Is Apple’s Latest MacBook Air M4 Worth Your Attention?
Apple has unveiled the all-new MacBook Air M4, bringing major upgrades in speed, battery life, and AI performance—thanks to its powerful M4 chip, launched during a surprise March 2025 keynote. Apple CEO Tim Cook hailed it as “the world’s best consumer laptop just got even better,” introducing the all-new M4 chip as a game-changer for both speed and efficiency.
This is the first time Apple’s cutting-edge M4 processor has arrived in the MacBook Air lineup, promising a serious leap in power, efficiency, and portability for mainstream users. The refreshed MacBook Air promises more than incremental upgrades—it delivers a slimmer, smarter, and stronger machine tailored for modern professionals and everyday users.
But is it really worth the hype? Let’s break it down.
Meet the M4: Apple’s latest chip powerhouse
The biggest highlight is, without a doubt, the new M4 chip. Built on second-generation 3-nanometre architecture, it brings faster performance with better energy efficiency. Apple claims it delivers up to 2x faster performance compared to the M1 model (Apple).
In real-world use, tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking feel noticeably smoother. Apps launch quickly, and the system handles heavy workloads with ease. Whether you’re working in Final Cut Pro or managing massive Excel sheets, the M4 delivers.
Machine learning tasks also see a boost. Apple says the Neural Engine is up to 3x faster than on the M1. That’s a big deal for creatives using AI-powered tools in Photoshop or music editors.
Design: Sleeker, yet familiar
At first glance, the MacBook Air M4 doesn’t look very different. It keeps the flat-edged aluminium design introduced with the M2 model. This time, Apple has trimmed it down slightly, making it the slimmest Air yet—just 11.3mm thick.
It weighs around 1.24kg, which makes it incredibly light. Perfect for those on the move, whether commuting, travelling, or working from cafés.
The M4 version is still available in two sizes: 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch. Both models have Liquid Retina displays with over 500 nits of brightness and support for 1 billion colours. Everything looks crisp, vibrant, and easy on the eyes.
Battery life: 18 hours of productivity on a single charge
MacBooks have long had great battery life, but the M4 pushes that further. Apple claims up to 18 hours of use on a single charge (Apple). In mixed-use scenarios—browsing, video calls, office apps, and a bit of editing—you’ll comfortably get a full working day and more.
For instance, the 15-inch MacBook Air M4 lasted around 15 hours and 14 minutes in a continuous web browsing test. Ideal for anyone who dislikes carrying a charger everywhere. Charging is quick too.
Using the MagSafe 3 connector, the MacBook Air can reach 50% in around 30 minutes with a 70W adapter.
Connectivity and ports: Familiar territory
Apple hasn’t reinvented the wheel here. You still get two Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports, a headphone jack, and the MagSafe charging port. That’s minimal, but enough for many. You’ll still need a dongle if you want HDMI or USB-A. While not ideal, it’s the trade-off for such a thin design.
On the plus side, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 offer faster and more stable connections.
macOS Sequoia: Optimised to unleash the M4’s potential
The M4 chip shines brightest when paired with macOS Sequoia. Everything feels seamless—from app switching to real-time collaboration in Notes or Pages.
New features like Presenter Overlay in video calls and Desktop Widgets add useful tools to your workflow. And with hardware-accelerated encryption, your data stays secure without sacrificing performance. It also supports seamless transitions between Apple devices. Start an email on your iPhone, finish it on your MacBook.
Take calls or send messages directly from your laptop. It all just works.
User experience: Keyboard, camera, and daily use
Apple’s backlit Magic Keyboard continues to impress. Key travel is shallow, but it feels responsive and accurate. Typing remains a joy, whether you’re writing essays or sending emails.
The Force Touch trackpad is also as excellent as ever—large, precise, and smooth to use with macOS gestures. Adding to this seamless experience, the MacBook Air M4 now includes a 12MP front-facing camera with support for Center Stage.
It automatically keeps you centred during video calls, a handy upgrade for hybrid workers and students who rely on Zoom or FaceTime regularly.
Who should consider the MacBook Air M4?
This isn’t a device built just for creatives or developers. The MacBook Air M4 is made for everyone—students, remote workers, business travellers, and anyone who needs a reliable, fast, and stylish laptop. If you’re coming from an Intel-based Mac or an older M1 model, the upgrade is substantial. You’ll see better speed, battery life, and display quality. For M2 and M3 users, it’s a less dramatic leap. Unless you need the raw power or plan to keep your device for several years, you might wait it out.
MacBook Air M4 vs Top Alternatives
Here’s how Apple’s latest lightweight powerhouse compares to other premium laptops in its class.
| Laptop | Suited For | Standout Feature | Battery Life | Affordability | Ecosystem Integration |
| MacBook Air M4 | Students, remote workers, creatives | M4 chip with unmatched efficiency | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Up to 18 hrs) | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (£999 starting) | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Apple ecosystem) |
| Dell XPS 13 (2025) | Professionals, display enthusiasts | InfinityEdge OLED display | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Up to 13 hrs) | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (£1,149 starting) | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Windows ecosystem) |
| Surface Laptop 6 | Students, office users | Seamless Office 365 + touchscreen | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Up to 15 hrs) | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (£1,099 starting) | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Microsoft ecosystem) |
| HP Spectre x360 14 | Creative pros, hybrid users | 2-in-1 convertible with OLED screen | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Up to 14 hrs) | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (£1,099 starting) | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Windows ecosystem) |
Pricing, colours, and availability
In the UK, the 13-inch MacBook Air M4 starts at £999, while the 15-inch version starts at £1,199. Both configurations now include 16GB of unified memory and 256GB of storage as standard. If you need more power, you can upgrade to 512GB or 1TB of storage. A 70W charger is also available for fast charging.
The MacBook Air M4 is available in four finishes: Midnight, which features a new anti-smudge coating, Starlight, Silver, and a new Sky-Blue option introduced in 2025.
Student discounts and trade-in options are available via the Apple Education Store and authorised resellers.
Distilled
The MacBook Air M4 doesn’t revolutionise the line, but it refines it beautifully. It’s faster, lighter, and more efficient than ever. For most users, it offers more than enough power in a thin, premium package.
If you want a stylish, portable laptop that performs like a pro machine without the pro price tag, this is the one to get.
