Apple consistently refreshes its MacBook Air lineup annually, and 2025 is no exception. The new MacBook Air 15 introduces the latest M4 chip, enhancing its performance while maintaining the sleek design that's perfect for everyday office tasks. With exceptional battery life and a stunning display, this laptop is designed for users who need a reliable, portable device to get things done efficiently. While it may not be ideal for PC gaming, the MacBook Air excels in its role as a versatile, go-to laptop for productivity on the move.
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 customization options, allowing you to upgrade to a 15-inch MacBook Air with 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD for $2,399, catering to those who need more power and storage.
MacBook Air (M4, 2025) – Photos
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Design
The MacBook Air epitomizes what many envision when they think of a laptop. Its latest iteration retains the familiar aesthetics but continues to impress with its ultra-thin and lightweight build. Weighing only 3.3 pounds, this 15-inch laptop is incredibly portable, thanks to its unibody aluminum chassis that measures less than half an inch thick. This design not only contributes to its lightweight nature but also enhances its sleek, clean look, with speakers cleverly integrated into the hinge, enhancing audio output through the lid's natural amplification.
The fanless M4 chip configuration not only contributes to the laptop's silent operation but also allows for a completely sealed design, free from the usual vents and grills. The top features a comfortable keyboard with significant key travel and a fast, accurate TouchID sensor, complemented by an expansive touchpad with excellent palm rejection. While the port selection is minimal, with two USB-C ports and a MagSafe connector on the left, and a headphone jack on the right, it remains functional for everyday use.
Display
The MacBook Air's display, while not as advanced as the MacBook Pro's, offers impressive quality for a productivity-focused laptop. The 15.3-inch, 1880p screen achieves 99% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and 100% of sRGB, making it suitable for a wide range of tasks. With a peak brightness of 426 nits, the display is sufficiently bright for indoor use and handles glare well. This screen quality is more than adequate for most users, whether working on documents or enjoying multimedia content.
Performance
Benchmarking a MacBook can be challenging due to limited compatibility with standard tests. However, the fanless M4 chip in the MacBook Air is tailored for productivity rather than gaming. It handles everyday tasks with ease, from managing numerous browser tabs to running background applications like Apple Music. The 32GB of RAM in the review unit ensured smooth multitasking and even supported light Photoshop work, though more demanding tasks like noise filtering in Lightroom pushed its limits. This laptop's strength lies in its ability to perform daily tasks efficiently while maintaining all-day battery life.
Battery
Apple boasts that the MacBook Air can last up to 18 hours of video streaming and 15 hours of web browsing. In testing, the laptop surpassed these claims, running for 19 hours and 15 minutes on a loop of local video playback. While real-world usage may vary, the MacBook Air's battery life is exceptional, making it ideal for travelers and those who value mobility. The included charger is compact, further enhancing its portability, ensuring you can work without constantly seeking a power outlet.
