New & Now: Apple MacBook Air M4
It's time for a laptop upgrade, and Apple has just what you're looking for. The iconic brand has brought some of their most powerful technologies (along with a few new features) to one of their most popular computers, the Apple MacBook Air. Known for being ultra-light, easy to use and, what's more, one of the least expensive computers in the Mac lineup, the new Apple MacBook Air now sports the M4 chip—a boost in power and performance for a computer that once played second fiddle to its sibling, the MacBook Pro. In this analysis, we're going to dive deep into the Apple MacBook Air M4, and how it stands up next to its predecessor Air models...and the current MacBook Pro.
Performance
First invented in 2008, Apple describes the Air as "the world's most popular laptop". That was because it was their entry-level laptop, a perfect choice for students hoping to tackle assignments, check emails, manage tasks and so much more. But it's easy to see why the newest generation will be more popular thanks to the kind of performance they've built into the latest incarnation. So, what makes it exciting? A lot of the hype surrounds the M4 chip. This Apple silicon chip is twice as fast as the M1 chip, and we'll dive into the new M4 in detail soon. Meanwhile, the base model for the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air M4 comes with 16 gigs of RAM (double the memory of last generation's model), as well as 256GB of SSD storage. You can upgrade to higher amounts of memory and storage—up to 32GB of unified memory and 2TB of storage, but the price will go up accordingly. If you're someone who works with a lot of video and photo software, that might be the kind of space that you need.
With a slight (slight) boost to battery life in wattage compared to the previous Air, this mighty laptop can run for about 18 hours at a time. The new Air also has two USB-C ports, a MagSafe 3 cable and a headphone jack, giving you a bit of flexibility while keeping that ultra-thin body as skinny and portable as possible. Below, we'll dive into aspects of the powerful M4 chip, display and more—and how it measures up to recent MacBook Air computers,
The M4 Chip
Let's dive into the M4 chip. This isn't the first Apple device with the M4 chip; the M4 iPad Pro and M4 Mac Mini are both powered by this latest version of Apple silicon, a SoC (system on a chip) technology launched in 2020 and updated for 2025. In the MacBook Air, the M4 is your unstoppable power source and sidekick in one. This chip is designed to dedicate specific resources to AI for Apple Intelligence. So, what's inside the M4? A powerful CPU, GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine that's ready to go to work alongside you.
One of the main differences between the M3 and M4 chips is that the M4 features extra AI-dedicated power. Between the ability to quickly render requested images and craft AI-generated writing, that extra power in the Apple MacBook Air M4 can go a long way. Everything is passively cooled as well—there are no fans at all inside this computer. That gives you a peaceful computing experience, a thinner frame, and quiet functionality.
The M4 chip is powerful enough to tackle jobs that you might have formerly needed a Pro-level computer for. It's able to handle some video and photo editing tasks without breaking a sweat. And while gamers normally say you need a dedicated PC to handle gameplay, you'd be surprised by what the Apple MacBook Air M4 can do. Instead of stuttering with lag, this laptop can render certain popular games (like Civilization VII) easily and smoothly. While it's not a gaming computer per se, you can take some of your favorite games with you with this fanless, lightweight laptop—and that's impressive.
The Display
The Apple MacBook Air M4's display may be one space where it could improve, but that's only when compared to more advanced computers like the MacBook Pro that rock MiniLED screens, nano-texture displays and more. The screen is impressive for an entry-level laptop with a price as low as it is. With 500 nits of brightness and a Liquid Retina display, the screen is designed to show off one billion colors and the P3 color profile, a spectrum of hues that's 25% broader than that of a standard sRGB version. Meanwhile, the brand's True Tone color technology makes working in ambient lighting easy. With True Tone, the Apple MacBook Air M4 adjusts the display brightness and colors to match your space's ambient light.
Our last point about the MacBook Air's display is actually about display support. This laptop can support up to two external display monitors, and you can keep the laptop open while using both of them for a total of three screens. That makes the Apple MacBook Air M4 a great computer choice for a workstation, whether you're working from home or the office. Tackle tasks on multiple screens, then toss your laptop in your bag and take it with you.
How Does the Performance Compare to Other MacBook Air Models?
The performance is impressive for an entry-level computer in 2025—some MacBook Air models would only be able to handle projects like web browsing, multitasking, watching shows, making spreadsheets, and the kind of work you'd need to do as a student or for many office jobs. But in 2025, the Apple MacBook Air M4 leverages that silicon chip to go further than ever before. Now, you have the power to edit images and videos, play games, and do so much more with AI, all with the entry-level MacBook Air. So, how does it compare performance-wise? If you already have a MacBook Air with an M3 chip, the M4 might not be a massive improvement unless you're hoping to leverage AI tools and Apple Intelligence at work or in your daily life. But if you're coming from an M1 or an Intel chip, this is going to be an extreme upgrade.
Apple Intelligence
A large selling point for this computer is its integration with Apple Intelligence ... so what is Apple Intelligence? Apple Intelligence is all about new, creative ways to help users tackle tasks and have fun easily, in their own way, and with Apple's version of AI. One example? Image Playground, where users can create their own images with text prompts. Even more useful is Writing Tools. With Writing Tools, Aple Intelligence can proofread your text, finding and pointing out errors. Apple Intelligence can also help convert text into different writing styles; choose between Friendly, Professional and Concise to help change the tone until it's just the way you want it. And if you need to start from scratch, use Compose and ChatGPT will help you begin.
Siri gets a true boost with Apple Intelligence, too. While this assistant has been in all kinds of Apple devices for over a decade, Apple Intelligence gives Siri new and impressive capabilities, from the ability to tap into shared computer files to ChatGPT answers. Per Apple, Siri's Apple Intelligence capabilities will improve with future software updates, so we'll see just how far this assistant comes from the days of simple voice calling.
The Camera: Center Stage
One of the most notable upgrades within the MacBook Air M4 is the 12MP camera that's equipped with Center Stage. A feature first introduced in 2021 with iPad, Center Stage keeps you in the center of the field of view, even as you shift around in your space. While the MacBook Pro already had this feature, it's a new addition to the Air. The computer supports Desk View, which shows whatever's on your desk (like an important document or sheet of homework) on a video call. These camera upgrades give you just what you need to tackle work meetings, video calls with the family, tutoring sessions and more.
Dimensions, Weight & Design
The newest Apple MacBook Air M4 comes in a completely new color, Sky Blue, as well as classic Silver, Starlight, and Midnight. Even more exciting? Whichever color you choose, the MagSafe charger matches your computer. One thing to keep in mind is that the Sky Blue color isn't an intense blue hue. It's more accurate to say that it's a blue-tinted silver. The color is still beautiful, nonetheless, and it takes the place of Space Gray in the laptop lineup. The Apple MacBook Air M4 comes in two sizes, a 13-inch model and a 15-inch version. Both are less than half an inch thin, perfect for backpacks, messenger bags and taking work on the move—whether you're bringing this aluminum-built computer to the library for a group project or taking it to the office to get some work done. See the weight and dimensions for the two sizes below.
13-Inch MacBook Air
- Weight: 2.7 pounds
- Height: 0.44 inches
- Width: 11.97 inches
- Depth: 8.46 inches
15-Inch MacBook Air
- Width: 13.4 inches
- Depth: 9.35 inches
- Height: 0.45 inches
- Weight: 3.3 pounds
Anyone who remembers the MacBook Air laptops from years ago knows that they had different designs and sizing compared to the current models. Older versions had a thick base that tapered toward the end as a way to make these computers as light as possible. They had smaller screens, too, with the smallest screen available at 11 inches for a similar price. In 2025, you're getting much, much more for less. The modern 2025 Apple MacBook Air M4 has an even, thin design all throughout, and performs like never before, all with that sleek, lightweight design.
Pricing
One thing that has everyone talking about 2025's MacBook Air is its price. The entry-level 13-inch model costs just $999 at the time of publication, a price that beats last year's $1,099 Air. At Abt, you can lower that price even further if you're a student or educator; we price match with Apple's education discount. (Tip: bring in a student ID or have your student email at the ready to get that discount). But $999 is an impressive price for any new MacBook, especially one with the M4 chip with power dedicated to Apple Intelligence. With the 15-inch model, the price is $1,199. You're paying for the larger screen as well as better speakers and force-cancelling woofers (which are hidden within the body of the machine). If you truly are looking for the lightest weight and lowest price, the 13-inch model is the best pick. But if you need that extra screen space to get work done from home, you'll want the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air M4.
How Does it Hold Up Against the MacBook Pro?
If you're purchasing a new Apple computer in 2025, you're probably caught between the Pro and the Air—and this new launch hasn't made that decision much easier. The MacBook Air inches forward in performance, but the Pro is still just that: Pro. If you want the absolute best that Apple can provide in performance and display, you'll want to buy the MacBook Pro ... but you'll be paying for it. At the time of publishing, Apple's current MacBook Pro starts at a price of $1599. If you want those pro-tier features, they're worth it, especially if your job depends on a lot of heavy photo and video editing. But if you're a normal student, worker or multitasker, the Apple MacBook Air M4 is a good choice and an incredible upgrade over past generations. With the power of Apple silicon, it can do more than you'd expect for an entry-level laptop. This $999 computer shows that Apple is moving in the right direction—and proves that the brand is still making the world's most popular laptop.
If you're hoping to find the Apple MacBook Air M4, Abt has it here in-store at our Apple boutique and online. Order yours online, or call our specialists at 800-860-3577 if you have questions. And if you'd rather do some research on your own, explore our laptop buying guide.
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