Apple announced a new model of its bestselling laptop, the MacBook Air, on the 5th (local time). The new model features a faster M4 chip and an upgraded video conferencing camera.
The M4 chip is Apple's latest chip, described as a "chip for powerful artificial intelligence (AI)." The M4 chip includes Apple's fastest neural engine, capable of processing 38 trillion operations per second, and is 60 times faster than the transfer model.
Additionally, the new camera supports the "Center Stage" and "Desk View" features, automatically tracking users during video calls and allowing them to share the screen on their desk. The new products will be available for sale starting March 12, priced at $999 for the 13-inch model and $1,099 for the 15-inch model, which is a $100 reduction from the transfer model.
This price drop comes as new tariffs on Chinese products from the Trump administration are implemented. However, Apple has been diversifying its supply chain and is now producing some Mac products in Malaysia and Vietnam, thereby avoiding tariff impacts.
In addition to the MacBook Air, Apple also announced a new model of its high-end desktop, the Mac Studio. The Mac Studio is available in two versions, equipped with the M3 Ultra and M4 Max chips, and is particularly strong in AI performance and 3D graphic tasks.
The new MacBook Air and Mac Studio are part of Apple's core product lineup, with Mac sales increasing by 15% last year, recording $9 billion in revenue. CEO Tim Cook noted that the MacBook Air is one of the key growth factors.