MacBook Air M4 Early 2025: Comprehensive Review

Apple continues its tradition of annual updates with the 2025 MacBook Air, introducing yet another iteration with an upgraded system on a chip (SoC). The new MacBook Air 15 maintains its reputation as a stylish and efficient laptop, perfect for handling office tasks with exceptional battery life and a stunning display. While it may not be the go-to choice for PC gaming enthusiasts, the MacBook Air excels as a versatile, on-the-go device designed to help you accomplish your daily tasks with ease.

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 we reviewed, at $1,199. Apple offers the flexibility to customize your system with higher specifications, such as a 15-inch MacBook Air with 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD for $2,399.

MacBook Air (M4, 2025) – Photos

View 6 Images

Design

The MacBook Air epitomizes the modern laptop, and the 2025 model continues this legacy with a design that remains unchanged from recent predecessors. Weighing just 3.3 pounds, this 15-inch laptop is remarkably light, thanks to its thin unibody aluminum chassis, which measures less than half an inch thick. The sleek design is not just about aesthetics; it also houses innovative features like speakers hidden in the hinge, utilizing the laptop's lid as a natural amplifier for surprisingly robust sound. The fanless M4 configuration further enhances the clean, hole-free design, with only four rubber feet on the bottom to protect the aluminum surface.

The top of the device retains the beloved keyboard with its deep travel and reliable TouchID sensor, offering swift and secure access. The spacious touchpad, stretching between the 'Command' keys, ensures excellent palm rejection and smooth navigation. However, the port selection remains 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, the absence of additional ports like an SD card reader or another USB-C on the right might be a downside for some users.

Display

Although not designed for professional creatives like the MacBook Pro, the MacBook Air's display is still impressive. The 15.3-inch, 1880p screen covers 99% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and 100% of sRGB, making it ideal for a wide range of tasks. With a peak brightness of 426 nits, it's bright enough for indoor use and holds up well in moderately lit environments. While it doesn't match the vibrancy of an OLED display, it's more than sufficient for everyday use, including enjoying your favorite shows with vivid colors.

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 prioritizes efficiency over raw gaming power. In gaming tests, performance was limited; for instance, Total War: Warhammer 3 struggled to reach 18 fps at Ultra settings, while Assassin’s Creed Shadows managed just 10 fps. Yet, the MacBook Air shines as a productivity machine, handling multitasking with ease, even on battery power. With 32GB of RAM, it managed to keep up with demanding tasks like light Photoshop work, though heavier applications like Lightroom's noise filter posed a challenge.

Battery

Apple boasts an impressive battery life for the MacBook Air, claiming up to 18 hours of video streaming and 15 hours of web browsing. Our test, which involved looping local video playback, surpassed this claim, lasting 19 hours and 15 minutes. Although 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 companion for travelers, especially considering the compact charger included in the box.