MacBook Air M4 Early 2025: A Comprehensive Review

Apple continues its tradition of annual updates with the MacBook Air, and the 2025 model is no exception. The new MacBook Air 15 introduces the latest M4 chip, maintaining its reputation as a sleek, portable laptop ideal for office work. Boasting exceptional battery life and a stunning display, this MacBook Air is designed for productivity on the go. While it may not excel in running PC games, it's not meant to. The MacBook Air remains the go-to choice for users needing a reliable, lightweight device for everyday tasks.

Purchasing Guide

The MacBook Air (M4, Early 2025) is now available, starting at $999 for the 13-inch model and $1,199 for the 15-inch model reviewed here. Apple offers customizable options for those willing to invest more. For example, a 15-inch MacBook Air with 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD is priced at $2,399.

MacBook Air (M4, 2025) – Photos

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Design

The MacBook Air epitomizes what many envision when thinking of a laptop. Its latest iteration retains the familiar, ultra-thin and lightweight form, weighing just 3.3 pounds—a remarkable feat for a 15-inch laptop. The unibody aluminum chassis, less than half an inch thick, contributes to its featherweight build. Despite its thinness, the MacBook Air boasts a clean design, with even the speakers discreetly integrated into the hinge, enhancing both aesthetics and sound quality by using the lid as a natural amplifier. The fanless M4 configuration not only contributes to the sleek look but also ensures silent operation. The top features the same excellent keyboard with deep travel and a fast, accurate TouchID sensor, while the spacious touchpad continues to set the standard for laptop touchpads. However, the port selection remains limited, with two USB-C ports and a MagSafe connector on the left, and a headphone jack on the right, missing out on an SD card reader or additional USB-C port.

Display

The MacBook Air's display, while not designed for creative professionals like the MacBook Pro, still impresses with its brightness and color accuracy. The 15.3-inch, 1880p screen covers 99% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and 100% of sRGB, making it suitable for a wide range of tasks. Although it doesn't reach the advertised 500 nits, peaking at 426 nits, it remains visible in most environments. The display's performance is more than adequate for everyday use, including streaming shows with vivid colors.

Performance

Benchmarking on macOS presents challenges, but the MacBook Air's performance is tailored for productivity rather than gaming. The fanless M4 chip ensures quiet operation while handling multiple tasks efficiently. With 32GB of RAM, it manages heavy multitasking, including dozens of open Safari tabs and background music, without any hiccups. While it struggles with demanding games like Total War: Warhammer 3 and Assassin’s Creed Shadows, its strength lies in everyday productivity tasks, making it an excellent choice for users on the move.

Battery

Apple's claims of up to 18 hours of video streaming and 15 hours of web browsing are supported by real-world testing. In a local video playback test, the MacBook Air lasted an impressive 19 hours and 15 minutes, surpassing the company's claims. This exceptional battery life makes it perfect for travelers, as it can endure multiple work sessions without needing a charge. The compact charger further enhances its portability, allowing users to stay productive without being tethered to a power outlet.