Is the New MacBook Air M4 Worth the Upgrade? What You Need to Know About Its Power and New Sky Blue Color

Apple's MacBook Air series has always been synonymous with sleek design and high performance, and with the launch of the 2025 MacBook Air M4, the brand aims to solidify that reputation even further. But does this latest model offer enough of a leap forward, or is it just another minor upgrade? After spending some time with the new MacBook Air M4, I’ve got the details to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.

A Familiar Look with a Fresh Hue

For those hoping for a bold redesign, the MacBook Air M4 will feel familiar. The overall design remains unchanged from the previous M2 and M3 models. You’re still looking at the same 13-inch and 15-inch size options, a 60Hz IPS screen, and a fanless design that ensures silent operation but can lead to throttling under heavy loads. However, this year, Apple has introduced a subtle but striking new color option: a sky blue hue. It’s not a bold, in-your-face shade but more of a silvery blue that shifts in tone depending on the lighting. It may take some time to get used to, but it’s definitely a refreshing addition to the palette.

While the color choice is a nice touch, the true improvements are hiding under the hood, where Apple has packed in its latest chip and performance enhancements.

M4 Chip: A Leap in Performance (But Not for Everyone)

The heart of the MacBook Air M4 is its new M4 chip, which continues Apple's tradition of pushing boundaries with custom silicon. Compared to the M3, the M4 offers faster processor speeds and an impressive boost in graphics performance. But the most significant jump comes when comparing the M4 to the M1. For users holding onto an older M1 MacBook Air, the difference will be night-and-day. The M4 delivers solid improvements in both single-core and multi-core performance, along with much faster graphics.

Geekbench Results:

Multi-Core: The MacBook Air M4 shines in multi-core tasks, offering noticeable improvements over the M1.

Single-Core: If you're coming from an M1, the single-core boost is impressive, making this a fantastic upgrade.

But for those with an M2 or M3, the performance improvements aren't dramatic enough to warrant an immediate upgrade. The gains are there, but they’re not revolutionary. If you're currently using an M3, you’re still in a great place performance-wise.

For users who need heavy processing power, like gaming or video editing, the M4 provides a solid experience. However, be mindful of its limitations: The MacBook Air’s fanless design means it may throttle performance under prolonged stress. In tests like those from MrMacRight, gaming performance is solid for less demanding titles but suffers on heavy hitters like Death Stranding and Resident Evil 4, where frame rates drop under intensive gameplay.

Gaming on the M4 MacBook Air: Proceed with Caution

While the M4 MacBook Air is a capable machine for light gaming, it’s not designed to be a gaming powerhouse. The absence of a fan means that intensive gaming can lead to throttling and frame rate drops. For gamers, this is a significant factor to consider. If you’re looking for smooth gameplay in graphically demanding titles, the MacBook Air M4 will likely fall short. That said, for less demanding games, it can still provide a fun, smooth experience—just keep your expectations in check.

Enhanced Webcam and Audio for Better Calls and Media Consumption

Apple has made significant strides in enhancing the webcam and audio experience in the MacBook Air M4. One standout feature is the new 12MP webcam, which now supports Centre Stage. This means the camera will follow you around during video calls, keeping you in the frame no matter how much you move. It’s a feature that will benefit anyone who spends a lot of time on video calls, especially with the addition of portrait mode and studio lighting, making your video calls look more professional.

For audio, the 15-inch MacBook Air takes it up a notch with a six-speaker sound system, complete with force-cancelling woofers. If you’re someone who enjoys consuming media or works with audio, this is a noticeable upgrade, offering superior sound quality compared to its predecessors.

Thunderbolt 4 and 16GB Memory: A Step Toward Future-Proofing

The M4 MacBook Air comes with Thunderbolt 4, a major improvement that enables faster data transfer speeds and support for two external monitors—something the MacBook Air has never been able to handle before. Whether you're a creative professional who needs multiple displays or someone who simply enjoys multitasking, this addition will make your workflow more efficient.

Apple has also bumped the base memory to 16GB, which is a welcome change. This upgrade is important for future-proofing your device, ensuring that it will continue to run smoothly as software requirements evolve over time. This makes the M4 a more versatile and capable machine for those who rely on memory-heavy applications.

What’s Missing?

Despite all the improvements, there are still some areas where the MacBook Air M4 falls short. For one, the display remains a 60Hz IPS panel, which, while still good, doesn’t quite match the 120Hz OLED displays found in many of its Windows counterparts. If you’re used to a high-refresh-rate display, this might feel like a step back.

Additionally, there’s still no 5G connectivity, a feature found in some Windows laptops at this price point. While it may not be a dealbreaker for most users, it’s something to consider if you frequently rely on mobile data for work or entertainment.

Should You Upgrade to the MacBook Air M4?

If you’re currently using a MacBook Air from the M1 generation or earlier, the M4 is a significant upgrade. The performance gains in processing power, graphics, and efficiency are impressive and will likely make a noticeable difference in your day-to-day tasks. However, if you already own an M2 or M3, the improvements aren’t substantial enough to justify an immediate upgrade. You’ll likely be fine with your current device unless the new features—like Thunderbolt 4, 16GB of memory, or the upgraded webcam—are particularly appealing to you.

In terms of pricing, the 15-inch M4 MacBook Air is priced at ₹1,44,990, which positions it as a high-performance yet portable option that fits a wide range of users. If you’re in the market for a new laptop and don’t already own the latest M-series MacBook, the M4 is an easy choice. But if you’re already using an M2 or M3, the decision to upgrade depends on how much the new features matter to you.

A Solid Choice for Many, But Not a Must-Have for M2 or M3 Owners

At the end of the day, the 2025 MacBook Air M4 stands as a powerful, portable laptop with a range of upgrades that will make it an attractive option for anyone coming from an older device. It remains the go-to choice for those seeking a sleek, high-performance machine with excellent battery life. But for those already using the M2 or M3, the new model’s improvements are good but not game-changing. If you’re not already craving the new color or the slight performance boost, holding off on the upgrade might be a smart move.