Tag: MacBook Air M4

  • Apple Launches macOS 15.4: Redesigned Mail, AI Features, Improved Photos

    Apple Launches macOS 15.4: Redesigned Mail, AI Features, Improved Photos

    Key Takeaways

    1. macOS 15.4 launched with iOS 18.4, allowing Apple Intelligence use in select languages without changing system language.
    2. New AI features include creating reminder videos in Photos and improved email identification in the Mail app.
    3. Photos app enhancements include better organization, hiding options, and a more accurate retouching brush.
    4. Users can control Matter-compatible devices through the Home app, and a new Podcasts widget has been added.
    5. The update includes various bug fixes and security updates, with some features not available in all regions or on all devices.

    Coinciding with the launch of iOS 18.4, Apple has simultaneously rolled out macOS 15.4. This operating system update, which is around 6.2 GB in size, now permits Mac users in select languages, including German, to utilize Apple Intelligence without needing to change their system language to English. The AI capabilities from Apple are now capable of creating emojis and images, as well as summarizing and rephrasing text, among other features.

    New Features and Improvements

    Apple Intelligence is now accessible on all Macs equipped with an Apple M1 chip or newer, right up to the latest MacBook Air featuring Apple M4. The update brings forth several new AI functionalities, such as the ability to produce reminder videos in the Photos application based on user descriptions. Furthermore, the Mail app has received a revamped design that mirrors the Mail app on iPhones. AI can now help identify and highlight important emails.

    Enhancements in Photos and Home App

    Additionally, the update introduces fresh options for organizing and hiding photos in the Photos app, along with a retouching brush that provides more accuracy when using Apple’s AI eraser. Users can now control Matter-compatible robot vacuums directly through the Home app. A new Podcasts widget has also been added, and the performance of Final Cut Pro has been enhanced on the new Mac Studio featuring Apple M3 Ultra.

    This update allows users to create Memory movies in the Photos app utilizing Apple Intelligence, introduces a new Sketch Style feature in Image Playground, and brings Mail Categorization. It also enhances the organization and filtering capabilities within the Photos library. Alongside these additions, the release contains various other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your Mac.

    Important Notes and Security Information

    Apple Intelligence is available for Macs with M1 and later versions, while the Mail and Photos features have been improved significantly.

    This update also includes several enhancements and repairs:

    Some features might not be accessible in all regions or on every Apple device.

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    Apple Launches macOS 15.4: Redesigned Mail, AI Features, Improved PhotosApple Launches macOS 15.4: Redesigned Mail, AI Features, Improved Photos
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  • Apple MacBook Air M4: Improved AI, Battery Life, and Lower Price

    Apple MacBook Air M4: Improved AI, Battery Life, and Lower Price

    Key Takeaways

    1. The new MacBook Air M4 features the M4 chip with a 10-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU, offering enhanced performance and AI integration.
    2. It includes a 12MP webcam with Center Stage and Desk View for improved video calls and presentations.
    3. The base model now comes with 16GB of RAM and supports up to 32GB of unified memory for better multitasking.
    4. The MacBook Air M4 retains a sleek design with a new Sky Blue color option and offers improved external display support, managing two 6K displays simultaneously.
    5. Pricing starts at $999 for the 13-inch model and $1,199 for the 15-inch model, with pre-orders available and shipping beginning March 12.

    Hot on the heels of Apple’s latest iPads launch, the company has now announced the new MacBook Air, powered by the M4 chip. This refresh brings Apple Intelligence, improved battery life, a new 12MP webcam with Center Stage, and 16GB of base RAM—all for a lower price than the previous model.

    MacBook Air M4: Specs and Features

    When it comes to appearance, the MacBook Air M4 looks almost exactly like the previous model. It continues the sleek, fanless design, but now offers a fresh Sky Blue color option alongside Silver, Starlight, and Midnight shades.

    Available in both 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch display sizes, the Air boasts a brightness of 500 nits, a color depth of 10-bit, P3 wide color gamut, and True Tone technology. The highlight of this update is the new M4 chip, which comes with a 10-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU. It also supports a maximum of 32GB of unified memory.

    Enhanced Features and AI Integration

    The entry-level model now begins with 16GB of RAM, a change that Apple made across the M2 and M3 Air models last October. A segment of this memory will also power Apple Intelligence, which is the company’s collection of AI-enhanced features. Apple Intelligence includes tools like Smart Replies in Messages, Mail Summaries, Cleanup in Apple Photos, Writing Tools, Genmoji, and Image Playground. Similar to the iPhone, these AI functions mainly operate on-device, ensuring that most tasks remain private. For more complicated cloud requests, Apple’s Private Cloud Compute securely handles the processing without sharing user data.

    Additionally, the new Air features an upgraded 12MP front-facing camera nestled in the notch, bringing it in line with the MacBook Pro series. It includes Center Stage, which keeps you centered during video calls, and Desk View, which allows you to show both your face and a bird’s-eye view of your desk at the same time—great for demos and presentations.

    Price and Availability

    The MacBook Air M4 keeps two Thunderbolt 4 ports and offers MagSafe charging. A major improvement over the M3 model is its capability for external displays—while the earlier Air could only support one 6K display, the new version can manage two displays at once.

    The starting price for the 13-inch MacBook Air M4 is $999 in the United States and ₹99,000 in India, whereas the 15-inch model is available for $1,199 and ₹124,000, respectively. Pre-orders are currently open, with shipping set to commence on March 12.

    Apple MacBook Air M4: Improved AI, Battery Life, and Lower PriceApple MacBook Air M4: Improved AI, Battery Life, and Lower Price
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  • MacBook Air Upgrade: Apple M4, Extra RAM, New Color Option

    MacBook Air Upgrade: Apple M4, Extra RAM, New Color Option

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple launched new products including the iPad Air, standard iPad (11th-gen), Mac Studio with M3 Ultra, and M4 MacBook Air.
    2. The 13-inch MacBook Air starts at $999 with 256 GB storage, 16 GB RAM, and a 10-core CPU; the 15-inch model starts at $1,199 with consistent specs.
    3. The M4 MacBook Air features a 12 MP webcam, 66.5 Wh battery, two Thunderbolt 4.0 ports, MagSafe charging, and supports video output to two 6K displays.
    4. The new MacBook Air does not include Wi-Fi 7, utilizing Wi-Fi 6e instead, and comes with a 35 Watt charging brick, upgradeable to 65 Watt for an extra cost.
    5. Pre-orders for the M4 MacBook Air start today, available in four colors: Sky Blue, Silver, Starlight, and Midnight; retail sales begin on March 12.

    Apple has been really busy launching new products recently. Just yesterday, they unveiled a fresh iPad Air along with the standard iPad (11th-generation). Shortly after, they introduced a new Mac Studio featuring the robust M3 Ultra, and now we have the highly anticipated M4 MacBook Air. Although there is a slight price decrease, there are a few quirks regarding the M4 model available in each version.

    Pricing and Specs

    Take the 13-inch MacBook Air, for instance, which begins at $999. It comes with 256 GB of storage, 16 GB of RAM, equipped with a 10-core CPU and an 8-core GPU. If you want the 10-core GPU, you’ll need to pay $1,199 for that same set of specs. The maximum RAM you can have is 32 GB, while storage can reach up to 2 TB. Fortunately, the 15-inch MacBook Air is more straightforward, starting at $1,199. It offers a 10-core GPU across all models, keeping the initial RAM and storage consistent with the 13-inch version.

    Additional Features

    Other features of the M4 MacBook Air include a 12 MP webcam located in a noticeable notch, a 66.5 Wh battery, two Thunderbolt 4.0 ports, a MagSafe charging port, and a 3.5 mm audio jack. Additionally, it can now support video output to two 6K displays. However, this generation of MacBook Air still doesn’t have Wi-Fi 7, so you will be using Wi-Fi 6e instead. In the box, you’ll find a 35 Watt charging brick, although you can opt to upgrade to a 65 Watt version if you’re willing to pay extra.

    Availability

    Pre-orders for the new MacBook Air kick off today on Apple’s website, available in four color options: Sky Blue (a new shade), Silver, Starlight, and Midnight. Major retailers will start selling it on March 12.

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  • Apple M4 MacBook Air Release Soon; M5 MacBook Pro Timeline Leaked

    Apple M4 MacBook Air Release Soon; M5 MacBook Pro Timeline Leaked

    Key Takeaways

    1. The iPhone SE 4 will be revealed this Wednesday.
    2. The new MacBook Air with the M4 chip is expected to launch by March, possibly as early as February.
    3. After the MacBook Air, Apple will focus on the M4 Mac Studio and M4 Mac Pro, set to launch in the summer.
    4. The Apple M5 chip will debut in a MacBook Pro in the fall, with the M5 iPad Pro coming in the first half of 2026.
    5. Other anticipated products include a new AirTag, iPad Air, smart home hub, and updates to Apple Watch and Apple TV 4K.

    Apple has announced that the iPhone SE 4 will be revealed this Wednesday. A recent report from Bloomberg has shared some insights about what we can expect moving forward. One of the main highlights is the upcoming 2024 MacBook Air (around $1,099 on Amazon), which is not expected to have many enhancements apart from the new Apple M4 chip. New units of the MacBook Air have been on their way from factories to Apple’s warehouse for several weeks now.

    Release Timeline

    The M4 MacBook Air is expected to be available by March at the latest, and there’s even a chance it could arrive as early as February. After that, Apple will shift its attention to the M4 Mac Studio and M4 Mac Pro, both of which are anticipated to launch in the summer. Following this, the Apple M5 chip will make its debut in the fall. Interestingly, the report mentions that the M5 chip will first be introduced in a MacBook Pro, while the M5 iPad Pro won’t be released until the first half of 2026. This represents a significant change in Apple’s strategy for launching its M-series chips, as the current ARM chip first appeared in an iPad Pro.

    Other Product Launches

    In addition to new Macs, the iPhone 17 series and updated Apple Watches, Apple is also rumored to have several other products lined up for this year. These include a new AirTag with better Bluetooth range, a new iPad Air, and an iPad 11 expected in the first half of 2025. Later in the year, we might also see a new HomePod mini and an updated Apple TV 4K. Another intriguing product that might launch this year is Apple’s smart home hub, which is said to include a powerful Apple A18 ARM chip, a nearly square 6-inch display, and a unique smart home user interface. Additionally, an upgraded 27-inch Studio Display with mini-LED backlighting is reportedly planned for release by 2026, but a successor to the Pro Display XDR seems to be off the table for now.

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  • Apple’s 2025 Roadmap: Watch SE Redesign, iPhone Air, M4 Mac Studio

    According to Bloomberg analyst Mark Gurman, 2025 is set to be a significant year for Apple. Gurman has a solid track record for providing accurate insights and leaks about Apple’s various products. His most recent edition of the Power One Newsletter discusses what we can look forward to with the iPhone, iPad, and Mac in 2025, offering a succinct overview of Apple’s plans along with some intriguing new details.

    Upcoming iPhone Launch

    The Apple product lineup for 2025 will kick off with the iPhone SE of 2025, codenamed V59. Rumors suggest that it will not be called iPhone SE 4 or iPhone SE 2025, but instead, it will be known as the iPhone 16E. While Gurman doesn’t specifically mention the name of this new budget-friendly iPhone, he does confirm that it will feature a redesign based on the iPhone 14, including Face ID and Apple Intelligence capabilities. The price is expected to increase slightly, but the older iPhone SE 2022 might still draw in customers in emerging markets, which may not please Apple, per Gurman.

    New MacBook Air and iPads

    Coming soon after the iPhone launch, likely in the first quarter but not in January, are the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models, codenamed J713 and J715. These are already in production and will feature the Apple M4 chip. Gurman anticipates that Apple will keep the M2 MacBook Air models available while replacing the current M3 versions with the new ones. Around the same time, new entry-level iPads (codenamed J481 and J482) are also expected, equipped with the Apple A17 Pro chip, 8 GB of RAM, and support for Apple Intelligence, matching the current iPad Mini’s capabilities.

    Spring Product Releases

    In spring, Apple is set to unveil two new iPad Magic Keyboards (R307 and R308) alongside refreshed iPad Air models, which will likely receive an upgrade to the Apple M4 chip, as an M3 launch wouldn’t be logical. This will bring the iPad Air models closer to the iPad Pro range. Gurman notes that the iPad Pro will not see an upgrade until the Apple M5 is released, either late in 2025 or early in 2026. The model numbers for the iPad Airs set for 2025 are J607, J608, J637, and J638.

    Upgrades Coming for Mac Studio and More

    A Mac Studio upgrade is on the horizon for the first half of 2025, featuring either the M4 Max or M4 Ultra chip, which would put it ahead of the Mac Mini with its M4 Pro chip. Gurman also mentions a new version of the Mac Pro, though details remain unclear. The AirTags 2 (codenamed B589), which have been discussed multiple times, are also expected to launch soon after the spring announcements. New MacBook Pro M5 models might debut at the end of 2025, but a significant redesign is likely postponed until 2026, which marks the 20th anniversary of the MacBook Pro.

    Excitement in September

    September, traditionally known as Techtember, will likely be busy for Apple, featuring new iPhones and Apple Watches. Gurman suggests that this year could include surprises, with a redesign for both the Apple Watch SE and the iPhone 17 lineup. He hints that Apple could call the new ultra-slim iPhone 17 either the “iPhone Air” or “iPhone 17 Air.” This model is expected to utilize Apple’s first in-house modem and could pave the way for future foldable devices, as thinner components are necessary for that. The iPhone 17 Air should feature the Apple A19 SoC, and it might rely on a sensor for its camera, similar to the iPhone SE.

    Health Features on the Apple Watch

    Gurman envisions a fresh aesthetic for the Apple Watch SE, although specifics are still vague. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 are likely to receive significant hardware upgrades while maintaining their current designs. The Ultra Watch is anticipated to include satellite connectivity and 5G RedCap access, and both the Series 11 and Ultra 3 models are expected to finally feature high blood pressure detection. In the long run, Apple plans to enhance the health functionalities of its smartwatches and implement an AI-based training system.

    Updates and Future Products

    Gurman also foresees updates for long-overdue products like the HomePod mini and Apple TV Box in the latter half of the year. However, prospects look less bright for the Apple Vision Pro, which seems unlikely to receive a successor soon. There are indications of a second-generation model in 2026 using the Apple M5, but a more affordable, simplified version (codenamed N107) is seen as more probable. Smart glasses reminiscent of Ray-Ban Meta might also be on the table, but not until 2026.

    One lingering question is about the new smart home tablet, which has been mentioned in various reports. Initially expected to launch in early 2025, it now seems delayed due to software issues (codenamed Pebble), which will integrate closely with iOS 18.4 or even iPhone 19, based on a refined version of Siri. Consequently, this AI hub is now likely pushed to the second half of 2025 or possibly early 2026, when both a more advanced Siri and a Face ID-enabled doorbell might be introduced.

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