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M4 MacBook Air Overview

Jun 16, 2025

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Overview

The M4 MacBook Air is positioned as the best value laptop available, offering significant performance improvements and features at a lower price point than previous models. It excels in most everyday tasks, with only minor limitations for resource-intensive workflows.

Performance and Hardware Upgrades

  • M4 MacBook Air starts at $999 (USD), offering improved specs and value over previous models.
  • Standard configuration now includes a 10-core GPU and 16GB of RAM, with a base 512GB SSD.
  • RAM can be configured up to 32GB, compared to a previous maximum of 24GB.
  • The new Sky Blue color is available, which resists dust and fingerprints better than darker options.
  • Build quality remains premium with a full aluminum body, solid keyboard, trackpad, and display.
  • The 13.6" Liquid Retina Display boasts 99% P3 color accuracy and improved 1,500:1 contrast ratio.
  • Supports up to two external 6K displays in addition to the built-in screen, surpassing the previous model.
  • CPU performance is 17–20% better, and GPU is 10% better than the M3 Air.

Real-World Usage and Limitations

  • Handles web browsing, design work, coding, and video editing smoothly with no noticeable slowness.
  • 16GB RAM is sufficient for most tasks, including video editing, despite some claims to the contrary.
  • No fan design means heavy GPU workloads can cause throttling and warmth.
  • Basic 3D modeling and gaming run well; minor performance gains over the M3 Air.
  • Struggles only with highly demanding GPU tasks or complex 3D scenes.

Battery Life and Other Features

  • Nearly two days of battery life on light use; up to 18 hours of video streaming.
  • Outperforms similarly priced or more expensive competitors, especially in battery life.
  • SSD speeds and wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3) are unchanged and excellent.
  • Webcam upgraded to 12MP with new software features, though the improvement is minor.
  • Audio quality remains high for calls and media.

Comparison and Future Content

  • A direct comparison with the M4 MacBook Pro is planned for next month after upcoming Mac Studio videos.

Recommendations / Advice

  • Ideal for most users except those with extremely heavy or specialized GPU workloads.
  • Excellent value given the performance, features, and price.

Questions / Follow-Ups

  • Comparison with the MacBook Pro M4 Pro will be addressed in a future video.
  • Viewers are encouraged to submit additional questions about the M4 Air.

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