# Why does the MacBook Air M4 not have a 120Hz display?

> Expert answer about MacBook Air M4 display refresh rate

*Published: 2026-03-18 | Updated: 2026-03-18 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/answers/why-does-the-macbook-air-m4-not-have-a-120hz-display*

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## Product: Apple MacBook Air 2025 13-inch with M4 Chip
**Brand:** Apple

The [MacBook Air M4](https://shopsavvy.com/products/7826bbd3-ae81-dc1c-f6d9-b5d2eca2b909) uses a 60Hz display. The 120Hz ProMotion display remains exclusive to MacBook Pro models. This is a deliberate product differentiation decision.

**Why Apple withholds ProMotion:**

- **Product differentiation:** Justifies Pro's $600+ premium over Air with same M4 chip
- **Battery optimization:** 60Hz extends battery life to 14-15 hours
- **Cost management:** ProMotion panels are more expensive to manufacture

**What the Air's display offers:**

- 2560 x 1664 resolution
- 500 nits brightness
- P3 wide color gamut
- True Tone technology

The display is genuinely good. For typical work, 60Hz is smooth and responsive.

**Where 120Hz matters:**

- Scrolling through long documents
- Video editing timeline scrubbing
- Gaming at high frame rates
- General UI animation fluidity

**Will you notice?**

If you've never used 120Hz regularly: unlikely to miss it.

If coming from 120Hz phones/tablets: noticeable for a week or two, then you'll adapt.

If using external monitors: many support 120Hz+, so built-in limitation matters less.

**The alternative:**

MacBook Pro 14-inch M4 includes ProMotion for $1,599 ($600 more than 13-inch Air).

**Perspective:**

The 60Hz display is a calculated trade-off enabling better battery life and lower pricing. For the vast majority of users, it's an imperceptible limitation rather than a meaningful compromise. Only display-critical professionals (video editors, motion designers) might justify the Pro's premium specifically for ProMotion.

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*Where this comes from: This answer is based on ShopSavvy's product database, real-time pricing from thousands of retailers, and analysis of user reviews to give you a well-rounded picture.*