MacBook Air M4: Everything You Need to Know About Apple’s Faster and Cheaper Ultraportable

Apple’s MacBook Air M4 is the latest iteration of the company’s iconic thin-and-light laptop, and it cements the Air’s position as a top-tier ultraportable. In this MacBook Air M4 review, we explore how a new M4 chip boosts speed and efficiency, how Apple’s refined design continues to lead the pack, and whether this Apple laptop’s performance and features justify its new $999 price. With a casual yet journalistic tone, let’s dive into why the MacBook Air M4 might be the best ultraportable laptop you can buy.

Design and Build: Thin, Light, and Still Ahead of the Curve

Apple hasn’t radically redesigned the MacBook Air M4 – and that’s a good thing. The chassis remains the same as the 2022 overhaul, meaning you get the same sleek unibody aluminium build that’s strikingly thin and light, with a fanless design for silent operation​. This laptop weighs just 2.7 pounds and measures under half an inch thick, making it effortlessly portable for work or school. Apple even introduced a new “sky blue” colour option to spice up the lineup, joining the classic silver, starlight, and midnight finishes​ . It’s a subtle change, but it adds a fresh look without altering the Air’s beloved aesthetics.

Open the lid, and you’re greeted by the familiar 13.3-inch Liquid Retina display with slim bezels and that characteristic top notch housing the webcam. The screen is bright and sharp, excellent for everyday use, though some competitors now offer OLED panels with punchier colours and deeper blacks. In fact, OLED displays are appearing on more sub-$1,000 Windows laptops (Asus, for example), making the Air’s still-excellent LED screen look a bit dated in comparison​. Even so, Apple’s display quality, colour accuracy, and support for wide colour gamuts remain top-notch for this class. The addition of a 12MP Centre Stage webcam (up from the old 1080p camera) is a welcome upgrade – it smartly pans and zooms to keep you in frame during video calls, a trick we’ve seen on iPads and now brought to the MacBook Air​.

Apple’s attention to detail in design extends to the inputs. The Magic Keyboard on the MacBook Air M4 is identical to the previous model, which is a relief – it’s comfortable, responsive, and thankfully far removed from the flimsy butterfly keyboards of years past. Typing is a joy with good key travel for such a slim laptop. The large haptic trackpad is industry-leading in responsiveness and accuracy, making every swipe and gesture feel smooth. Few Windows ultrabooks can match the Air’s combination of keyboard and trackpad quality. Port selection remains minimal but practical: two Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports, a MagSafe charging port, and a headphone jack. It’s not a lot of ports, yet this is similar to other ultraportables, and the return of MagSafe charging adds convenience. Overall, Apple’s design choices – from build quality to user interface – continue to set the bar for ultraportable laptops, and the MacBook Air M4 looks and feels every bit a premium device.

Performance and the M4 Chip: Faster, More Powerful, Yet Efficient

The headline feature of this MacBook Air is its new Apple M4 chip, and it delivers a notable boost in performance. While the M4 is more of an evolution than a revolution over the previous M3, it still pushes the Air’s speed to new heights. Apple claims the MacBook Air M4 is up to 2× faster than the M1 model, and an astonishing 23× faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air​. In everyday terms, that means tasks like multitasking, web browsing, and editing photos or videos feel snappier than ever. In fact, demanding workflows that once made fan-cooled laptops whir are handled with ease by the Air’s fanless M4 architecture. During our usage, the MacBook Air M4 breezed through heavy multitasking – dozens of browser tabs, 4K video streaming, and even some light 4K video editing – without breaking a sweat.

Benchmarks and real-world tests back up Apple’s confidence in the M4. For example, Apple notes that video editing in iMovie can be up to 2× faster than on the M1 Air​, and early independent testing shows the M4 closing the gap with high-end PC ultrabooks. The base M4 chip configuration in the Air comes with an 8-core GPU and 10-core CPU, and you can opt for a 10-core GPU version if you need a bit more graphics muscle​. For most users, the standard configuration offers more than enough performance for everyday computing and creative projects. Unless you’re doing intensive 3D rendering or hardcore gaming (tasks usually reserved for MacBook Pro or gaming PCs), the Air M4’s performance is frankly overkill for typical workloads – which is great news for its longevity.

One quiet improvement is in the memory department: every MacBook Air M4 now comes with 16GB of unified RAM by default, up from the 8GB base in previous models. This boost means better multitasking and future-proofing at no extra cost. It’s a significant advantage for power users who keep lots of apps open. Storage starts at 256GB SSD (configurable higher), which is speedy as always. The combination of Apple’s custom silicon, fast storage, and macOS optimization gives the MacBook Air M4 a level of responsiveness that makes using it a pleasure.

It’s worth noting that the competition hasn’t been standing still. There are some ultraportable Windows laptops with the latest Intel 14th-gen or AMD chips that can outpace the MacBook Air M4 in certain benchmarks, especially graphics-heavy ones. However, those machines often come with compromises – many run hotter and louder (relying on fans), and often cost significantly more for similar or marginally better performance. In one test, an AMD-powered ultraportable did beat the M4 chip on paper, but that Windows laptop was a high-priced model costing over $2,600 (more than double the Air’s price)​. In short, the M4 holds its own extremely well in the ultraportable class, especially considering the MacBook Air’s fanless design and price point. Apple’s tight integration of hardware and software also means the MacBook Air M4 feels smooth and stable in ways that some spec-sheet-rich Windows rivals don’t always match.

Battery Life: All-Day Power, Even with More Punch

One of the MacBook Air’s longstanding strengths is its all-day battery life, and the M4 version continues that tradition. Apple rates the new Air for up to 18 hours of usage on a single charge​, which is the same impressive figure as the previous model’s claim. In real-world use, expect something a bit lower depending on what you do – but still easily enough to get through a full work or school day without hunting for an outlet. In our experience, the Air M4 consistently delivered well over 12-14 hours of mixed use (web browsing, streaming, document work) before needing a charge, and lighter usage could stretch it further.

Thanks to the efficiency of Apple’s M4 chip, the MacBook Air is incredibly power-frugal when handling everyday tasks. Intel-based MacBook users who upgrade will see dramatic gains: Apple says an Intel MacBook Air user could get up to 6 additional hours of battery life by switching to the M4 Air​. That’s a huge jump, highlighting how far Apple’s silicon has pulled ahead in efficiency. Even with the performance bump, the M4 model manages to run cool and quiet (no fans, remember) while sipping power. The laptop’s standby time is excellent too – close the lid for the night, and you’ll hardly lose any charge by morning.

It’s true that packing more performance into the same slim chassis meant battery life is slightly shorter than the previous M3 model in stress tests​. If you push the CPU/GPU continuously (for example, long video encodes or gaming sessions), the battery might drain a bit faster than last year’s Air. However, for typical usage patterns, most users won’t notice a difference – you’re still getting best-in-class endurance. Some Windows competitors with larger batteries can achieve similar or even longer runtime in ideal scenarios, but those often weigh more or have less powerful components when on battery. Overall, the MacBook Air M4 strikes an excellent balance of performance and battery longevity, making it an ideal travel companion.

MacBook Air vs. Windows Competitors: How Apple Stays on Top

The ultraportable laptop market is more competitive than ever, with sleek Windows notebooks like the Dell XPS 13, HP Spectre x360, and various Asus ZenBook models vying for the crown. How does the MacBook Air M4 compare? Very favourably, especially in the areas that count for everyday users. Apple’s strengths in design and usability give it an edge that specifications alone can’t fully capture. The MacBook Air’s build quality is second to none – the unibody aluminium construction feels sturdier and more premium than many Windows counterparts that sometimes flex or use plastic. The precision of the keyboard and trackpad on the Air still leads the industry, which matters for comfort and productivity when you’re using the machine hours on end.

In terms of raw performance, as mentioned, the M4 chip holds its own against the latest from Intel and AMD in the ultralight category. Some high-end PC laptops can match or slightly exceed the M4’s benchmark scores, but often only in short bursts (before heat or power constraints kick in) or at significantly higher price points​. Moreover, the MacBook Air M4 maintains performance without needing noisy fans or getting uncomfortably hot, which is a common challenge for thin Windows laptops pushing their chips to the limit. The efficiency of Apple’s silicon means the Air can sustain its performance while running cool and silent. This translates to a consistently responsive experience whether it’s on battery or plugged in – something not all Windows ultrabooks can promise, as some throttle on battery to save power.

When it comes to battery life and portability, the Air M4 is still a leader. You can toss it in a bag and trust it to last through a cross-country flight or a day of back-to-back classes. Windows rivals like those with Intel’s new Evo platform have narrowed the gap in battery life, but Apple’s synergy of hardware and software often yields real-world endurance that meets or exceeds what PC laptops achieve with larger batteries. For example, the MacBook Air M4’s claimed 18-hour battery is competitive with, if not better than, many Windows models that advertise 10-15 hours in similar tests.

Another point of distinction is software and ecosystem. macOS Sequoia (the latest Mac operating system paired with the M4) offers a polished, ad-free user experience with robust built-in apps, and it’s optimized to take full advantage of Apple’s hardware. Features like Apple’s Continuity (which lets your iPhone and Mac work together seamlessly), AirDrop, and a wealth of quality Mac-specific apps can enhance productivity and daily convenience. While Windows 11 has made strides and offers more flexibility for gaming and niche software, Apple’s focused approach often means less maintenance (no driver hunting or random bloatware) and a more streamlined experience out of the box. Plus, the MacBook Air includes useful software like iMovie, GarageBand, and the iWork suite for free, adding to its value​.

That’s not to say the competition isn’t catching up. Some premium Windows ultraportables now sport innovations like ultra-high-resolution OLED touchscreens, 2-in-1 convertible designs, or super-slim bezels that even outshine the Air’s aesthetics. We’re also seeing experiments with new form factors and features (for instance, touchscreen support, which the MacBook Air still lacks). If those features are high on your list, you might find a tempting alternative in the Windows world. But when you consider the whole package – performance, portability, battery life, build quality, and user experience – the MacBook Air M4 continues to maintain its lead over most competitors. It’s the standard against which other thin-and-light laptops are measured, and with this year’s improvements, Apple has only widened its advantage in some areas.

Price and Value: $999 – Is the MacBook Air M4 Worth It?

One of the most surprising (and welcome) changes this generation is the price. The MacBook Air M4 starts at $999, which is $100 cheaper than last year’s base model​. Apple rarely drops prices on new launches, but here they’ve done so while improving the hardware – a clear response to competitive pressure in the laptop market. This new pricing makes the Air M4 one of the best values in the ultraportable category​. For under a grand, the base configuration gives you the powerful M4 chip, 16GB of RAM, a gorgeous high-resolution display, and the premium build and features we’ve discussed. Comparable Windows laptops with 16GB RAM and a high-end processor often cost the same or more, and many of them skimp on something (for example, using a lower-end plastic build or including only 8GB RAM at that price).

If you’re considering an upgrade, the value proposition is strongest for those coming from older machines. Owners of Intel-based MacBook Airs (or other older laptops) will see a night-and-day difference with the M4 – the speed, battery life, and overall smoothness are on another level​. If you have a 2020 M1 MacBook Air, the M4 brings roughly double the performance in certain tasks​, a better camera, and more memory, which can justify an upgrade if you’re pushing the limits of your M1. For M2 or M3 Air owners, the improvements in the M4 are more iterative; you’ll get a modest speed bump and the new camera, but it may not feel dramatically different in everyday use since those models are still very capable. In those cases, you might hold off unless you specifically want the extra RAM or have a need for the slightly higher performance.

For first-time Mac buyers or those switching from Windows, the $999 MacBook Air M4 is extremely compelling. You’re getting a laptop that excels in the fundamentals and should serve you well for many years to come. Apple’s laptops also have excellent resale value, and the company provides long software support (macOS updates for 5+ years), which adds to the overall value equation. And with this model, you’re not paying an “Apple tax” for the specs – Apple has essentially levelled the playing field on price while offering a superior user experience in many ways. It’s also worth noting that even if you opt to upgrade the storage or GPU, the price increase is straightforward and the improved base model means most users can stick with the base config and be very satisfied.

In terms of warranty and support, you get the standard 1-year warranty and 90 days of tech support, which can be extended with AppleCare+. Apple’s customer service is generally highly regarded, and having physical Apple Stores for support is a plus if you live near one. These are considerations beyond raw specs that contribute to the MacBook Air M4’s value as a package.

Final Thoughts: The King of Ultraportables, Refined

The MacBook Air M4 solidifies Apple’s flagship ultraportable as the laptop to beat in 2025. By combining a meaningful performance boost with a price cut, Apple has made an already excellent laptop an even better deal. The casual user and the road warrior alike will appreciate this machine’s blend of power, endurance, and portability. A “performance boost and price drop” like this “reaffirm the MacBook Air… as one of the best buys among mainstream ultraportables”​, and after using the M4 Air, it’s easy to see why.

This review set out to be engaging and human, because the MacBook Air M4 isn’t just a spec sheet – it’s about the experience of using a finely tuned tool for work and play. In day-to-day use, the Air M4 feels snappy, reliable, and luxurious. Whether you’re a student writing papers in a café, a creative professional editing photos on the go, or a business user zipping between meetings, the MacBook Air adapts and excels. The competition is fierce and getting fiercer – some rivals offer features like OLED displays or slightly faster chips – but Apple’s balanced approach and ecosystem advantages keep the Air at the forefront.

Is the MacBook Air M4 worth the upgrade? For many, yes. If you value a laptop that **“delivers more value to consumers than ever before”​ with its combination of performance, battery life, and design, the answer is a resounding yes. The $999 starting price makes it easier than ever to recommend. The MacBook Air was already a leader, and with the M4 update, it’s keeping that crown firmly in place. In a world full of laptops, the MacBook Air M4 still manages to stand out by doing what Apple does best – refining the experience and staying one step ahead of the competition in the areas that truly matter to users. If you’re in the market for an ultraportable laptop in 2025, the MacBook Air M4 should be at the very top of your list. It’s a lightweight workhorse that proves Apple’s formula of top-tier performance, elegant design, and all-day efficiency is as winning as ever.