Intel MacBook Air users can finally upgrade without giving up a feature

Still using an Intel MacBook Air? You’re now free to throw it in the recycling bin without feeling guilty.

OK, maybe don’t go that far, but Intel MacBook Air users can finally upgrade to the Apple silicon version without giving up a useful feature.

The M4 MacBook Air hits stores on Wednesday, March 12. Visually, the most striking change is the new sky blue version that replaces space gray, and let’s not forget the tweaked mute key icon — total game changer.

Visually, the MacBook Air has been an upgrade over the Intel version since the current design debuted with the M2 chip.

Redesign aside, though, the last three generations of MacBook Air couldn’t beat the last Intel MacBook Air from early 2020 in one department.

External display support was a notable step back for the MacBook Air when Apple switched from Intel chips to Apple silicon.

That’s because both the M1 and M2 MacBook Air are capable of using just one external display. Without wonky workarounds, the first two Apple silicon versions just couldn’t drive two external displays simultaneously — even if they were both just 1080p resolution.

My switch from Intel to Apple silicon in late 2020 started with the original M1 MacBook Air that replaced my 16-inch Intel MacBook Pro. I went from Apple’s hottest-running and nosiest Mac notebook ever to the fan-less MacBook Air and never looked back.

I could also never look at the second 21.5-inch 4K monitor on my desk when using an Apple silicon MacBook Air. The improvements to performance and battery life were worth the trade-off when it was necessary, but it was still a setback compared to the most basic Intel MacBook Air.

That started to change with the previous generation MacBook Air. Apple enabled the ability to connect the M3 MacBook Air to two displays for simultaneous use, but only with the MacBook Air lid closed.

Since then, the MacBook Pro has gotten more attractive. All M-series MacBook Pro models have always been able to drive dual monitors, but they’re neither MacBook Air priced nor MacBook Air sized.

Which brings us to the best tidbit about the M4 MacBook Air. It will work with two external displays while using the built-in display at the same time. No more compromise! Unless you’re shopping for one of those earlier generation M-series MacBook Air models. Eventually they’ll be off the market and all MacBook Air models being sold as new will be as capable as the Intel MacBook Air!

The M4 MacBook Air is available for pre-order now and hits stores on Wednesday.