Here’s your in-depth review of the 2025 MacBook Air M4, enhanced with real-world insights, benchmark data, and a fresh layout for effortless reading.
Overview & Build Quality
Apple’s 2025 MacBook Air M4 blends familiarity with subtle enhancements—featuring the same ultra-thin, fanless design introduced in 2022 (just 0.44 inches thick), now offered in a stunning sky blue alongside silver, starlight, and midnight hues TechRadar, IT Pro. It introduces Apple Intelligence (AI features like smart summarizing, photo cleanup, and Siri improvements) and ships at a more accessible $999 starting price Tom’s Guide.
Performance & Apple Silicon
At its core is the powerful Apple M4 chip, featuring a 10-core CPU (4 performance + 6 efficiency) and a 16-core Neural Engine. Notably, it delivers up to 50% faster CPU and 4× improved GPU performance over the M2 . Real-world benchmarks show significant leaps: Geekbench 6 scores for the M4 reach 3,706 single-core / 14,886 multi-core, well ahead of M3 and M2 variants .
Wired praised its seamless performance under hefty load while maintaining its fanless silence—just beware of heat under sustained stress (surfaces reached ~102°C, though the chassis stayed manageable).
Battery Life & Efficiency
Battery life remains superb. Apple claims up to 18 hours, but real tests show over 20 hours during video playback, and exceptional efficiency even under heavy multitasking . Reviewers running dozens of Safari tabs, streaming music, and editing on-the-go reported battery rapidly depleting only under extreme usage. As one user shared:
“At half brightness, I get 9-10 hours on web surfing and streaming video” (Reddit).
Display, Speakers, & Webcam
The 15-inch model offers a 15.3″ Liquid Retina 60Hz display. It strikes a good balance of brightness and clarity, though competitors offer higher refresh rates . Audio is a standout: six speaker system with force-cancelling woofers and Spatial Audio delivers impressive clarity—surpassing what you’d expect in such a thin design.
The 12MP Center Stage webcam is new to the Air, smoothly tracking subjects and enabling virtual backgrounds with no visible lag—even mid-video—showcasing the M4’s power.
Keyboard & Trackpad
Apple retains its excellent haptic touchpad and comfortable keyboard layout. Tom’s Hardware reports fast typing speeds (~121 WPM) and flawless macOS gesture support. The physical refinements—like rearranged legends and function keys—don’t affect usability, though some may prefer turning off natural scrolling.
Pros & Cons at a Glance
ProsConsFanless, whisper-quiet designTends to thermal throttle under heavy loadExceptional multitasking & benchmark performanceDisplay limited to 60HzOutstanding battery lifeNo Wi-Fi 7, only Wi-Fi 6EGreat sound, webcam, and typing experiencePricier storage upgrades from AppleAI-powered features via macOS Apple Intelligence
Final Verdict
Named one of the best laptops for most users by TechRadar and The Verge, the MacBook Air M4 impresses with its blend of performance, portability, and features—all at a lower entry price than before.
If you want a lightweight, silent, battery-rich laptop that handles everyday productivity and creative tasks effortlessly, the M4 Air stands out—especially versus previous Air models or similarly priced competitors.
