Apple brings smarter MacBook Air at lower price
The company has also launched new vanilla iPad, iPad Air and Mac Studio
Apple has introduced refreshed versions of the MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and iPads, bringing significant performance boosts, fresh designs and even a price drop.
Here is a breakdown of what is new.
MacBook Air gets the M4 treatment
The MacBook Air now comes with Apple's latest M4 chip, offering improved speed and efficiency. Available in both 13-inch and 15-inch models, the laptops start at $999 and $1,199, respectively. They retain the same lightweight design but now support two external displays while keeping the lid open.
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One of the most practical additions is the 12-megapixel CenterStage webcam, enhancing video calls with automatic framing. The entry-level model includes a 10-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16GB of unified memory, and 256GB of storage. While the updates are incremental, the $100 price drop makes this a compelling option for students and professionals alike.
Mac Studio steps up its game
Apple surprised fans by unveiling a new Mac Studio, powered by M4 Max or M3 Ultra chips.
The M4 Max configuration offers up to a 16-core CPU and a 40-core GPU, making it a powerhouse for creative professionals.
Meanwhile, the M3 Ultra boasts a 32-core CPU and up to an 80-core GPU, delivering 2x faster graphics performance than its predecessor.
Other notable upgrades include Thunderbolt 5 support, which enables faster data transfers and external display connections. The Mac Studio can now handle up to eight 6K displays, a huge leap for professionals working with high-resolution content.
Prices for the new Mac Studios start at $1,999.
New iPads: A power boost
Apple has updated its iPad lineup, introducing an M3-powered iPad Air available in two sizes — an 11-inch and a 13-inch model. These tablets offer significant performance gains over previous generations, with up to 40% better graphics performance than the M1 iPad Air. They also support Apple Pencil Pro and a new Magic Keyboard designed for versatility.
Apple has also introduced the 11th-generation base iPad, now powered by the A16 chip, and lacks Apple Intelligence features. It retains the familiar design but doubles the base storage to 128GB. Priced at $349, it remains the most affordable iPad option, catering to everyday users and students.
