Apple continues its tradition of annual updates with the new MacBook Air 15 for 2025, primarily focusing on enhancing the System on a Chip (SoC). The latest model, equipped with the M4 chip, maintains its reputation as a sleek and efficient laptop perfect for office work, boasting exceptional battery life and a stunning display. While not designed for heavy gaming, the MacBook Air excels in its primary role as a versatile, portable device for getting things done on the go.
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 various upgrade options, allowing you to customize your laptop to suit your needs. 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
View 6 Images
Design
The MacBook Air has become synonymous with the concept of a laptop for many, and it's easy to see why. The 2025 model retains the iconic design of its predecessors, featuring an ultra-thin and lightweight build. Weighing just 3.3 pounds, it's remarkably light for a 15-inch laptop, thanks to its slim unibody aluminum chassis, which measures less than half an inch thick.
The design is not only about thinness but also about cleanliness. The speakers are cleverly integrated into the hinge, firing sound towards the display. This innovative approach, coupled with the fanless M4 configuration, allows for a seamless, hole-free design that enhances both aesthetics and functionality. The speakers use the laptop's lid as a natural amplifier, resulting in surprisingly robust sound.
The top of the device features the same excellent keyboard as recent models, offering deep key travel and a reliable TouchID sensor for quick access. The expansive touchpad, which spans between the 'Command' keys, maintains Apple's reputation for superior touchpad technology with effective palm rejection.
On the connectivity front, the MacBook Air includes two USB-C ports and a MagSafe connector on the left side, and a headphone jack on the right. While the inclusion of a headphone jack is appreciated, the absence of additional ports, such as an SD card reader or another USB-C port, is a notable limitation.
Display
Though not aimed at 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 everyday use. With a peak brightness of 426 nits, it's suitable for most indoor environments, though it falls slightly short of Apple's 500-nit claim.
The display's vibrant colors and decent glare resistance make it perfect for both productivity and entertainment. Whether you're editing documents or streaming shows, the MacBook Air's screen delivers a satisfying visual experience.
Performance
Benchmarking a MacBook can be challenging due to the incompatibility of many tests with macOS. However, the fanless M4 chip in the MacBook Air is optimized for productivity rather than gaming. In games like Total War: Warhammer 3 and Assassin's Creed Shadows, the laptop struggles at 1080p, achieving only 18 fps and 10 fps respectively at Ultra settings.
Despite its gaming limitations, the MacBook Air shines as a productivity tool. With 32GB of RAM, it effortlessly handles multitasking, from managing numerous Safari tabs to running background music and performing light Photoshop work. Its ability to manage daily tasks without faltering, even on battery power, underscores its value as a reliable work companion.
Battery
Apple boasts that the MacBook Air can last up to 18 hours of video streaming and 15 hours of web browsing. My testing, using local video playback in VLC Media Player, showed the laptop lasting an impressive 19 hours and 15 minutes, surpassing Apple's claim.
While streaming might slightly reduce this duration, the MacBook Air's battery life remains exceptional, making it ideal for travelers. With its compact charger and long-lasting battery, the MacBook Air ensures you stay productive without constantly needing to find a power outlet.
