Apple MacBook Air with M4 Chip is a giant step forward in portable computing. Apple shared this ground-breaking lightweight notebook with the world on March 5, 2025, and it was a launch that brought performance gains that mean we’ll never look at skinny laptops in the same way again. The new processor is twice as fast as the M1, and the new sky blue color gives Apple’s typically sleek design a fresh look.
This all-inclusive guide has everything you need to know about the Apple MacBook Air with M4 Chip, from the real-world performance of its hardware components to the considerations every day people make when deciding which model to buy.
Apple MacBook Air With M4 Chip: Specs, Price & Release
Apple introduced the Apple MacBook Air with M4 Chip via a press release on March 5th, 2025. Pre-orders opened straight away, with wide availability kicking off on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
Core Hardware Specifications
The M4 chip is Apple’s most efficient Apple silicon yet. This monstrous GPU setup, which pairs a 10-core CPU with a GPU that offers up to 10 cores, delivers much in the way of performance gains over previous generations.
Memory and Storage Options:
- Base configuration: 16GB unified memory with 256GB SSD
- Mid-tier options: 512GB integrated memory configurations
- Premium models: Up to 32GB system memory with 1TB+ storage
The 16GB base RAM configuration matches Apple’s M4 MacBook Pro strategy, ensuring smoother multitasking and enhanced performance across professional applications.
Pricing Structure
| Model | Storage | Memory | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13-inch MacBook Air M4 | 256GB | 16GB | $1,099 |
| 13-inch MacBook Air M4 | 512GB | 16GB | $1,299 |
| 15-inch MacBook Air M4 | 256GB | 16GB | $1,299 |
| 15-inch MacBook Air M4 | 512GB | 16GB | $1,499 |
These aren’t the only deals you can turn to if you’re in the market for the AirPods 3 — Apple is giving increasing trade-in credits through April 2, 2025, if you want to upgrade from an older model.
Design Updates
The most noticeable visual difference is the addition of a sky blue color option – the first color addition since the original debut. The metallic blue finish also matches (most) existing color options, and the portable computer still gets to display the iconic thin laptop figure.
In the physical department, nothing has changed in comparison to the M3 / M4 generation, meaning we can look forward to the long-adored slim design, which has for many years been synonymous with the term ‘premium ultrabook’ in the MacBook Air.
M4 Performance Gains: Real-World Speed vs M3
The Apple MacBook Air M4 Chip features noticeable enhancements when it comes to performance in all areas of computing. 86 over the previous generation M3.80 Offering up to 3.467x the gen-on-gen performance improvement over an Intel-equivalent chip, and claimed to be up to 23x faster than the old MacBook Air models.
CPU Performance Metrics
Real-world testing shows substantial single-core and multi-core gains. Final Cut Pro video editing tasks are up to 40% quicker than those of the M3 models. Software developers also see the same type of speedup in the Xcode code compile.
The efficient chip design ensures long battery life and no heat spills, even under heavy workload conditions. And you fans will be able to work in silence and get to use the fast CPU performance as well.
AI and Machine Learning Acceleration
Apple’s Intelligence services also get big improvements with the upgraded Neural Engine. On-device processing power for answering complex natural language questions, organizing photos, and providing advanced writing suggestions, all without reducing the device’s battery life.
Key AI Performance Improvements:
- 60% faster language processing compared to M3
- Real-time photo analysis and organization
- Enhanced Siri response times with local processing
- Improved machine learning model execution
Graphics Performance Analysis
Gaming Tested gaming benchmarks also demonstrate significant results with popular titles performing 25-30% faster than M3 devices. Powerful GPU which is perfect for graphic’s graphics-intensive applications, and yet with the thin body and fan-less design.
Professional creative apps benefit greatly from graphics acceleration. Photoshop is quicker to apply adjustments, and photo processing in Lightroom is significantly quicker when working with batch editing workflows.
Battery & Thermals: 18-Hour Fanless Air in Daily Use
Apple MacBook Air with M4 Chip can offer amazing long battery life thanks to a higher efficiency designed processor system optimization. Apple claims 18 hours for video playback, and we’ve generally seen mixed productivity work done over 12-15 hours of battery before needing a recharge.
Real-World Battery Performance
Daily usage scenarios demonstrate impressive lasting battery performance:
- Web browsing and writing: 14-16 hours
- Video streaming: 16-18 hours
- Professional creative work: 8-12 hours
- Software development: 10-14 hours
The battery performance remains consistent over the charging cycle, and it is not much bothered by intensive use.
Thermal Management Excellence
All performances are fanless and free from noise. The aluminum chassis helps to dissipate heat, enabling the laptop to maintain high-performance workloads without overheating.
Thermal Benefits:
- Zero fan noise during operation
- Consistent performance under load
- Efficient heat distribution design
- Extended component longevity
MagSafe Charge Cable – The MagSafe charge cable offers lightning-fast charging, going from 0% to up to 50% in around 30 minutes; 20V 6.75A 135W power adapter.
Dual Displays & Apple Intelligence: What's New on macOS
Improved external display support is Apple’s M1 MacBook Air’s best new feature. A little bit extra: Every year, Apple introduces the latest it has to offer in Mobile OS. Users can now connect to more 1 than twice as many displays, including one Pro Display XDR at full 6K resolution for a massive desktop workspace.
Enhanced Display Compatibility
Watch how the ability to use dual monitors improves productivity. Professional users can increase productivity by extending their Mac desktop across multiple displays, watching video full screen in QuickTime Player, and multitasking with a video in a corner of their display.
Display compatibility improvements include:
- Improved External Monitor Scaling Algorithms
- Enhanced color is consistent on multiple displays
- Seamless window management between screens
- Optimized visual expansion performance
Apple Intelligence Integration
Smart features work through on-device processing and provide privacy-friendly, responsive AI functions. These embedded machine learning capabilities operate across macOS Sequoia, apps without any requisite internet access.
Apple features for its AI offerings are reported to contain smart writing help, photo search, and search improvements that learn user preferences over time.
13-inch vs 15-inch MacBook Air M4: Which to Buy
Which size Apple MacBook Air with M4 Chip should you get? Size matters depending on your workflow and ergonomic preferences.
Size and Portability Analysis
13-inch Advantages:
- Ultimate portability at 2.7 pounds
- Lower entry price point
- Ideal for frequent travel
- Compact desk footprint
15-inch Benefits:
- Larger high-resolution screen for productivity
- Enhanced speaker system
- Better thermal capacity for sustained workloads
- Superior multitasking experience
Performance Differences
| Feature | 13-inch Model | 15-inch Model |
|---|---|---|
| GPU Cores | 8-core | 10-core |
| Speaker System | 4-speaker | 6-speaker |
| Battery Life | 18 hours | 18 hours |
| Weight | 2.7 lbs | 3.3 lbs |
Both models offer the Center Stage camera in a better-than-ever video conferencing experience and Touch ID for biometric security.
Best Time to Buy: Current Deals, Alternatives & Trade-offs
It is the timeliness of release that makes the Apple MacBook Air with M4 Chip a great laptop for Apple fans. Even better trade‐in values are available during the promotional period of October 16, 2021, through April 2, 2025, which means those in the market for a new Mac can maximize their purchase.
Launch Window Opportunities
With supply as short as it is in today’s market, buying now is the right answer. It’s a full warranty and service activation as soon as you buy it, not to mention the enhanced trade-in offers that only go so far and the trade-in deals, plus you can get 0% financing, but that too won’t last forever.
Alternative Considerations
First-generation M3 MacBook Air models just received deep discounts from retailers looking to clear stock. But the M4 offers greater general performance and double the base memory in its long-term value, as well.
MacBook Pro M4 Comparison:
- Fan cooling enables sustained performance
- Professional features like ProMotion displays
- Higher price points for similar configurations
- Enhanced port selection for professional workflows
Future-Proofing Analysis
The future-proof MacBook Air with M4 chip. Apple offers around 6-7 years of macOS updates, with long-term software support and security patches available.
In terms of configuration recommendations, professional users would do well to opt for 32GB Unified Memory, 16GB being plenty for most consumer use and light productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes – The release date of MacBook Air with M4 chip is on March 5, 2025, and available in the market on March 12, 2025.
2025 - The MacBook Air M4 was announced and released in March 2025.
- Performance Excellence - The MacBook Air M4 delivers up to 2x faster performance than M1 models and 25-30% speed improvements over M3 generation, while maintaining completely silent fanless operation.
- Enhanced Value - Starting with 16GB unified memory (double previous base configurations) and 18-hour battery life, it offers professional-grade capabilities in an ultra-portable 2.7-pound design with the new sky blue color option.
Yes – Apple released the new MacBook Air M4 in March 2025.
Depends - Do you have specific professional needs, require added ‘performance’, some AI features, and the base 16GB RAM? The M3 is still a great workhorse, and the M4 is a slight, but maybe not a justification for the upgrade.
Ansa is a highly experienced technical writer with deep knowledge of Artificial Intelligence, software technology, and emerging digital tools. She excels in breaking down complex concepts into clear, engaging, and actionable articles. Her work empowers readers to understand and implement the latest advancements in AI and technology.
