When I shared that I purchased an M1 MacBook Air in 2025, I anticipated reactions like “what were you thinking?” Surprisingly, the general consensus seemed to be that, for my use case, there was little necessity to opt for the most recent model.
After testing the new device at an Apple Store, I’m still not completely convinced that an upgrade would be worth it even if the cost was the same.
Transforming from Backup Device to Mobile Mac
I mentioned in my previous post that my main reason for owning a MacBook Air was purely as a secondary machine. I can’t function without a Mac (even though some of my colleagues manage to do so on an iPad), so for years, I kept an 11-inch MBA as a backup that languished in a drawer – up until it finally gave out.
For traveling, I find my 16-inch MacBook Pro portable enough to take along, even on short weekend trips, especially when I want to edit photos. However, it’s a bit bulky for more casual outings around London, so I opted for my 12.9-inch iPad Pro with a Magic Keyboard when I wanted to write in a coffee shop for a brief period.
In the Intel era, the iPad’s main advantage as a portable laptop was its impressive battery life, but the Apple Silicon MacBook Air models now deliver a comparable 9-10 hours of practical use. When my iPhone served as a mobile hotspot, it addressed the rare instances I didn’t have Wi-Fi access, eliminating the need to compromise by using an iPad instead of a Mac.
This led me to use the M1 MacBook Air as my go-to machine for coffee-shop writing. Given its increased usage, I began pondering whether I should take the plunge, sell the M1 for the same amount I bought it for (which is just over half the M4’s price), and treat myself to a sleek new M4 version.
However, It Doesn’t Provide Any Real Advantages for Me
I must say that using the M1 has reignited my admiration for the MacBook Air, largely due to its iconic wedge design, which continues to feature in the first generation of Apple Silicon models. I truly love that aesthetic.
During my visit to an Apple Store to compare the M1 and M4 models side-by-side, the only visual upgrade I preferred in the latest model was the smaller bezels. The difference isn’t glaring at the bottom, and the sides are relatively similar, leaving only the top bezel as a noticeable distinction.
In terms of size, there doesn’t appear to be much difference. The M4 model is slightly more streamlined at the back, yet the M1 is noticeably thinner at the front. (Technically, the M1 is marginally smaller, with dimensions of 21.24cm depth compared to 21.5cm for the M4.)
The enhancements of a brighter display and Spatial Audio serve no purpose for me. While MagSafe is appealing in theory, it’s a device I only operate on battery power, rendering it practically irrelevant. The fast charging feature also doesn’t apply to my mobile needs. Sure, the better camera and microphone are nice, but they aren’t critical for a machine primarily intended for writing.
Despite my efforts to persuade myself otherwise, I simply couldn’t justify the upgrade. I’m opting to stick with the M1 model I currently own.
I often joke about the packaging test: I know I’m truly committed to a purchase when I get rid of the packaging needed for returns. That packaging is now in recycling.
Should Others Consider Following My Lead?
It really depends.
If you’re purchasing a MacBook as your sole computer and you’re planning on performing more demanding tasks like coding or video editing, your best options are between a MacBook Pro and the latest MacBook Air configured to the highest specs your budget allows.
However, if your usage is mostly writing, light tasks such as emailing and browsing, and a bit of photo editing, then any Apple Silicon MacBook Air should suffice. At that point, it’s up to you to determine whether the extra features of the M4 are worth the additional cost.
For instance, the differences in camera and microphone quality are significant. If video calls are a primary aspect of your usage, then the 12MP Center Stage camera and microphones equipped with voice isolation could definitely sway your decision. Similarly, if you plan to use the machine outdoors, that 25% increase in maximum brightness might be essential.
Based on the UK prices I checked, it doesn’t seem prudent to buy an M2 or M3 model today. While you’d be getting the updated design (if that’s preferable), the financial savings aren’t substantial. It would be wiser to wait for some discounts on the M4.
So that’s my decision finalized – feel free to share your opinions in the comments.
