid open is a huge win.
It means being able to use the MacBook Air’s built-in keyboard and trackpad rather than needing separate accessories, and it increases the amount of screen space you have in total.
Is the M4 MacBook Air’s external display support worth an upgrade for you? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.
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