MacBook Air M4 Early 2025: In-Depth Review

Apple continues its tradition of annual updates with the 2025 MacBook Air, once again focusing on a new System on a Chip (SoC). The latest MacBook Air 15 retains its reputation as a sleek and portable laptop, perfect for powering through office tasks with impressive battery life and a stunning display. While it may not be the best choice for running PC games, the MacBook Air remains the ideal device for users seeking a reliable and efficient tool for everyday productivity.

The MacBook Air is designed to be carried everywhere, providing a seamless experience for getting work done on the go. Its slim profile and lightweight build make it a top choice for those who value mobility and efficiency in their daily computing needs.

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, priced at $1,199. As is typical with Apple, you can customize your system with additional features for a higher cost. For example, a 15-inch MacBook Air with 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD can be yours for $2,399.

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Design

The MacBook Air epitomizes the modern laptop ideal with its sleek and lightweight design. Weighing just 3.3 pounds, this 15-inch laptop is remarkably portable. The thin unibody aluminum chassis, measuring less than half an inch thick, contributes to its low weight and sleek aesthetic. The MacBook Air's design has remained consistent over recent years, yet it continues to impress with its clean lines and minimalist appeal.

One unique aspect of the MacBook Air's design is its hidden speakers located in the hinge, which fire towards the display. This innovative setup not only maintains the laptop's clean look but also leverages the lid as a natural amplifier, resulting in surprisingly loud and clear sound. The fanless configuration of the M4 chip enables this design, allowing for a completely sealed and elegant chassis.

The keyboard remains a highlight, offering deep travel and reliable performance. The integrated TouchID sensor in the top right corner provides quick and accurate access to the laptop. The touchpad is expansive and responsive, featuring excellent palm rejection for uninterrupted use. However, the port selection could be more generous. The left side includes two USB-C ports and a MagSafe connector, while the right side only offers a headphone jack. Additional ports, like an SD card reader or another USB-C port, would enhance its versatility.

Display

Though not intended for professional creatives, the MacBook Air's display is still exceptional. The 15.3-inch, 1880p screen boasts vibrant colors and good glare resistance, making it suitable for a variety of tasks. My testing showed it covers 99% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and 100% of sRGB, delivering excellent color accuracy. With a peak brightness of 426 nits, it's bright enough for most indoor environments, though it falls slightly short of Apple's 500-nit claim.

While it may not match the quality of an OLED display, the MacBook Air's screen is more than sufficient for everyday use. I enjoyed watching shows on it, with its vibrant colors enhancing my viewing experience.

Performance

Benchmarking a MacBook can be challenging due to the limited compatibility of our standard tests with macOS. However, given the fanless M4 chip, the MacBook Air isn't designed to compete with gaming laptops. In games like Total War: Warhammer 3, it struggled to achieve 18 fps at Ultra settings, and even at medium settings, it only reached 34 fps. Assassin’s Creed Shadows performed even worse, with just 10 fps at Ultra settings and 19 fps at medium settings.

Despite its gaming limitations, the MacBook Air excels in productivity tasks. With 32GB of RAM, it effortlessly handled multitasking, keeping up with numerous open Safari tabs and background music playback. It also managed light Photoshop work well, though it struggled with more demanding tasks like noise filtering in Lightroom. Its ability to handle day-to-day work without issue and its long battery life make it a standout choice for productivity on the go.

Battery

Apple claims the MacBook Air's battery lasts up to 18 hours for video streaming and 15 hours for web browsing. My testing with VLC Media Player showed it could last an impressive 19 hours and 15 minutes on local video playback, surpassing Apple's claim. Although streaming video would put more strain on the battery, my experience with multiple 4-5 hour work sessions confirmed its exceptional battery life.

This laptop is ideal for travelers, as few flights last longer than 15 hours. The included compact charger adds to its convenience, allowing you to work without being tethered to a power outlet for extended periods.