Apple unveiled its latest MacBook Air models on Wednesday, featuring the new M4 chip and enhanced artificial intelligence capabilities, while lowering the starting price by $100 compared to previous generations.
The 13-inch MacBook Air will now start at $999, with the 15-inch model beginning at $1,199. Customers can place pre-orders immediately, with in-store availability scheduled for March 12.
While official pricing for Pakistan hasn't been announced, market analysts expect the 13-inch MacBook Air to retail for approximately 280,000-300,000 PKR, with the 15-inch version likely reaching 340,000-360,000 PKR based on current exchange rates and import duties.
These new laptops come equipped with Apple Intelligence, the company's suite of AI features that integrates ChatGPT access. The technology enables users to compose emails, draft messages, and edit photos among other functions, as part of Apple's broader AI strategy that began rolling out on iPhones late last year.
"The new MacBook Air models represent our continued commitment to making powerful technology more accessible," said an Apple representative during the announcement.
The timing aligns with industry expectations of an AI-driven recovery in the personal computer market following a post-pandemic sales decline. Apple's Mac division reported $8.99 billion in revenue during the last holiday quarter, exceeding analysts' expectations of $7.96 billion according to LSEG data.
In a separate announcement the same day, Apple introduced its M3 Ultra processor, promising enhanced performance over previous silicon generations. This processor will be available in the newly unveiled Mac Studio, a device targeting AI developers and media professionals with a starting price of $1,999.
The Mac Studio configured with the M3 Ultra chip will include at least 96 gigabytes of memory and can run large language models with over 600 billion parameters directly on the device. Models featuring the M4 Max chip will start with 36 gigabytes of memory.
Industry analysts note that these releases represent Apple's strategic emphasis on AI capabilities while maintaining competitive pricing in key product categories, though Pakistani consumers will likely pay a premium due to import taxes and distribution costs.
The company continues to expand its Apple Intelligence features across various languages and regions to increase user adoption as the tech industry increasingly focuses on artificial intelligence as a key differentiator.
