MacBook Air M4 Early 2025: Full Review

Apple's annual refresh of the MacBook Air in 2025 sticks to the familiar script, introducing the new MacBook Air 15 with yet another updated System on a Chip (SoC). This sleek laptop continues to excel in powering through office tasks with remarkable battery life and a stunning display. While it may not be the go-to choice for PC gaming enthusiasts, the MacBook Air remains the ultimate companion for those who need a reliable, portable device to get work done on the go.

Purchasing Guide

The MacBook Air (M4, Early 2025) is now available, starting at $999 for the 13-inch model and $1,199 for the 15-inch model, which was the focus of this review. As with all Apple products, customization options are plentiful. For instance, you can configure a 15-inch MacBook Air with 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD for $2,399.

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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, offering an ultra-thin and lightweight experience at just 3.3 pounds for a 15-inch laptop. The secret to its featherweight status lies in its unibody aluminum chassis, which measures less than half an inch thick.

While the thin profile is nothing new for the MacBook Air, it's still a refreshing change from the bulkier laptops I typically carry. The design is not only slim but also sleek, with the speakers cleverly integrated into the hinge, firing towards the display. This innovative approach, made possible by the fanless M4 chip, not only maintains a clean aesthetic but also enhances sound quality by using the laptop's lid as a natural amplifier.

The fanless design contributes to the laptop's clean lines, with no need for air vents, resulting in a smooth, uninterrupted aluminum surface. The only visible elements on the bottom are the four rubber feet, which protect the aluminum from scratches.

The top of the device features the same excellent keyboard as recent models, with deep key travel and a reliable TouchID sensor for quick and secure access. The spacious touchpad, extending between the 'Command' keys, offers excellent palm rejection, ensuring smooth cursor control during extended use.

However, the port selection on the MacBook Air could be more generous. The left side houses two USB-C ports and the MagSafe connector, while the right side only offers a headphone jack. While it's commendable that Apple includes a headphone jack, the absence of an SD card reader or an additional USB-C port on the right side is noticeable, especially when compared to the slightly thicker MacBook Pro.

Display

Although the MacBook Air doesn't aim to match the MacBook Pro's display prowess, it still delivers a vibrant and bright screen. The 15.3-inch, 1880p display covers 99% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and 100% of sRGB, making it a standout in its class. With a peak brightness of 426 nits, it's well-suited for indoor use and holds up reasonably well in brighter environments.

While it may not boast the richness of an OLED display, the MacBook Air's screen is more than adequate for most users. I enjoyed watching shows on it, and the color performance significantly enhanced my viewing experience.

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 is not designed to compete with gaming laptops. In games like Total War: Warhammer 3 and Assassin's Creed Shadows, the MacBook Air struggled to maintain playable frame rates at 1080p, even on medium settings.

But the MacBook Air's true strength lies in its role as a productivity machine. It effortlessly handled my demanding workflow, which included managing numerous Safari tabs and streaming music on Apple Music, all while running on battery power. The 32GB of RAM in the review unit ensured smooth multitasking without any hiccups.

The laptop also managed light Photoshop tasks well, though it struggled with more intensive operations like noise filtering in Lightroom. For everyday productivity, the MacBook Air's performance is impressive, especially considering its slim profile and long battery life.

Battery

Apple claims 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 claims.

While this test doesn't replicate the exact conditions of streaming, it's clear that the MacBook Air offers exceptional battery life. Over several 4-5 hour work sessions, I found the laptop could go days without needing a charge, making it an ideal choice for travelers. The compact charger included in the box is a bonus, allowing you to stay productive without being tethered to a power outlet.