If you’re wondering about Apple’s latest MacBook Air M4 and how it stacks up against the MacBook Air M3, you’re in the right place. MacBook Air has been a fan favorite for years—light, powerful, and perfect for everyday life. M3 came out in March 2024, and now, as of March 5, 2025, we’ve got the shiny new M4. So, what’s different? What’s the same? And should you upgrade? Let’s chat about it like we’re sitting down with a cup of coffee, breaking down the MacBook Air M4 vs M3 step by step.

MacBook Air

The MacBook Air has come a long way since Steve Jobs pulled that super-thin laptop out of an envelope back in 2008. It was a big deal then, and it’s only gotten better. When Apple switched to its own chips with the M1 in 2020, things really took off—faster speeds, longer battery life, and no noisy fans. The M3 Air last year was a solid step up, and now the M4 is here to keep the good vibes going. Let’s dive into the MacBook Air M4 vs M3 and see what’s cooking with this new one.

Look: Same Style, Fresh Twists

What Hasn’t Changed?

When you pick up the MacBook Air M4, it’ll feel super familiar if you’ve seen the M3. Apple didn’t mess with the design too much—it’s still that sleek, slim shape that tapers down like a wedge. In the MacBook Air M4 vs M3 showdown, both come in two sizes: 13.6 inches or 15.3 inches, depending on whether you want something small to carry or a bigger screen to work on. It’s made from recycled aluminum, which is cool for the planet, and it’s just as light as before:

• 13-inch: 0.44 inches thick, 2.7 pounds
• 15-inch: 0.45 inches thick, 3.3 pounds

Ports are the same, too—two Thunderbolt ports on the left, a MagSafe charger (so you don’t trip over the cord and yank it out), and a headphone jack on the right. Keyboard feels great with its Touch ID button for quick logins, and the big trackpad is smooth as ever. Speakers (four of them!) still sound awesome with that surround-sound vibe, and the webcam sits in that little notch at the top of the screen.

What’s New?

Okay, here’s where the MacBook Air M4 vs M3 gets a little exciting. M4 doesn’t look wildly different, but there are some fun updates:

• New Color: Say hello to “Sky Blue”! It’s a bright, happy shade that replaces the darker “Space Gray” from the M3. The other colors—Silver, Starlight, and Midnight—are still around, but Sky Blue feels fresh and playful.
• Glare-Free Screen Option: For the first time, you can get a special “nano-texture” screen on the Air. It cuts down on reflections, so if you’re working outside or under bright lights, it’s easier on your eyes. It costs extra (maybe $150 or so), but it’s a nice touch if you hate squinting at a shiny screen.

So, the M4 keeps the classic Air look you know and love, but with a splash of personality and a handy screen upgrade. It’s like giving your favorite jacket a new color and a cool patch—small changes, big vibes.

Screen: Same Beauty, One New Trick

What’s Stayed the Same?

The screen on the MacBook Air M4 vs M3 is a lot alike—it’s sharp, colorful, and great for watching shows or editing photos. Apple calls it a “Liquid Retina” display, and the sizes match up: 13.6 inches or 15.3 inches. The resolution (how clear it looks) is the same, and it gets bright enough (500 nits) for most situations. It’s got those rich colors and a feature called True Tone that adjusts the screen to match the light around you. The notch at the top is still there, but it doesn’t get in the way.

What’s New?

The big news is that nano-texture option I mentioned. It’s not about making the screen sharper or brighter—it just stops it from being a mirror when the sun’s out. If you’ve ever tried to use your laptop outside and seen your face staring back at you, this fixes that. It’s optional, so you can skip it if you don’t need it, but it’s a thoughtful addition.

Power: M4 vs. M3—What’s the Boost?

What’s the Same?

Both the M3 and M4 use Apple’s own chips, and they’re built super tiny (3 nanometers, if you’re curious) to pack in power without wasting energy. They’ve got a mix of fast cores for heavy stuff and efficient cores for lighter tasks, all tied together with graphics and AI smarts on one chip. Oh, and good news—both now start with 16GB of memory (RAM), which is plenty for juggling apps or browsing with a million tabs open.

What’s New?

Where the MacBook Air M4 vs M3 flexes its muscles:

• More Cores for Speed:
  • M3: 8-core brain (4 fast, 4 chill)
  • M4: 10-core brain (4 fast, 6 chill)
    The M4 adds two extra “chill” cores, so it’s about 25% faster when you’re doing a bunch of things at once—like editing videos or running big programs. For simpler stuff, it’s a little faster, too, thanks to some tweaks.
• Graphics:
  • M3: 8 or 10 graphics cores
  • M4: Up to 10 graphics cores (8 as the starter)
    The M4’s graphics are quicker and better at fancy effects (like ray tracing for games or 3D work). Think 15-20% smoother performance for stuff like gaming or video editing.
• AI Power:
  • M3: 18 trillion AI moves per second
  • M4: 38 trillion AI moves per second
    The M4 is way better at smart stuff—like fixing photos instantly or helping Siri understand you faster. It’s ready for Apple’s new AI tricks coming in 2025.
• Memory Speed: M4 moves data 20% faster than the M3, so big tasks feel snappier.
• More Memory:
  • M3: Up to 24GB
  • M4: Up to 32GB
    If you’re a power user, the M4 gives you more room to play.
• Storage: Both start at 256GB and go up to 2TB. The M4 might feel a tiny bit faster, but it’s not a huge jump.

M4 is a beast for heavy work—think video editors, gamers, or anyone using AI tools. For casual stuff like Netflix or emails, you might not notice much difference, but it’s there if you need it.

Connections: More Screens, Better Ports

What’s the Same?

Still get two Thunderbolt ports, MagSafe, and a headphone jack—same spots as the M3. Wi-Fi 6E (super fast internet) and Bluetooth 5.3 are here, too.

What’s New?

• Fancier Ports: The M4 bumps up to Thunderbolt 4. It’s still fast (40Gb/s), but it plays nicer with more gadgets and chargers.
• Extra Screens:
  • M3: Two screens, but only if you close the lid
  • M4: Two screens plus the built-in one, lid open
    This is huge if you like a big setup—three screens total!

M4 makes it easier to plug in and spread out your work. It’s like turning your Air into a mini desk powerhouse.

Camera: Clearer Video Calls

What’s the Same?

The webcam still lives in the notch and has Center Stage, which follows you around during calls.

What’s New?

• M3: 1080p camera
• M4: 12MP camera with Desk View
  The M4’s camera is sharper and shows more—like your desk if you’re teaching or sharing stuff. It’s borrowed from the fancy MacBook Pro, and it’s great for Zoom or YouTube.

Battery: Little More Juice

What’s the Same?

Both promise “up to 18 hours” of battery life—plenty for a day of work or binge-watching. The 13-inch has a 52.6-watt-hour battery, and the 15-inch has a 66.5-watt-hour one.

What’s New?

• M4: Tweaks the 13-inch to 53.8 watt-hours
  It’s a small bump, but the M4 might squeeze out an extra hour compared to the M3’s real-world 15-ish hours. Not a game-changer, but every bit helps!

Price: Cheaper Than You’d Think

What’s the Same?

Pricing follows the usual pattern—bigger screen, higher cost. Students still get a discount.

What’s New?

• M3 (2024):
  • 13-inch: $1,099
  • 15-inch: $1,299
• M4 (2025):
  • 13-inch: $999
  • 15-inch: $1,199

Apple dropped the price by $100! The M4 is cheaper to start with and gives you more bang for your buck.

Software: Same System, Smarter AI

What’s the Same?

Both run macOS Sequoia (probably version 15.3 or 15.4 now), with all the cool features like Continuity and Stage Manager. They both handle Apple Intelligence for smart tricks.

What’s New?

M4’s AI power (38 trillion vs. 18 trillion) makes those tricks—like editing photos or chatting with Siri—faster and smoother. It’s built for whatever Apple’s cooking up next.

Should You Get the M4 or Stick with M3?

Go for the M3 If:

• Got one already and it’s doing fine.
• Spot a deal (like $899) and don’t need the extras.
• Just browse, stream, and email.

Pick the M4 If:

• Want three screens for work or fun.
• Love the new color or glare-free screen.
• Upgrading from an older Mac and want the latest.

MacBook Air M4 isn’t a total makeover—it’s more like a glow-up. It’s faster, connects better, and costs less upfront, but it’s still the same Air you know: light, quiet, and awesome. The M3 is still great, especially on sale, but the M4 feels like the future in the MacBook Air M4 vs M3 debate.

FAQs

1. What is the main difference between MacBook Air M4 and M3?

M4 has a more advanced chipset with better performance and efficiency, while M3 is still powerful but slightly behind in speed and battery life.

2. Is the MacBook Air M4 faster than the M3?

Yes, the M4 chip offers faster CPU & GPU performance with improved AI capabilities compared to the M3.

3. Does the MacBook Air M4 have better battery life?

Apple claims slight improvements in battery efficiency, but real-world usage shows only a minor upgrade from M3.

4. Is the MacBook Air M4 more expensive than M3?

Yes, the M4 model is expected to launch at a higher price than the M3 version.

5. Do both models support the same display technology?

Yes, both M4 and M3 MacBook Air feature a Liquid Retina Display with True Tone and P3 wide color.

6. Is the MacBook Air M4 good for gaming?

The M4 GPU is more optimized for light gaming, but it’s still not a gaming laptop.

7. Does MacBook Air M4 have new design changes?

No significant design changes—Apple is expected to keep the same sleek look as the M3 version.

8. Should I upgrade from M3 to M4?

If you already own an M3 MacBook Air, the upgrade may not be worth it, unless you need higher performance.

9. Which MacBook Air is better for students: M3 or M4?

M3 is more budget-friendly, while M4 offers better longevity. Choose based on your budget and needs.

10. When will the MacBook Air M4 be released?

MacBook Air M4 is expected to launch in late 2024 or early 2025.