Apple's annual refresh of the MacBook Air continues with the 2025 model, featuring yet another upgrade to the system on a chip (SoC). The new MacBook Air 15 (M4, Early 2025) remains a sleek and portable laptop, perfect for office work, boasting impressive battery life and a stunning display. While it may not be suited for PC gaming, its primary purpose is clear: to be a reliable companion for everyday tasks on the go.
Purchasing Guide
The MacBook Air (M4, Early 2025) is now available, with the 13-inch model starting at $999 and the 15-inch model, which I reviewed, at $1,199. Apple offers various customization options, allowing you to upgrade your system. For instance, you can configure a 15-inch MacBook Air with 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD for $2,399.
MacBook Air (M4, 2025) – Photos
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Design
The MacBook Air epitomizes what many envision when thinking of a laptop. Despite its similarity to previous models, its thin and light profile—tipping the scales at just 3.3 pounds—remains a hallmark of its design. The unibody aluminum chassis, less than half an inch thick, contributes to its featherweight status. This laptop's sleek design is further enhanced by hidden speakers in the hinge, utilizing the display as a natural amplifier for surprisingly robust sound. The fanless M4 configuration not only aids in maintaining a clean aesthetic but also enhances the overall user experience with its silent operation. The top features a comfortable keyboard with deep key travel and a reliable TouchID sensor, alongside a spacious and responsive touchpad. However, the port selection is limited, with two USB-C ports and a MagSafe connector on the left, and just a headphone jack on the right.
Display
While not designed for professional creatives, the MacBook Air's display is impressive. The 15.3-inch, 1880p screen offers vibrant colors, covering 99% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and 100% of sRGB, and reaches a peak brightness of 426 nits. It performs well in most indoor settings, making it ideal for everyday tasks and even binge-watching your favorite series like The Clone Wars.
Performance
Benchmarking a MacBook can be challenging due to the lack of compatible tests for macOS, and the fanless M4 chip in the MacBook Air isn't designed for gaming. In games like Total War: Warhammer 3 and Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the performance is subpar at 1080p, even on lower settings. However, the MacBook Air excels in its intended role as a productivity machine. It effortlessly handles multitasking, from managing numerous Safari tabs to running light Photoshop edits, all while maintaining excellent battery life. The 32GB of RAM in the reviewed model ensures smooth operation during demanding tasks.
Battery
Apple claims the MacBook Air can last up to 18 hours of video streaming and 15 hours of web browsing. My testing, using local video playback, exceeded this claim with the laptop running for 19 hours and 15 minutes. Though not subjected to specific office-based tests, the MacBook Air proved capable of powering through multiple work sessions without needing a recharge, making it an ideal choice for travelers. Its compact charger further adds to its portability, ensuring you can stay productive without being tethered to a power outlet.
