Apple refreshes its MacBook Air lineup annually, and 2025 follows suit with the release of the MacBook Air 15. Despite the minimal hardware changes, primarily centered around the System on a Chip (SoC), this iteration remains a sleek and portable powerhouse. Boasting impressive battery life and a stunning display, it’s an ideal companion for anyone juggling office tasks on the go.
While it’s not built for high-end gaming, the MacBook Air excels in efficiency and convenience. It’s designed for users who prioritize portability and reliability over cutting-edge gaming capabilities.
Purchasing Guide
The MacBook Air (M4, Early 2025) is currently available, priced at $999 for the 13-inch model and $1,199 for the 15-inch variant. Apple offers customization options, allowing you to max out your specs—for instance, a 15-inch MacBook Air with 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD will set you back $2,399.
MacBook Air (M4, 2025) – Photos
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Design
The MacBook Air has evolved into the quintessential laptop design, setting the benchmark for portability. Its slim profile, weighing just 3.3 pounds, feels featherlight for a 15-inch device. The unibody aluminum chassis measures under half an inch thick, contributing to its lightweight build.
Unlike bulkier gaming laptops, the MacBook Air’s fanless design allows for a seamless aesthetic. Ports are cleverly hidden, with the hinge housing the speakers—a feature that enhances audio quality without sacrificing space for ventilation.
The keyboard retains its deep travel and reliable Touch ID sensor, while the spacious trackpad ensures smooth navigation and accurate palm rejection. Despite its minimalist design, the MacBook Air lacks some essential ports, offering only USB-C and a headphone jack. While Apple’s reasoning is rooted in maintaining its sleek form factor, the lack of an SD card reader or additional USB-C port on the right side is a noticeable omission compared to the MacBook Pro.
Display
Although the MacBook Air isn’t marketed for professional creatives, its display is nothing short of impressive. It covers 99% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and 100% of sRGB, ensuring vibrant visuals. My testing revealed a peak brightness of 426 nits, slightly below the advertised 500 nits, but still sufficient for outdoor use.
The 15.3-inch, 1880p display handles colors beautifully, making binge-watching shows a joy. For casual users, this panel strikes the perfect balance between performance and affordability.
Performance
The fanless M4 SoC powers the MacBook Air, delivering solid performance for everyday tasks. Multitasking with 50+ Safari tabs and streaming music poses no challenge, even on battery power.
Photoshop runs smoothly, though Lightroom’s noise filters occasionally cause hiccups. This is expected given the laptop’s slim profile. For productivity-focused users, the MacBook Air is a dream machine, effortlessly handling office work and light creative tasks.
Battery Life
Apple’s battery claims are no exaggeration. During my local video playback test, the MacBook Air lasted an impressive 19 hours and 15 minutes, exceeding Apple’s stated 18-hour video streaming benchmark. Even in real-world scenarios, it easily powered through multiple workdays without requiring a recharge.
Its portability and long-lasting battery make it an excellent choice for frequent travelers, ensuring uninterrupted productivity wherever you go.
The MacBook Air continues to excel as a versatile, lightweight device, excelling in its intended role without overcomplicating itself. Whether you’re a student, professional, or globetrotter, this laptop checks all the right boxes.
