The M4 MacBook Air: Apple’s Best Laptop Deal Just Got Better
Apple has once again raised the bar in the world of laptops, and this time, it’s with the new M4 MacBook Air—a device that strikes the perfect balance between performance, portability, and price. While the upgrade may appear subtle at first glance, dig a little deeper and you’ll see why this is one of the best laptop deals of 2025.
A Quick Look Back at the MacBook Air Evolution
The MacBook Air has had quite the journey. From being a futuristic feat of engineering that was initially missing essential ports, to becoming one of the most universally recommended laptops at just $999, it’s gone through several identity shifts. Apple silicon changed everything with the M1, and then with the M2, the base price jumped to $1,199.
But in 2025, Apple is making headlines by bringing the M4 MacBook Air back to that beloved $999 base price—and with more power than ever.
What’s New in the M4 MacBook Air?
While the laptop looks almost identical on the outside, there are a few significant changes under the hood:
- New M4 Chip: The highlight of the upgrade, this chip brings exceptional performance, especially for typical everyday tasks—and even more demanding ones.
- 16GB Unified Memory (Base): Finally, Apple has doubled the base memory from 8GB to 16GB, making multitasking smoother and future-proofing your machine.
- Slight Battery Bump: Capacity is up from 52.6Wh to 53.8Wh. It’s a small change (around 2%), but it’s still worth noting.
- New Webcam: A 12MP Center Stage webcam, capable of tracking you within the frame—a small but welcome upgrade.
- Thunderbolt Improvements: Now supports dual external 6K displays, even with the lid open.
- New Color: Sky Blue – Though incredibly subtle, this new finish replaces Space Gray. It’s more “barely blue” than bold, but it’s a new look nonetheless.
Design: Familiar and Functional
Apart from these minor tweaks, it’s still the same MacBook Air design that fans love:
- Thin and light aluminum build
- MagSafe charging
- 2 USB-C ports and a headphone jack
- Excellent keyboard and trackpad
- The same 60Hz LCD with a notch
If you’ve used a MacBook Air recently, this one will feel right at home.
Performance That Punches Above Its Weight
Despite being fanless and passively cooled, the M4 chip delivers impressive performance. It handles everything from basic browsing and productivity to editing 4K/8K videos in Final Cut Pro. While most users won’t push it that far, it’s good to know that this entry-level laptop can hold its own even in semi-professional workflows.
Even better, Apple’s focus on AI performance means apps that rely on the Neural Engine, like background cutouts or single-click photo enhancement, work faster and more accurately.
Is the Display Still a Weak Spot?
If there’s one area that could use improvement, it’s the display. While serviceable for most users, some might crave the Pro-level Mini LED, higher brightness, and 120Hz refresh rate found in the MacBook Pro. Unfortunately, Apple seems to be keeping those premium features exclusive to its Pro line—for now.
Should You Buy the Base Model?
The short answer: Yes—for most people.
The 16GB of RAM alone makes the $999 base M4 MacBook Air a smart purchase. While the 256GB SSD might be tight for some, Apple’s upgrade prices can be steep. If you’re okay with external storage or cloud options, the base model is more than sufficient.
And if you’re on a budget? The M2 MacBook Air, currently selling for $799 at Best Buy, is still a solid option, though it only comes with 8GB of RAM.
Final Thoughts: Quiet but Impressive
At first glance, the M4 MacBook Air might seem like a boring update. No radical redesign, no flashy new features. But when you consider the power of the M4 chip, the increased base RAM, and the return to the $999 price point, this is quietly one of the best laptop upgrades Apple has ever made.
Laptops have just gotten this good, and that’s something to get excited about.
Thanks for reading!
If you’re upgrading from an older Intel Mac or just need a reliable, powerful machine without breaking the bank, the M4 MacBook Air should be at the top of your list.
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