Apple M4 MacBook Air vs M1 MacBook Air: Should You Upgrade?

The MacBook Air lineup has evolved significantly since the launch of the first M1-powered model, and now Apple has introduced the M4 version, offering notable upgrades in several key areas. If you are an M1 MacBook Air owner wondering if it’s time to upgrade to the new M4, this article breaks down the key differences and what the M4 model has to offer. Here’s everything you need to know before deciding.

Summary: Key Differences Between the M1 and M4 MacBook Air

The M4 MacBook Air introduces several exciting upgrades over the M1, particularly for users looking for more power, better design, and improved features. Here’s a quick overview of the key improvements:

Design: The M4 continues the modern, sleek design introduced with the M2 in 2022, while the M1 features the classic tapered design of earlier MacBook Air models. This design change is a matter of preference.
Display: The M4 offers larger screen options, with 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch displays that are also brighter (500 nits) compared to the M1’s 13.3-inch and 400-nit display. However, the M4 includes a notch at the top of the screen, which could be a point of contention for some users.
Performance: The M4 chip boasts significant performance upgrades, including a 10-core CPU, up to a 10-core GPU, and improved memory support (up to 32GB RAM), compared to the M1’s 8-core CPU and 7-core GPU. This results in a substantial performance boost, with improvements for both daily tasks and more demanding workloads like photo editing and gaming.
Camera and Audio: The M4 introduces a 12MP Center Stage camera with 1080p video recording, a huge step up from the M1’s 720p camera. The M4 also features a four-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio support and improved microphone functionality, which makes it a better choice for video calls.
MagSafe Charging and Connectivity: The M4 model comes with MagSafe charging, which frees up one of the Thunderbolt ports and supports faster charging. Additionally, it supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, offering better connectivity than the M1’s Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.

What Undercode Says:

As technology continues to advance, the M4 MacBook Air stands out as an incredible upgrade over its predecessor, the M1. However, whether the M4 is worth upgrading to depends largely on your needs. For many M1 MacBook Air owners, the M1 is still a highly capable machine. But for those who need faster performance, better camera quality, and the latest wireless connectivity, the M4 will prove to be a substantial improvement. Here’s a closer look at what makes the M4 worth considering:

Design and Display: Apple has consistently refined the MacBook Air’s design, with the M4 continuing the modern approach from the M2 model. For those who like a sleeker, thinner device, the M4’s display and notch will be a major factor, though the change may not be universally appealing. The larger screen sizes are particularly beneficial for those who prefer more real estate for multitasking, media consumption, or work.
Processor and Performance: With the M4’s increased core count and a more powerful GPU, users will experience smoother performance across the board. Whether it’s opening large applications, managing multiple tasks simultaneously, or diving into graphics-heavy projects, the M4 will outperform the M1 in nearly every metric. The leap from M1’s 8-core CPU and 7-core GPU to the M4’s 10-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU is substantial, especially for users in creative fields or those who game occasionally.
Camera and Audio Enhancements: In today’s world where remote work and video calls are increasingly the norm, the M4’s 12MP camera and improved microphone support are standout features. The 1080p HD video recording and enhanced sound quality with Spatial Audio give it an edge in making video calls clearer and more enjoyable. Users of the M1 will appreciate these upgrades, as the M1’s 720p camera and basic stereo speakers don’t quite hold up to modern standards.
MagSafe and Connectivity: The addition of MagSafe charging in the M4 MacBook Air is a small but notable improvement. The convenience of magnetic charging and the ability to keep one Thunderbolt port free for other devices adds to the overall usability. Moreover, the upgraded wireless standards, with support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, ensure that the M4 will remain future-proof for years to come, offering faster data speeds and more reliable connectivity.
Price and Value: Starting at $999, the M4 MacBook Air provides great value, especially for those who need the latest tech in a portable form factor. It’s a major upgrade over the M1, but the latter still offers solid performance for users who don’t need all the latest features. If you’re perfectly happy with the M1 and don’t need the additional power or features, the M4 might not be essential right now.

Fact Checker Results:

Design: The M4 retains a modern design while the M1 has a more classic tapered finish. Both have advantages, depending on user preferences.
Display: The M4 offers a brighter and larger display than the M1, which has a smaller, less vibrant screen.
Performance: The M4 is a significant leap ahead in performance with a more powerful chip, better GPU, and improved memory support, making it ideal for demanding tasks.

References:

Reported By: https://9to5mac.com/2025/03/05/m4-macbook-air-vs-m1-macbook-air-upgrades-in-every-category/
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