Apple has once again refined its most popular laptop with the release of the M4 MacBook Air. While this update may seem incremental, it brings meaningful improvements that solidify the MacBook Air as the best all-around laptop for everyday users. With an upgraded chip, more memory, and a lower starting price, the M4 MacBook Air makes for an easy recommendation.

What’s New in the M4 MacBook Air?

At first glance, the 2025 MacBook Air looks nearly identical to its predecessor. It retains the sleek, thin, and lightweight aluminum design, complete with MagSafe charging, two USB-C ports, and a 60Hz LCD display with a notch. However, Apple has made several under-the-hood improvements that enhance the overall experience.

1. The M4 Chip: More Power, More Efficiency

The star of the show is, of course, the M4 chip. We’ve already seen its capabilities in the latest iPad Pro and Mac Mini, and now it’s powering the Air. This chip delivers improved performance, especially in AI-driven tasks, thanks to a 16-core Neural Engine. While the MacBook Air remains a fanless laptop, meaning it doesn’t sustain high-intensity workloads as long as the Mac Mini or MacBook Pro, it still offers impressive speed and efficiency for everyday tasks.

2. Increased Base Memory

Apple has finally listened to user feedback by doubling the base memory to 16GB. This is a huge upgrade for a laptop at this price point. With more RAM, macOS can handle multitasking more efficiently, reducing the reliance on swap memory and extending the device’s longevity.

3. Slightly Bigger Battery

Another subtle but welcome improvement is the slight increase in battery capacity, from 52.6 watt-hours to 53.8 watt-hours. While the difference is minor (about 2%), any boost in battery life is appreciated.

4. Improved Webcam

The new MacBook Air now features a 12MP center-stage webcam, which can automatically follow you during video calls. This upgrade makes virtual meetings more dynamic and engaging.

5. A New Color: Sky Blue

Apple has introduced a new color option—Sky Blue—replacing Space Gray. However, the color is so subtle that it often appears silver in different lighting conditions. It’s a minor aesthetic change, but for those who want a fresh look, it’s a nice touch.

Performance: Beyond Expectations

Despite being an entry-level MacBook, the Air continues to overdeliver in performance. The M4 chip allows users to handle intensive tasks that previously required a MacBook Pro. Editing 4K and 8K footage in Final Cut Pro, working with multiple layers in Photoshop, and even some light 3D modeling are all possible on this machine. While most users won’t push the MacBook Air to its limits, it’s reassuring to know that it can handle demanding tasks if needed.

What Could Be Better?

While the M4 MacBook Air is an excellent laptop, it still has a few limitations:

• The Display: Apple reserves high-end display technology (like Mini LED and ProMotion) for MacBook Pros. A brighter and higher-refresh-rate screen would make the Air even better.
• Storage Upgrades Are Pricey: The base model comes with 256GB of storage, which may be limiting for some users. Apple’s storage upgrades remain expensive, making external SSDs a more affordable alternative.
• No Design Changes: Aside from the new color, there are no physical design changes. While the MacBook Air’s design is already excellent, some users may have expected a more substantial refresh.

Should You Buy the M4 MacBook Air?

If you’re in the market for a new MacBook Air, this is an easy recommendation. The combination of the M4 chip, 16GB of RAM, and a starting price of $999 makes it a fantastic deal. However, if you don’t need the latest chip and want to save money, the M2 MacBook Air (which is now priced at $799) is still a solid option.

Final Thoughts

The M4 MacBook Air may not be the most revolutionary upgrade, but it refines an already great laptop with meaningful improvements. With a more powerful chip, more memory, and a lower price, it remains the best choice for students, professionals, and anyone who needs a reliable, lightweight laptop. Apple has made it too easy to recommend this machine.