Apple recently unveiled the latest iteration of its MacBook Air, boasting the advanced performance of the M4 chip and a striking new sky blue color, all starting at a lower price of $999. Targeted at both students and business professionals, the new MacBook Air promises to enhance productivity and multitasking capabilities while retaining its characteristic design and portability.
Small business owners, in particular, may find compelling advantages to consider with this new offering. One significant aspect is the performance boost that the M4 chip provides. According to Apple, multitasking and demanding tasks, such as photo and video editing, will run smoothly and quickly thanks to the chip’s powerful 10-core CPU and GPU. Early tests show that spreadsheet calculations in Microsoft Excel are up to 4.7 times faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air, while video editing in iMovie can be up to eight times faster. This speed can translate to more efficient workflows and faster project turnaround for small teams juggling multiple responsibilities.
Battery life also merits attention. With up to 18 hours of performance, business owners can rely on the MacBook Air to last all day without the need for frequent recharging—beneficial for those on the move, attending meetings, or working remotely. The potential of six additional battery life hours compared to older models enables users to accomplish more tasks without interruption.
Greg Joswiak, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, emphasized the laptop’s viability for business professionals: “MacBook Air is by far the world’s most popular laptop, and today we’re giving everyone even more reasons to love it.” With the new features and a lower price, now may be an ideal moment for small business owners to consider upgrading or investing in MacBook Air for the first time.
Small business owners looking to embrace remote work will appreciate the enhancements to video conferencing with the new 12MP Center Stage camera. The feature, designed to keep users centered in the frame during video calls, provides a professional touch for online meetings while also allowing users to showcase their workspace creatively with its Desk View option.
In addition to its advanced performance attributes, the MacBook Air offers enhanced external display support, allowing users to connect up to two 6K external monitors in addition to its built-in Liquid Retina display. This is particularly advantageous for those needing larger screen real estate to manage applications or projects simultaneously, streamlining their workflow.
However, small business owners should be mindful of the investment required for these devices. Though the MacBook Air starts at $999, the costs can add up, especially if planning to outfit an entire team. The new features—while impressive—may also come with a learning curve, particularly for teams that are accustomed to different operating systems or older technology. Transitioning to macOS Sequoia and its capabilities, such as utilizing Apple Intelligence features or the newly integrated ChatGPT for productivity tasks, might require dedicated time for training.
Additionally, while the M4 chip enhances the experience with increased performance and new features, it limits software compatibility for older applications. Small business owners relying on specific tools must ensure that their software is compatible with the latest hardware to avoid disruption.
Apple’s commitment to environmental sustainability might also resonate with small business owners. The MacBook Air is constructed with over 55% recycled content and aims to contribute to Apple’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2030. This factor not only presents ethical considerations for potential buyers but can also appeal to customers or clients who prioritize environmentally friendly practices.
Pre-orders for the new MacBook Air are available now, with shipping commencing on March 12, 2025. The new models include a range of colors—sky blue, midnight, starlight, and silver—offering aesthetic choices alongside the robust feature set.
For small business owners keen on an efficient, powerful, and environmentally responsible computing solution, the new MacBook Air presents an attractive option worth exploring. As they weigh the benefits and potential challenges, the goal remains clear: maximize productivity while adapting to the changing technological landscape.
For further details, visit the official announcement on Apple’s website here.
Image Via Apple
