Apple consistently updates the MacBook Air annually, and the 2025 model is no exception, featuring yet another upgrade to the system on a chip (SoC). The new MacBook Air 15 remains a sleek, portable laptop ideal for office work, boasting exceptional battery life and a stunning display. While it may not be suited for PC gaming, the MacBook Air excels in its primary role as a versatile, everyday workhorse.
The MacBook Air (M4, Early 2025) is now available, with the 13-inch model starting at $999 and the 15-inch model, which I reviewed, at $1,199. Apple offers various customization options, allowing you to upgrade to a 15-inch MacBook Air with 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD for $2,399.
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The MacBook Air has become synonymous with the concept of a laptop due to its iconic design. The 2025 model maintains this tradition, featuring an identical aesthetic to its recent predecessors. Weighing just 3.3 pounds, this 15-inch laptop is remarkably lightweight, thanks to its thin unibody aluminum chassis, which measures less than half an inch thick. The minimalist design is enhanced by the absence of visible speakers, which are cleverly integrated into the hinge, allowing the lid to act as a natural amplifier for improved sound quality. This fanless design not only contributes to a sleek appearance but also eliminates the need for air vents, resulting in a clean, uninterrupted surface.
The laptop retains the same excellent keyboard from previous models, offering deep key travel despite the slim profile. The TouchID sensor in the top right corner provides quick and reliable access. The spacious touchpad, which spans between the 'Command' keys, features excellent palm rejection, ensuring smooth operation during extended use. While the port selection is limited, with two USB-C ports and a MagSafe connector on the left, and a headphone jack on the right, the MacBook Air remains a top choice for those prioritizing portability and design.
The display on the MacBook Air, while not as advanced as the MacBook Pro's, is still impressive. The 15.3-inch, 1880p screen covers 99% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and 100% of sRGB, making it suitable for a wide range of tasks. With a peak brightness of 426 nits, it's bright enough for most indoor environments, though it may struggle in direct sunlight. This display is more than adequate for everyday use and even enjoyable for watching shows like "The Clone Wars."
Benchmarking a MacBook can be challenging due to the limited compatibility of standard tests with macOS. The fanless M4 chip in the MacBook Air is not designed for gaming, and this is evident in its performance. In games like Total War: Warhammer 3 and Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the laptop struggles to maintain playable frame rates even at reduced settings. However, the MacBook Air shines as a productivity tool, handling multitasking with ease, even with heavy workloads like 50 open Safari tabs and background music. The 32GB of RAM in the review unit ensured smooth performance throughout my testing period.
Apple claims the MacBook Air can last up to 18 hours of video streaming and 15 hours of web browsing. My testing with local video playback in VLC Media Player surpassed this, achieving 19 hours and 15 minutes. While streaming might slightly reduce this duration, the MacBook Air's battery life is exceptional, making it ideal for travelers and those needing a reliable, long-lasting laptop for work sessions.
