Apple’s latest M4 MacBook Air has finally arrived, and it brings with it a long-awaited feature that has kept many Intel MacBook Air users from making the jump to Apple silicon. With the ability to support two external displays without needing to close the laptop’s lid, the MacBook Air M4 officially removes one of the biggest drawbacks of previous Apple silicon models.
But that’s not all—there’s more to this upgrade than just improved display support.
A Stunning New Look with a Familiar Feel
Apple has continued to refine the MacBook Air’s design, and with the M4 model, we see a fresh sky blue color option replacing space gray. While it may not be a game-changing feature, it certainly adds a stylish touch to an already sleek machine.
And speaking of subtle design tweaks, Apple even redesigned the mute key icon—a small but noticeable change that some might call unnecessary, but hey, it’s Apple.
The Biggest MacBook Air Flaw: Finally Fixed
Let’s be real: Apple silicon MacBook Air models have been incredible in terms of performance, battery life, and thermal efficiency. But for professionals and power users, the lack of proper dual external display support has been a dealbreaker.
When Apple transitioned from Intel to its own silicon with the M1 and M2 chips, the MacBook Air suddenly lost the ability to drive two external monitors simultaneously. For years, users had to rely on workarounds or just accept the limitation, which made many hesitate to upgrade.
Even with the M3 MacBook Air, Apple only partially addressed the issue, allowing two external displays—but only when the lid was closed. That meant users had to sacrifice the laptop’s built-in display just to get dual external monitor functionality.
Now, with the M4 MacBook Air, that limitation is gone. The latest model allows users to connect two external displays while keeping the built-in display active—something Intel MacBook Air users have been able to do for years.
For anyone holding onto a 2020 Intel MacBook Air, the wait is finally over. You no longer have to choose between Apple’s power-efficient chips and the external display setup you need for productivity.