The initial reviews of the M4 MacBook Air are in, and reviewers seem to agree that while it may not bring revolutionary changes, it offers significant value for its price and is the Mac that most consumers should consider.
Another point of consensus among reviewers is that the new blue hue brings a refreshing yet subtle change, so don’t expect a drastic shift from the classic silver.
A Spectrum of Six Colors
Jason Snell appreciates the new pricing strategy, noting that if you’re moving from an Intel-based Mac, this is the ideal choice.
Thus, perhaps the most significant update in the M4 MacBook Air is its starting price point of $999. When Apple launched the sleek, rounded Air design in 2022, it needed to rely on older models to keep prices below that threshold. Now, three years later, Apple has introduced a completely new Air featuring a generous 16GB of unified memory, all at that critical price point.
As a result, there are no more concerns about reverting back a generation or two to find a more affordable option. Apple has eliminated that approach for the MacBook Air: The latest version is the one most people looking for a Mac should purchase, especially those transitioning from Intel models.
Insights from The Independent
David Phelan concurs, highlighting that the price of the 15-inch model stands out.
There are several reasons the MacBook Air is so beloved (Apple even brands it as the world’s most popular laptop). This machine is engineered to be remarkably slim, elegantly designed, and surprisingly lightweight, boasting impressive battery longevity. These features remain intact in the latest release, now enhanced by a more powerful processor for even faster performance. The reduced price, especially for the generously sized 15-inch variant, is just the cherry on top.
Wired Perspectives
Brenda Stolyar, a longtime fan of the MacBook Air, admits she has a few items on her wish list, yet it’s hard not to admire this model.
It’s hard to resist the allure of the new MacBook Air. It retains all the beloved aspects of its predecessor while nearly addressing all critiques. My primary complaint remains the limited ports, yet I digress […] it remains an exceptional laptop for foundational tasks—be it for work, education, or leisure. While the updates may feel incremental, it’s refreshing to see the MacBook Air priced below $1,000 again without compromising on features.
CNET Analysis
Joshua Goldman states that although there aren’t significant changes from the M3 model, this only underscores the impressive nature of the M-series machines.
What continuously astonishes me about the M-series MacBook Airs is their ability to deliver high performance and extended battery life without a fan. Even more remarkable is the fact that performance continues to improve year after year. So, while the transition from the previous M3 MacBook Air may not appear drastic, the M4 Air still provides substantial computing power and over 15 hours of battery life in a lightweight, silent chassis. Plus, now it comes in a soft metallic blue.
Tom’s Hardware Review
Andrew Freedman argues that while upgrade costs are “still outrageous,” the base model offers remarkable value.
The MacBook Air with M4 continues to be slim, powerful, and outstanding. Coupled with a lower starting price and a default of 16GB of RAM, this laptop stands as one of the best values Apple has presented in many years [although] the pricing for RAM and SSD remains excessive.
Gizmodo Review
Kyle Barr believes the device is a solid investment, though mentions he wasn’t the only reviewer who had to scrutinize the new blue shade to spot any hints of, well, blue.
The 2025 iteration of the MacBook Air now launches at its most appealing price point for top-tier performance yet. Just don’t anticipate a dramatically different design from prior versions. […] The starting price of $1,000 is a fantastic option for everyday users [but] the cold silver hue hardly qualifies as “sky blue.”
Photo: Apple
