"The MacBook Air has reached its peak in terms of design. Apple continues to release the same model while mainly focusing on the internals—and the same logic applies to this latest version."
Is the new MacBook Air (13-inch, M4) merely a spec bump, or does it offer genuine value? After spending considerable time with it, here's our take on Apple's latest ultraportable.
The M4 MacBook Air retains the beloved lightweight design, bright display, and long battery life that have made it a favorite for years. But this time, there are some welcome improvements under the hood, and most notably, a more accessible price point.
Here's what makes it stand out:
However, it's not without its shortcomings:
For the first time in a while, the MacBook Air is back to its sub-$1000 price point. This makes it an incredibly attractive option for students, casual users, and anyone looking for a reliable and portable machine without breaking the bank.
The overall design remains largely unchanged from the previous generation. You get the same square chassis, a bright 13.6-inch display, and a four-speaker sound system.
"I fully understand that an extensive port selection is usually reserved for the MacBook Pro, but I truly wanted Apple to add at least one extra USB-C port here."
The lack of additional ports is a recurring complaint. In a world increasingly reliant on peripherals, dongles and hubs remain a necessary evil for MacBook Air users.
The absence of a nano-texture glass option is a notable omission. While it's understandable that Apple reserves this feature for its higher-end models, its inclusion would have significantly improved the viewing experience in bright environments.
The upgrade to a 12-megapixel webcam is a step in the right direction. Center Stage, while improved, can still be a bit too sensitive for some users.
The new Sky Blue color is a welcome addition, but it's not quite the vibrant splash of color that some users might be hoping for.
The M4 chip brings noticeable improvements to performance and power efficiency. It handles everyday tasks with ease and can even tackle more demanding workloads like video and photo editing.
The M4 chip is optimized for Apple Intelligence features, which promise to revolutionize how we interact with our devices.
With 16GB of unified memory as the base configuration, the M4 MacBook Air is well-equipped for multitasking and demanding applications.
While rare, the occasional overheating issue is a reminder that the MacBook Air is not a workstation-class machine.
The MacBook Air continues to deliver impressive battery life, easily lasting through a full workday on a single charge.
The M4 MacBook Air is a solid upgrade that refines an already excellent product. It's a reliable, portable, and now more affordable option for everyday users.
"Although this new model doesn't qualify as my dream version (I'll continue to wait for the extra ports, nano-texture glass, and fun color options), it's still an excellent laptop for basic tasks—whether that's for work, school, or fun."
Who should buy the M4 MacBook Air?
Who should consider other options?
The Bottom Line: The M4 MacBook Air is an excellent laptop that offers a compelling blend of performance, portability, and affordability. While it's not a revolutionary upgrade, it's a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile machine.