It's been a very busy week for Apple. Firstly, there was the news that a trio of refreshed tablets are about to land in stores, including a new iPad Air and an improved entry-level iPad. Now, there are even more new products arriving in Apple Stores, with the popular MacBook Air getting a major boost.

It's been confirmed that this portable PC will be fitted with the blisteringly quick M4 processor which not only means a performance bump of up to 24 percent but also long battery life as well with Apple boasting this device can keep on going for over 17 hours.

Thanks to the M4, Apple is promising that users can perform tasks such as video editing, photo retouching and playing games without fear of things grinding to a halt. In fact, the US tech giant says that Video editing in iMovie is up to 8x faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air, and up to 2x faster than the 13-inch MacBook Air with M1. Photo editing in Adobe Photoshop is up to 3.6x faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air,

The M4 chip is already packed inside Apple's Pro models but this is the first time it's been included on the MacBook Air.

That processor isn't the only upgrade with the Air also getting an improved 12MP camera that now features Centre Stage technology. For those not in the know, Centre Stage offers the ability to move around the room when making video calls with the camera following you so you always stay in shot.

It also supports Desk View, which simultaneously displays the user and a top-down view of their desk, making video calls even more engaging.

Those wanting the Air will also find it now comes in a new colour called sky blue. This striking shade now joins midnight, starlight, and silver in the range.

It's still avialble in two sizes, 13-inch and 15-inch, plus you get all the usual features such as a Touch ID fingerprint scanner, Force Touch trackpad, MagSafe charging, plenty of ports and durable aluminium design.

If that sounds enticing there is more good news with Apple dropping the price this year. That means things start from £999 - that's £100 less than before. Students can even get more money off with Apple offering the new Air to those in education for just £899.

It's available to pre-order now, and it will arrive in stores next week.

“MacBook Air is by far the world’s most popular laptop, and today we’re giving everyone even more reasons to love it, including a big boost in performance with the M4 chip, a new Centre Stage camera, and a beautiful new sky blue colour,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing.

“Combined with its thin and light, fanless design, all-day battery life, and the incredible capabilities of macOS Sequoia with Apple Intelligence, MacBook Air is unlike any other laptop. And with a new lower starting price of £999, MacBook Air delivers more value to consumers than ever before, making this the perfect moment to upgrade or experience the Mac for the first time.”