Apple Inc has announced the launch of new MacBook Air models, showcasing the latest M4 chip and enhanced artificial intelligence features, at a price point $100 lower than the previous generation.

The base model of the new 13-inch laptops will be available for $999, while the 15-inch version will start at $1,199. Online pre-orders started on March 6, with in-store availability set for March 12.

The introduction of AI-integrated personal computers is anticipated to revitalise the struggling PC market this year, following a downturn in the wake of the pandemic.

The new suite of AI features, branded as Apple Intelligence, offers users access to tools like ChatGPT for composing emails, messaging, and photo editing.

The functionality was first introduced on Apple’s iPhone devices late last year, with rollouts in various languages and regions to attract a broader user base.

In the holiday quarter, Apple reported Mac sales of $8.99 billion, surpassing analysts’ expectations of $7.96 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.

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In addition to the MacBook Air, Apple unveiled its M3 Ultra processor, promising enhanced performance over previous generations of its silicon.

The new processor will be available as an option for the newly launched Mac Studio, designed to handle large language models with over 600 billion parameters directly on the device.

The new Mac Studio models, aimed at AI developers and creative professionals, would start at $1,999.

The Mac Studio equipped with the M3 Ultra chip would feature a minimum of 96 gigabytes of memory, while configurations with the M4 Max chip would commence at 36 gigabytes of memory.