MacBook Air M4 Early 2025: Comprehensive Review

Apple continues its annual tradition with the release of the new MacBook Air in 2025, featuring yet another update to its system on a chip (SoC). The MacBook Air 15, equipped with the new M4 chip, remains the epitome of sleek and efficient laptops designed for office work, boasting impressive battery life and a stunning display. While it may not be the go-to choice for PC gaming enthusiasts, the MacBook Air excels in its intended purpose: to be a reliable, portable device for getting things done 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, starting at $1,199. True to Apple's customization options, you can enhance your MacBook Air to suit your needs, such as upgrading to a 15-inch model with 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD for $2,399.

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Design

In many ways, the MacBook Air has become synonymous with the concept of a laptop. Its design remains unchanged from recent predecessors, but that's no bad thing. At just 3.3 pounds, this 15-inch laptop is remarkably light, thanks to its ultra-thin unibody aluminum chassis, measuring less than half an inch thick. This thinness is a hallmark of the MacBook Air's appeal, providing a refreshing contrast to bulkier gaming laptops.

The MacBook Air's design is clean and minimalist, with speakers cleverly hidden in the hinge, directing sound towards the display. This innovative placement not only maintains the laptop's sleek appearance but also enhances audio output by using the lid as a natural amplifier. The fanless M4 configuration further contributes to the laptop's streamlined look, resulting in a closed-off device with only four small rubber feet on the bottom to prevent scratching.

The top of the device features the same excellent keyboard as its recent predecessors, with deep key travel and a reliable TouchID sensor for swift and secure access. The touchpad is expansive and responsive, maintaining Apple's reputation for superior touchpad technology. On the downside, the port selection is limited, with two USB-C ports and a MagSafe connector on the left, and a headphone jack on the right. While the inclusion of a headphone jack is appreciated, additional ports like an SD card reader would have been welcome.

Display

Although not aimed at creatives like the MacBook Pro, the MacBook Air's display is still impressive. It's bright, vibrant, and reasonably resistant to glare, making it suitable for a variety of environments. The 15.3-inch, 1880p display covers 99% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and 100% of sRGB, which is exceptional for a versatile laptop. It reaches a peak brightness of 426 nits, slightly below the advertised 500 nits but still sufficient for indoor use and bright enough for most outdoor settings.

While it doesn't match the quality of an OLED display, the MacBook Air's screen is more than adequate for everyday use, including streaming shows like my recent rewatch of The Clone Wars, where the color performance truly shone.

Performance

Benchmarking a MacBook can be challenging due to the limited compatibility of standard tests with macOS. However, the fanless M4 chip in the MacBook Air is not designed for high-end gaming. In games like Total War: Warhammer 3 and Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the MacBook Air struggles to maintain playable frame rates at 1080p, even on medium settings. But gaming isn't its forte; the MacBook Air is a productivity powerhouse.

I found it perfect for carrying to a coffee shop for focused work. With 50 Safari tabs open and Apple Music playing in the background, the MacBook Air, equipped with 32GB of RAM, handled multitasking effortlessly, even on battery power. It also managed light Photoshop work, though it struggled with more intensive tasks like noise filtering in Lightroom. For everyday productivity, this thin and light laptop excels, offering all-day battery life.

Battery

Apple claims the MacBook Air can last up to 18 hours of video streaming and 15 hours of web browsing. My test, using local video playback in VLC Media Player, saw the laptop last an impressive 19 hours and 15 minutes, surpassing Apple's claim. While streaming might slightly reduce this duration, the MacBook Air's battery life is exceptional, allowing for multiple days of use without needing a recharge.

This makes it an ideal choice for travelers, as few flights exceed 15 hours. The included charger is compact, and the laptop's long battery life means you can work untethered from a power outlet, making it perfect for checking emails on the go.