Apple might need solely unveiled the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air with M4 yesterday, March 5, 2025, however I’ve gotten an early preview, placing my eyes and palms on the most recent laptop computer from the Cupertino-based tech big.
Whereas the main characteristic is within the identify – the M4 chipset – two different issues bubbled up in my thoughts: the brand new Sky Blue shade, which has a singular high quality to it, and that extra inexpensive worth.
I didn’t get to do a proper hands-on, per se, however listed here are my ideas after seeing the brand new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air in all 4 colours, together with some pictures and movies of them in motion.
Sky Blue actually seems to be gorgeous
I wasn’t anticipating an all-new colour for the MacBook Air, however I’m thrilled to see Apple increasing the lineup. I, after all, simply want just a few extra shades have been ushered in, probably some extra vibrant colours just like the pink and orange of the iMac. One can dream.
In individual, the Sky Blue shade is absolutely pleasant and nearly an optical phantasm. Relying on how the sunshine hits it, it will possibly generally look silver. It’s not a vibrant blue or a darker one like Midnight, however slightly, it stands proud as a lightweight, pastel-y shade of turquoise.
Additional, as a lot as I’d love a punchy Ultramarine MacBook Air just like the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, that’s not the case right here.
Whereas Apple is ushering Sky Blue to the MacBook Air colour choices, it’s changing House Grey. So, if you don’t need the brand new colour, your choices are Starlight, Silver, or Midnight – you possibly can see them within the gallery under.
Apple added its particular anodization course of to Midnight with the M2 mannequin to assist cut back and take away fingerprints – mileage various at instances right here. that is unchanged with the M4, however there is not any such end on the Sky Blue MacBook Air.
Picture 1 of 6
Even so, Sky Blue does a reasonably good job of hiding fingerprints and smudges on the outer shell. It’s a pure property of this shade and the supplies right here.
If I have been to buy a MacBook Air proper now, I might select Sky Blue for both dimension. It’s a terrific shade – not too poppy or vibrant, simply the correct quantity of colour so as to add aptitude. Please don’t snap a plastic case on the skin of it; stickers are advantageous, although.
I do hope that with no matter comes subsequent – perhaps it’s M5 MacBook Air? – Apple rolls out some extra shades.
A return to kind for worth
In the USA, the 13-inch MacBook Air begins at $999 for the M4 chip, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. That very same mannequin is £999 within the UK or $1,699 in Australia, which is definitely a worth lower, and Apple’s actually stretching the worth right here. That’s even higher than when the MacBook Air M1 rolled out.
Though I didn’t spend a lot time enjoying round with macOS on these MacBook Airs, I’ve zero doubts concerning the M4 chip’s efficiency. I noticed demos of it enjoying a recreation and performing some masking in Pixelmator Professional with out skipping a beat or dropping frames.
Once I reviewed the iMac in addition to TechRadar’s Matthew Hanson with the Mac mini and Lance Ulanoff with the 14-inch MacBook Professional final October – all that includes variations of the M4 – the speeds and efficiency have been quick.
I’ve a sense that for the worth, the MacBook Air would be the apparent alternative for most folk – even for the 15-inch, beginning at $1,199 / £1,199 / AU$2,099, which additionally obtained a worth lower.
@techradar
♬ Fairly (Sped Up) – MEYY
Alongside the brand new colour and the M4 chip, Apple additionally made one other change to the MacBook Air: upgrading the FaceTime digicam to a 12-megapixel lens with assist from CenterStage.
I shortly examined this. As I moved the MacBook Air up or down, the digicam body moved swiftly to maintain me within the video (it does this through a crop of a a lot wider 12MP video body). It’s good to have, and contemplating Middle Stage additionally arrives on the MacBook Professional with the M4, it’s good kind to trickle it all the way down to the MacBook Air.
I want Apple had at the least supplied the nano-texture possibility right here, as it really works nice on the MacBook Professional. Whereas I’m at it, upping the bottom storage to 512GB would even be good. Because it stands, I feel this is without doubt one of the greatest MacBook Airs, but from the worth lower to the M4 chip to the shiny shade of blue.
You should definitely try our first look video with the MacBook Air under, and keep tuned for a overview as soon as we get our palms on it, as there may be lots to check right here.
In case you’re already offered, the M4 MacBook Air is up for preorder now and can formally launch on March 12, 2025.
- 13-inch MacBook Air with M4, beginning at $999 / £999 / AU$1,699 from Apple or Amazon
- 15-inch MacBook Air with M4, beginning at $1,199 / £1,199 / AU$2,099 from Apple or Amazon
@techradar
♬ authentic sound – TechRadar
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