The MacBook Air has long been Apple’s most accessible and beloved laptop renowned for its sleek profile, silent fanless design, and rock solid performance for everyday users. Over the years, it has become the go-to option for students, professionals, and creatives alike who want a powerful yet lightweight machine. In 2025, Apple is pushing the boundaries once again with the introduction of the MacBook Air M4, powered by the all new Apple M4 chip. This latest iteration promises faster performance, improved energy efficiency, and extended battery life all wrapped in the same ultra-slim aluminum chassis that defines the Air series. With support for advanced AI workloads and up to two external displays, this could be Apple’s most complete MacBook Air yet.
But is it a revolutionary leap forward or just a well-polished refresh? That’s the question we set out to answer. On the surface, it may look similar to its M2 and M3 predecessors, but under the hood lies a vastly improved computing experience. In this detailed review, we’ll explore every major aspect of the MacBook Air M4 from benchmark results and battery life to display quality, thermal performance, and real-world multitasking. Whether you’re considering your first Mac or debating an upgrade from an earlier model, this breakdown will help you decide if the MacBook Air M4 is truly the best lightweight laptop of 2025.
Design & Build Quality: Subtle, Yet Refined
If you’re familiar with the MacBook Air M2 or M3, the new M4 model might feel very familiar and that’s not a bad thing. Apple has kept the sleek, squared edge design that debuted with the M2 generation, moving away from the iconic wedge shape and embracing a more symmetrical and modern chassis. This refined look strikes a balance between minimalism and professionalism, making it suitable for students, creatives, and business users alike. The aluminum unibody construction continues to deliver excellent durability while maintaining Apple’s commitment to sustainability with a 100% recycled metal frame.
Weighing just 2.7 pounds (1.24 kg) for the 13.6-inch variant and around 3.3 pounds (1.5 kg) for the 15.3-inch model, the MacBook Air M4 is impressively portable. At only 11.3 mm thick, it remains one of the slimmest full size laptops available today, slipping effortlessly into backpacks, briefcases, or even tote bags. Despite its slim profile, the device feels solid and premium in hand. The color lineup remains unchanged Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and Space Gray but Apple has subtly improved the Midnight finish with a new anodisation process that significantly reduces fingerprint smudging, making it more practical for daily use. Overall, while the design isn’t groundbreaking, it’s a mature evolution that still leads the ultrabook category in both looks and usability.
Display & Audio: Brilliant and Immersive
The display is undeniably one of the standout features of the MacBook Air M4. Whether you opt for the 13.6-inch or the larger 15.3-inch model, both versions come equipped with Apple’s stunning Liquid Retina display, which delivers sharp resolution, rich contrast, and vibrant color accuracy. With support for True Tone and the P3 wide color gamut, the screen dynamically adjusts to ambient lighting and delivers professional-grade color reproduction making it ideal for content creators, students, and anyone who appreciates visual clarity. Brightness peaks at 500 nits, which is more than sufficient for most indoor and even some outdoor use, and the edge-to-edge design with minimal bezels adds to its modern, immersive feel.
The display notch, which houses the 1080p FaceTime HD camera, remains a part of the design and continues to offer one of the clearest video call experiences in any ultrabook. Video conferencing looks crisp, and combined with Apple’s image signal processing, low-light performance is solid. On the audio side, the MacBook Air M4 sees subtle improvements, especially in the six-speaker sound system exclusive to the 15-inch model. It delivers impressive clarity, balanced mids, and a wider soundstage thanks to spatial audio and Dolby Atmos support. Whether you’re watching movies, attending virtual meetings, or editing multimedia projects, the combination of display and audio in the MacBook Air M4 ensures an engaging and premium experience.
Performance Powered by the Apple M4 Chip
At the core of the MacBook Air M4 lies Apple’s most advanced chip yet the Apple M4, built on a second-generation 3nm process. This new architecture brings substantial improvements in speed, efficiency, and thermal management over the M3. The chip features an 8-core CPU (with 4 performance and 4 efficiency cores), a 10-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine designed for AI-driven tasks. It supports 8GB, 16GB, or 24GB of unified memory, and storage options range from 256GB to 2TB SSD, making it adaptable to both casual and professional workflows. Whether you’re a student juggling tabs and documents or a creative working with heavy video projects, the M4 chip delivers consistent, powerful performance without compromise.
In real-world use, the MacBook Air M4 impresses across the board. You can run Chrome with over 40 tabs, edit 4K video in Final Cut Pro, or compile large codebases in Xcode without breaking a sweat. Everything feels fluid and responsive, even when multitasking with demanding apps. It even handles casual gaming like Minecraft or Apple Arcade titles, though it’s still not designed for A gaming. One of the most impressive aspects is how the MacBook Air M4 maintains this level of performance without a fan. The passive cooling system remains silent while keeping the laptop cool, even during extended workloads. Apple’s engineering here is remarkable, proving that ultrathin laptops don’t have to compromise on power to stay portable and quiet.
Battery Life & Charging: Marathon Runner
Battery life has always been a strong point of the MacBook Air lineup, and with the M4 chip, Apple has taken efficiency to a new level. The company claims up to 18 hours of video playback, and our real-world testing backs that up with impressive results. During a typical day involving web browsing, Zoom calls, document editing, music streaming, and occasional video playback, the 13.6-inch MacBook Air M4 consistently delivered 14 to 16 hours of battery life. The larger 15.3-inch model, thanks to its slightly bigger battery, stretched even further, offering 15 to 17 hours under similar workloads. Whether you’re working remotely, traveling, or studying all day, this laptop won’t leave you scrambling for an outlet.
Charging is just as convenient, thanks to MagSafe 3. This magnetic charging connector not only ensures a secure connection but also prevents accidental tugs from pulling your laptop off the desk. While the base model includes a standard charger, you can opt for a 70W fast charger for quicker top-ups. With that, the MacBook Air M4 can hit 70% charge in under 60 minutes, which is great for busy users who need to get back to work in a hurry. Apple’s blend of energy-efficient hardware and intelligent macOS battery management makes this one of the longest-lasting and most reliable laptops in its class perfect for all-day productivity without compromise.
Keyboard, Trackpad & Webcam
Apple’s Magic Keyboard returns on the MacBook Air M4, delivering one of the most refined typing experiences you’ll find in a thin-and-light laptop. The keys offer just the right amount of travel, are quiet when pressed, and feel stable even during long typing sessions. The layout is familiar, and backlighting ensures visibility in dim environments. Integrated into the top right key is Touch ID, which remains fast and reliable for logging in, authorizing purchases, and switching user profiles. It’s a small feature that adds both convenience and security to your daily workflow.
Complementing the keyboard is Apple’s industry leading Force Touch trackpad. Large, smooth, and responsive, it supports a wide range of multi-touch gestures and pressure-sensitive actions with pinpoint accuracy. It’s so precise that many users find it easier to use than a traditional mouse, especially for creative tasks or casual browsing. The MacBook Air M4 also includes an upgraded 1080p FaceTime HD webcam, which produces sharp and balanced video quality, even in less-than-ideal lighting. Paired with studio-quality triple microphone arrays, it offers excellent voice clarity and effective background noise suppression. Whether you’re on Zoom, FaceTime, or recording a voiceover, the MacBook Air M4 stands out as a top-tier option for remote work, online classes, and virtual meetings.
Software & Ecosystem Integration
The MacBook Air M4 ships with macOS Sonoma right out of the box and is fully compatible with macOS 15, which is expected to launch later this year. Thanks to the M4 chip’s native optimization, the OS runs battery smooth, with fast app launches, seamless multitasking, and responsive animations throughout the user interface. From system-level transitions to complex workflows in professional apps, everything feels fluid and intuitive. Apple continues to deliver an ecosystem experience that’s tightly integrated across devices, allowing MacBook users to interact effortlessly with their iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.
Some of the standout features include Stage Manager, which enhances multitasking by intelligently organizing your open apps and windows; Universal Control, allowing you to control multiple Apple devices with a single keyboard and trackpad; and Continuity Camera, which lets you use your iPhone as a high-quality webcam. File sharing remains painless with AirDrop and iCloud Drive, while pre installed Apple apps like Pages, Keynote, iMovie, GarageBand, and Numbers add real value without any extra cost. New to this generation is an AI-enhanced Siri that offers smarter, context-aware suggestions, all processed with on device machine learning to preserve user privacy. Combined with the power of the M4 chip, macOS not only looks good but also feels incredibly smart and efficient making the MacBook Air M4 an excellent choice for anyone who values productivity, creativity, and privacy in a cohesive software environment.
Connectivity & Ports
When it comes to ports and connectivity, Apple keeps the MacBook Air M4 minimalist, sticking to the essentials. You get two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, which handle everything from data transfer to charging and external display connections. There’s also a dedicated MagSafe 3 charging port, which frees up the Thunderbolt ports while offering a secure, magnetic charging experience. The 3.5mm headphone jack remains, supporting high-impedance headphones for those who still prefer wired audio. However, unlike the MacBook Pro, there’s no HDMI port or SD card slot, which might disappoint creative professionals who rely on those for external displays or quick media transfers.
That said, Apple has made a key improvement with external display support. While previous MacBook Air models were limited to one external monitor, the M4 now supports up to two external displays when the laptop lid is closed. This makes it more versatile for productivity setups, especially for those working with multiple screens. Wireless connectivity is also top-notch, with support for Wi-Fi 6E offering faster speeds and lower latency on compatible networks, and Bluetooth 5.3, which ensures strong, stable connections for accessories like headphones, mice, and keyboards. Although the port selection remains limited, Apple compensates with better wireless options and enhanced external monitor capabilities, keeping the MacBook Air M4 competitive in the ultraportable space.
Storage & Configuration Options
The MacBook Air M4 comes with a 256GB SSD in its base configuration, which is adequate for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and document editing. However, if you plan to use creative tools such as Final Cut Pro, Adobe Photoshop, or Logic Pro or if you store a lot of media files it’s wise to opt for 512GB or higher. While the 256GB SSD is reasonably fast, it tends to be slower than larger configurations because it uses fewer NAND chips, resulting in lower read/write speeds. Upgrading to a higher-capacity SSD not only gives you more storage but also improves overall system responsiveness during large file transfers or multitasking sessions.
When it comes to memory, it’s important to note that the RAM is soldered and non-upgradable, meaning you’re stuck with whatever you choose at checkout. The base model includes 8GB of unified memory, which is sufficient for light use but may quickly become a limitation as apps get more demanding. For those who plan to multitask, run creative software, or keep their laptop for several years, 16GB RAM is the sweet spot. It ensures smooth performance and provides a better cushion for future macOS updates and software requirements. Our recommended configuration for most users would be the 13.6-inch MacBook Air M4 with a 10-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. This setup strikes an excellent balance between performance, storage, and price offering long-term value without overspending.
MacBook Air M4 vs M2 & M3 Models
| Feature | MacBook Air M2 | MacBook Air M3 | MacBook Air M4 |
| Chipset | M2 | M3 | M4 (3nm Gen2) |
| Display | 13.6” Retina | 13.6” Retina | 13.6” / 15.3” Retina |
| RAM | Up to 24GB | Up to 24GB | Up to 24GB |
| Battery Life | 15–17 hrs | 15–17 hrs | 17–18 hrs |
| External Display Support | 1 Display | 1 Display | 2 Displays |
| AI/ML Acceleration | Good | Better | Best (16-core Neural Engine) |
The M4 is not only faster, it’s smarter and more efficient. If you’re choosing today and budget allows, the M4 is worth it.
Pricing & Availability
As of May 2025, Apple has priced the MacBook Air M4 competitively within the premium ultrabook category. The 13.6-inch model with the base configuration of 256GB SSD and 8GB RAM starts at $1,099, while the larger 15.3-inch variant with the same specs is priced at $1,299. For users looking for better multitasking capabilities and more storage, the popular mid-tier configuration with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD comes in at around $1,499 or more, depending on any additional upgrades like a 10-core GPU or 1TB storage. While these prices are on the higher side compared to Windows-based alternatives, they reflect Apple’s consistent emphasis on build quality, longevity, and performance.
For those on a tighter budget, there are a few ways to lower the cost. Education pricing through Apple’s Student and Teacher Discount Program can shave off around $100 to $150 from the retail price. Additionally, Apple’s trade-in program offers credit for your old devices, with savings potentially reaching $300 depending on the model and condition of your current Mac or iPad. You can also explore refurbished options from Apple’s certified refurbished store or authorized resellers, which offer fully tested and warrantied units at reduced prices. While the MacBook Air M4 is not the most affordable laptop out there, Apple’s various purchasing options make it more accessible to a broader range of users looking to invest in a future-proof and portable Mac.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. Incredible performance with M4 chip 2. Silent, fanless design 3. Stunning Retina display 4. All-day battery life 5. Superb build quality and keyboard | 1. Limited ports (no HDMI or SD slot) 2. Base model comes with only 8GB RAM 3. Pricey upgrades |
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the MacBook Air M4?
The MacBook Air M4 represents the best of Apple’s engineering for mainstream users. It’s powerful enough for developers, students, and creative pros, yet simple and lightweight enough for casual users and travelers.
If you already own the M2 Air, the jump to M4 may not be essential unless you crave better AI features or need support for dual displays. But if you’re upgrading from an Intel Mac or M1 model, this is a massive leap in power, efficiency, and battery life.