MacBook Air M4 Long-Term Review: Is the Upgrade Worth It in 2025?
Introduction
Apple‘s most popular laptop has always been the MacBook Air, and with the new M4 chip, the company promises even better performance, longer battery life, and increased efficiency. After utilising the MacBook Air M4 for several months, it’s time to address the crucial query: Will the 2025 upgrade be worthwhile?
To assist you in making a decision, this long-term review includes performance, battery life, heating, display experience, and practical usage.
Design & Build Quality
Apple hasn’t changed much in the design, and honestly, it didn’t need to. The MacBook Air M4 still looks premium with its slim profile and lightweight build.
- The aluminium unibody feels incredibly sturdy.
- The hinge remains smooth even after long-term usage.
- The Magic Keyboard is comfortable for extended typing sessions.
- The large Force Touch trackpad continues to be best-in-class.
Long-term durability is impressive—there are no flex issues, the keyboard feels consistent, and the body resists scratches well.
Display Quality
The Liquid Retina display remains one of the best in this segment.
- Bright, sharp, and colour-accurate.
- Great for watching movies, designing, or editing.
- Outdoor visibility is solid due to high brightness.
After months of use, the display still looks beautiful with zero issues like colour shift or burn-in.
Performance (M4 Chip Review)
The biggest upgrade here is the new Apple M4 chip, and it truly delivers.
Real-world performance is excellent:
- Apps open instantly
- Multitasking is smooth
- Exporting videos is faster than previous Air models
- Coding and light creative work run without lag
Compared to M2/M3:
- M4 is noticeably faster, especially in heavier apps
- Better RAM efficiency
- Lower power consumption, meaning longer battery life
For regular users, the speed boost is definitely noticeable even after months of daily use.
Battery Life
Apple already had great battery life, but the M4 pushes it further.
Long-term usage average:
- 12–14 hours of mixed usage
- Light tasks like browsing can go even longer
- Standby drain is extremely low
- Charging is fast with the 35W dual USB-C adapter
Even after months, the battery health remains strong, showing Apple’s optimisation at work.
Thermals & Fanless Experience
Just like older Air models, the MacBook Air M4 remains fanless—and that’s a good thing.
- It stays silent always
- Heat is well-controlled
- Only warms slightly during heavy editing or 4K playback
- No noticeable throttling during long-term usage
The M4 chip is more efficient, so overheating is rarely a concern.
Speakers, Mic & Camera
Apple continues to deliver great multimedia performance.
- Speakers are loud, clear, and rich in quality
- The mic is excellent for calls and meetings
- The 12 MP webcam is good, though its low-light performance still could be better
For online classes or working from home, this setup is more than enough.
Ports & Connectivity
The MacBook Air M4 includes:
- 2× USB-C Thunderbolt ports
- 1× MagSafe charging port
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- Bluetooth improvements
Port selection is still limited, so creators might need an additional hub.
macOS Experience
macOS on the M4 feels refined, smooth, and stable.
- App transitions are quick
- Updates are frequent and optimised.
- Multitasking is easy with Stage Manager
- Zero lag or crashes, even during long-term usage
The combination of macOS and M4 creates a seamless, efficient workflow.
Who Should Buy the MacBook Air M4?
Highly recommended for:
- Students
- Office professionals
- Business users
- Frequent travelers
- Light to medium creators
- Programmers working on lightweight tasks
Not ideal for:
- Heavy video editors
- 3D rendering professionals
- Gamers looking for high-end performance
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent long-term performance
- Stellar battery life
- Lightweight and premium design
- Silent fanless system
- Great speakers and trackpad
- Beautiful Liquid Retina display
Cons
- Limited ports
- The webcam is still average in low light
- Not suitable for heavy pro workloads
Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It in 2025?
Yes, the MacBook Air M4 is absolutely worth it in 2025—especially if you’re upgrading from an Intel MacBook, M1, or older Air.
You get:
- Faster performance
- Longer battery life
- Better efficiency
- More stable macOS experience
If you’re on an M2 or M3 Air, the upgrade isn’t mandatory—but you will still see improvements in performance and battery life.
Overall, the MacBook Air M4 is one of the best lightweight laptops of 2025.
