MacBook Air (M4, Early 2025) Review

Apple introduces a new MacBook Air annually, and this year is no exception. The 2025 MacBook Air 15 continues its reputation as a sleek and portable powerhouse, excelling at handling everyday office tasks with impressive battery life and a stunning display. While it may not excel in gaming, it wasn’t designed for that purpose. Instead, the MacBook Air is crafted for users who need a reliable companion to accomplish their daily tasks efficiently.

Purchase Guide

The MacBook Air (M4, Early 2025) is currently available, starting at $999 for the 13-inch model and $1,199 for the 15-inch model. Apple offers customization options, allowing users to upgrade components such as RAM and storage. For example, a fully specced 15-inch MacBook Air with 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD costs $2,399.

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Design

The MacBook Air has become synonymous with modern laptop design. Its ultra-thin and lightweight form factor, weighing just 3.3 pounds, makes it incredibly portable. The unibody aluminum chassis is less than half an inch thick, contributing to its sleek profile. Despite the minimalistic design, Apple has managed to maintain a clean aesthetic, with even the speakers seamlessly integrated into the hinge.

Unlike the MacBook Pro, which features speaker grilles on either side of the keyboard, the MacBook Air hides its speakers behind the aluminum casing, directing sound toward the display. This design choice might seem unconventional, but Apple’s engineering ensures clear and loud audio. Additionally, the fanless configuration eliminates the need for ventilation, allowing for a seamless design. The bottom of the laptop reveals only four rubber feet, preventing scratches on the aluminum surface.

The keyboard retains the familiar design of previous models, offering deep key travel despite the thin profile. Palm rejection on the touchpad is excellent, ensuring smooth navigation during extended typing sessions. The Touch ID sensor in the top-right corner provides quick and secure access.

Display

The MacBook Air’s display is vibrant and bright, capable of reaching 426 nits at its peak. It covers 99% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and 100% of sRGB, making it ideal for multimedia consumption. While it doesn’t match the OLED displays of some competitors, it delivers more than enough color accuracy for general use. Watching shows like The Clone Wars on this laptop has been a delightful experience, thanks to its excellent color reproduction.

Performance

Running on a fanless version of the Apple M4 chip, the MacBook Air is optimized for productivity rather than gaming. Benchmarks on macOS are challenging due to compatibility issues, but the laptop handles multitasking with ease. With 32GB of RAM, the MacBook Air effortlessly manages heavy workloads, including dozens of open Safari tabs and background music streaming. It also performs admirably in applications like Photoshop, although it occasionally stutters when running demanding filters in Lightroom.

Despite its limitations in gaming, the MacBook Air shines as a productivity tool. Carrying it to a local café for focused work sessions proved effortless, thanks to its lightweight design and extended battery life. The M4 chip ensures smooth performance, even under intense multitasking scenarios.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the MacBook Air is its battery life. Apple claims up to 18 hours of video streaming and 15 hours of web browsing. During my test, the laptop lasted an impressive 19 hours and 15 minutes while looping local video playback. Although streaming places slightly more strain on the battery, the MacBook Air still comfortably exceeds Apple’s claims. I was able to use the laptop for multiple days without needing to recharge, making it ideal for frequent travelers.

For those seeking a lightweight, portable machine for work or casual use, the MacBook Air 2025 is an excellent choice. Its combination of portability, battery life, and solid performance makes it a compelling option for anyone looking to stay productive on the go.