Apple continues its tradition of yearly updates with the new MacBook Air 15 (M4, Early 2025), which once again focuses on enhancing the system on a chip (SoC). This sleek laptop excels in powering through office work, boasting exceptional battery life and a stunning display. While it may not be the go-to choice for PC gaming, the MacBook Air remains the ideal companion for those needing a reliable, portable device to get things done efficiently.

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 spend more. For example, 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, this ultrathin and lightweight 15-inch laptop weighs just 3.3 pounds, thanks to its slim unibody aluminum chassis, which is less than half an inch thick. The design remains sleek and clean, with speakers cleverly integrated into the hinge, enhancing sound quality without compromising aesthetics. The fanless M4 configuration not only contributes to a cleaner look but also utilizes the laptop's lid as a natural amplifier for its speakers.

The top of the device features the same excellent keyboard with deep travel and a reliable TouchID sensor for swift access. The expansive touchpad, renowned for its precision and palm rejection, maintains Apple's reputation for top-notch touchpad technology. However, the port selection could be more generous, with only two USB-C ports and a MagSafe connector on the left, and a headphone jack on the right.

Display

The MacBook Air's display, while not matching the MacBook Pro's, still stands out with its vibrant colors and decent glare resistance. The 15.3-inch, 1880p screen covers 99% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and 100% of sRGB, making it perfect for everyday use and entertainment. It reaches a peak brightness of 426 nits, sufficient for indoor use and reasonably visible in brighter environments.

Performance

Benchmarking a MacBook presents challenges due to macOS compatibility issues with standard tests. The fanless M4 chip may not compete with gaming laptops, as evidenced by its performance in games like Total War: Warhammer 3 and Assassin’s Creed Shadows, where it struggled at 1080p. However, the MacBook Air excels in its intended role as a productivity machine. With 32GB of RAM, it handles multitasking effortlessly, from managing numerous Safari tabs to running light Photoshop tasks, all while maintaining excellent battery life.

Battery

Apple claims up to 18 hours of video streaming and 15 hours of web browsing for the MacBook Air. My test, using local video playback in VLC Media Player, saw the laptop last an impressive 19 hours and 15 minutes. Though streaming might slightly reduce this duration, the MacBook Air's battery life supports extended work sessions without needing a recharge, making it an excellent choice for travelers.