Apple is gearing up for a significant upgrade to its MacBook Air lineup with the highly anticipated M4 chipset. Following the recent unveiling of the iPhone 16e, attention has now shifted to Apple’s laptop division, with industry watchers expecting a MacBook Air refresh featuring the latest Apple Silicon.
Recent online benchmark listings suggest that the launch is imminent, providing insights into the performance improvements coming to Apple’s popular consumer-focused laptops.
MacBook Air M4 Release Timeline
As of February 24, 2025, Apple has not yet sent out official invites or made any social media announcements hinting at a launch date. However, multiple indicators suggest that the new MacBook Air will be available soon.
Additionally, stock levels of the current M3-powered MacBook Air are declining, signaling that Apple is clearing inventory to make room for the new models.
Performance Insights from Benchmark Tests
Benchmark data from Geekbench has revealed two models, identified as “Mac 16,2” and “Mac 16,3,” which are believed to correspond to the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models, respectively. These benchmarks show that the M4-equipped MacBook Air significantly outperforms its M3 predecessor, even before final software optimizations.
The data also confirms that the MacBook Air M4 will feature a 10-core chipset variant, with additional 8-core and 9-core versions likely available for lower-priced configurations. Apple is expected to maintain its $999 entry-level pricing by offering these lower-tier M4 models.
Thermal Considerations and Performance Gains
Unsurprisingly, early tests indicate that while the MacBook Air M4 offers better performance than the M3 version, it still lags behind the MacBook Pro M4 due to thermal limitations. Unlike the Pro models, the MacBook Air lacks an internal cooling fan, which restricts sustained peak performance. This pattern has been consistent since the introduction of Apple Silicon with the M1, and it is expected to continue with the M4 lineup.
One of the most significant improvements comes in the GPU department. Benchmark scores for Metal and OpenCL suggest a more than 30% increase in graphics performance. However, the real-world impact will depend on how well the MacBook Air manages heat dissipation, as excessive thermal buildup could lead to performance throttling.
Balancing Power and Longevity in the MacBook Air
While the M4 chipset was first introduced in May 2024 with the iPad Pro, Apple’s MacBook Air lineup has taken nearly a year to adopt it. By the time the M4 MacBook Air launches, it may only remain the latest model for a few months before Apple unveils the M5 chip, potentially around the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in mid-2025.
Despite this, Apple Silicon has consistently provided a strong balance of power and efficiency, making even year-old chipsets more than capable for most everyday tasks. While professionals may opt for the MacBook Pro for high-performance workloads like video editing and software development, the MacBook Air continues to be a reliable choice for mainstream users seeking a lightweight yet powerful laptop.
With its upcoming M4 refresh, the MacBook Air is set to remain one of Apple’s most popular and profitable macOS laptops.
