Apple has always been the go-to brand for sleek, high-performance laptops, and with the release of the 2025 MacBook Air M4, it’s clear that Apple is still committed to maintaining that reputation. However, when it comes to upgrades, the question remains: is the M4 enough of a leap forward, or is it just another incremental update? I spent some time with the new MacBook Air M4 to figure that out, and here’s my take.
First impressions
If you were expecting a radical design change with the M4 model, you’re in for a disappointment. The design remains identical to last year’s M3 and the previous M2 versions. That means we’re still looking at the familiar 13-inch and 15-inch sizes, a 60Hz IPS screen, and no fan, which means it runs silently but can throttle under sustained loads. Apple has opted for an updated colour palette this year, with the introduction of a sky blue option. It’s more of a silvery hue with a slight blue tint when the light hits it just right. It does take some time to get used to the blue-tinted finish.
While it’s always nice to have new colour choices, the real story here is what’s happening inside the MacBook Air. And, there’s a lot to talk about under the hood!
The M4 chip and power efficiency
With the M4 chip, Apple continues to push the boundaries with its custom silicon. It offers faster processor speed and boost in graphics performance over the M3. The most significant difference, though, comes when comparing the M4 to the M1. If you’re still rocking the M1 MacBook Air, then the M4 will feel like a night-and-day upgrade, delivering significant improvement in single-core performance, a solid boost in multi-core, and a faster graphics performance. If you’re coming from the M1, this is probably the best time to make the jump to the M4.
Geekbench data showing the multi-core score
But here’s the thing: if you already own an M2 or M3, the M4’s performance boost isn’t enough to warrant an immediate upgrade. The gains are solid, but not drastic. If you’re in the M3 camp, you’re still in a pretty good place performance-wise.
The difference is noticeable, particularly in tasks that require heavy processing power, like gaming or video editing.
If you’re planning on getting this laptop for gaming, I recommend watching this video review by MrMacRight that analyses the M4 MacBook Air’s performance in over a dozen video games. The results in the video reveal that while the MacBook Air can run some games well, it struggles with demanding titles due to its lack of a fan, which leads to throttling and significant frame rate drops over time. Games like Death Stranding and Resident Evil 4 showcase this issue, where frame rates start high but dip significantly during intensive moments.
Geekbench data showing the single-core score
However, the MacBook Air does manage to handle less demanding games with decent performance. Overall, while the MacBook Air can play some games, it’s not a dedicated gaming machine, and its performance heavily depends on managing settings and expectations.
The Apple MacBook Air M4 has a slim build with solid but not drastic gains in performance
| Photo Credit:
John Xavier
Camera and audio
One of the more noticeable changes is the new 12MP webcam, which now supports Centre Stage. This means that the camera will follow you around during video calls, making sure you’re always centered in the frame. It’s an interesting feature for anyone who spends a lot of time on video calls. And, with the added ability for portrait mode and studio lighting, it’s clear that Apple is taking webcams seriously, an area many laptop makers have historically neglected.
The audio experience has also been improved in the 15-inch MacBook Air. It’s equipped with a six-speaker system, including force-cancelling woofers, delivering a high-quality sound experience. If you’re someone who often consumes media or works with audio, the larger 15-inch model is a significant upgrade.
Thunderbolt 4 and memory
Another key upgrade in the M4 is the inclusion of Thunderbolt 4. This means faster data transfer speeds and the ability to support two external monitors, which is a first for the MacBook Air. Whether you’re a creative professional who needs multiple displays or someone who just likes to multitask, this is a welcome addition. You can now run three screens simultaneously: your built-in display plus two external 6K monitors, which is a big improvement over the previous generation.
Also, the M4 comes with 16GB of memory as standard, up from the 8GB that was previously offered in the base model. This change is important for future-proofing your device, as more memory ensures that your MacBook will continue to run smoothly for years to come.
What’s missing?
While the M4 MacBook Air is great laptop in many ways, it does have a few shortcomings. For one, the display is still a 60Hz IPS panel, which, while fine, can’t quite match up to the 120Hz OLED displays found in many Windows laptops at this price point. It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you’re used to high-refresh-rate displays, it might feel like a step back.
Additionally, there’s still no 5G connectivity option, which some Windows laptops now offer. While this won’t be a huge issue for most users, it’s something to consider if you rely on mobile data.
A key upgrade in the Apple MacBook Air M4 is the inclusion of Thunderbolt 4
| Photo Credit:
John Xavier
Should you upgrade?
If you’re coming from an M1 MacBook Air or an older laptop, the M4 is a significant upgrade that’s worth considering. The performance boosts in processing power, graphics, and overall efficiency make this a fantastic choice for anyone looking to upgrade their laptop. However, if you already own an M2 or M3, the improvements aren’t dramatic enough to justify an immediate upgrade unless you’re really craving the extra memory, better webcam, or Thunderbolt 4 support.
If you already own an M2 or M3, the M4’s performance boost isn’t enough to warrant an immediate upgrade
| Photo Credit:
John Xavier
At the end of the day, the M4 MacBook Air (15 inch), priced at ₹1,44,990, is a powerful and portable laptop, that fits most users’ needs. It’s still the go-to option for anyone who wants a sleek, high-performance laptop that runs silently while offering excellent battery life.
So, would I recommend it? If you’re in the market for a new laptop and don’t already own the latest M-series Air, the M4 is an easy choice. But if you’re already rocking an M2 or M3, it’s not an urgent upgrade, unless, of course, you’re tempted by that new sky blue colour!
Published – March 28, 2025 08:57 am IST
