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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchThe MacBook Air M4 is Apple’s 2025 generation, not an upcoming refresh: Apple announced its M5 successor on March 3, 2026. The M4 update brought the M4 chip, a 12MP Center Stage camera, support for two external displays, and 16GB of standard unified memory. Whether it is still a good buy depends on the M4 configuration’s current price and whether the newer M5’s 512GB starting storage and updated wireless standards matter to you.
What changed in the MacBook Air M4?
Apple announced 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models with M4 on March 5, 2025, with availability beginning March 12. Apple highlighted four changes: the M4 chip, a 12MP Center Stage camera, support for up to two external displays in addition to the built-in screen, and 16GB of standard unified memory. Apple also said the generation’s starting price was lower than the previous generation, but launch pricing differed by region and is not a guide to current prices. Apple’s M4 announcement
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Center Stage keeps a person framed during video calls, while the display support makes the M4 useful for a desk setup with two external screens. The 16GB baseline is standard; buyers can configure more memory, but the available choices depend on the model configuration.
How does the M4 compare with the M5 MacBook Air?
Apple announced the M5 MacBook Air on March 3, 2026, with 13-inch and 15-inch models. The most concrete differences in Apple’s announcements are the newer chip, 512GB of starting storage instead of the M4 models’ listed 256GB, and Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Apple gave U.S. launch starting prices of $1,099 for the 13-inch M5 and $1,299 for the 15-inch M5; those were launch prices, not current quotes. Apple’s M5 announcement
#1 Best Overall
- BUILT FOR COLLEGE. AND BEYOND — MacBook Air with the M5 chip packs blazing speed and powerful AI capabilities into an incredibly portable design. And with up to 18 hours of battery life,* this thin and light powerhouse is ready to take on almost any major, just about anywhere.
- TEAR THROUGH TOUGH ASSIGNMENTS — With its faster CPU and unified memory, the M5 chip delivers even more performance and fluidity across apps, making multitasking and creative workflows smooth and responsive. A powerful Neural Engine and next-generation GPU with Neural Accelerators give you a powerful platform for AI.
- MAKE QUICK WORK OF YOUR TO-DO LIST — Apple Intelligence helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly — whether it’s for school or everyday life. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple.*
- UP TO 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Air delivers incredible battery life with amazing performance, so you can power through a full day of classes without worrying about plugging in.
- A BRILLIANT 13.6-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Air supports 1 billion colors, making photos and videos pop with rich contrast and sharp detail, and text appears supercrisp. So everything — from class presentations to movies to games — looks truly stunning.
For a purchase decision, compare the actual price of the M4 configuration you want with the M5 model you would otherwise buy. The M4 may be the better value if it is meaningfully less expensive and its 256GB standard storage and wireless features suit you. Consider the M5 if you want its newer chip, higher standard storage, or newer wireless standards. Apple’s published specifications alone do not establish how much faster either chip will feel in a particular workload.
What is the difference between the 13-inch and 15-inch M4?
| Feature | 13-inch MacBook Air M4 | 15-inch MacBook Air M4 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 13.6-inch, 2560 × 1664 | 15.3-inch, 2880 × 1864 |
| GPU configuration | 8-core GPU standard; configurable 10-core GPU | 10-core GPU |
| Unified memory | 16GB standard; configurable to 24GB or 32GB | 16GB standard; configurable to 24GB or 32GB |
| Storage | 256GB standard; configurable to 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB | 256GB standard; configurable to 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB |
| Ports and wireless charging connector | Two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports; MagSafe 3 | Two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports; MagSafe 3 |
Apple’s model specifications provide the display, configuration, and port details. 13-inch MacBook Air M4 specifications · 15-inch MacBook Air M4 specifications
Rank #2
- BUILT FOR COLLEGE. AND BEYOND — MacBook Air with the M5 chip packs blazing speed and powerful AI capabilities into an incredibly portable design. And with up to 18 hours of battery life,* this thin and light powerhouse is ready to take on almost any major, just about anywhere.
- TEAR THROUGH TOUGH ASSIGNMENTS — With its faster CPU and unified memory, the M5 chip delivers even more performance and fluidity across apps, making multitasking and creative workflows smooth and responsive. A powerful Neural Engine and next-generation GPU with Neural Accelerators give you a powerful platform for AI.
- MAKE QUICK WORK OF YOUR TO-DO LIST — Apple Intelligence helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly — whether it’s for school or everyday life. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple.*
- UP TO 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Air delivers incredible battery life with amazing performance, so you can power through a full day of classes without worrying about plugging in.
- A BRILLIANT 13.6-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Air supports 1 billion colors, making photos and videos pop with rich contrast and sharp detail, and text appears supercrisp. So everything — from class presentations to movies to games — looks truly stunning.
The 15-inch model gives you more screen area and a higher resolution, while the 13-inch model is the smaller option to carry. The 13-inch base configuration also has an 8-core rather than 10-core GPU; the 10-core option is configurable. Both sizes list the same memory and storage choices, so compare the exact configuration rather than assuming every model has the same capacity.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteHow many external displays does the M4 MacBook Air support?
The M4 MacBook Air supports up to two external displays in addition to its built-in display, according to Apple’s announcement. That is a notable change for buyers who want a multi-screen desk setup. The computer has two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports and MagSafe 3; check the display connections and any dock or adapter requirements for your particular monitors before purchasing accessories. Apple’s M4 announcement
Rank #3
- BUILT FOR COLLEGE. AND BEYOND — MacBook Air with the M5 chip packs blazing speed and powerful AI capabilities into an incredibly portable design. And with up to 18 hours of battery life,* this thin and light powerhouse is ready to take on almost any major, just about anywhere.
- TEAR THROUGH TOUGH ASSIGNMENTS — With its faster CPU and unified memory, the M5 chip delivers even more performance and fluidity across apps, making multitasking and creative workflows smooth and responsive. A powerful Neural Engine and next-generation GPU with Neural Accelerators give you a powerful platform for AI.
- MAKE QUICK WORK OF YOUR TO-DO LIST — Apple Intelligence helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly — whether it’s for school or everyday life. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple.*
- UP TO 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Air delivers incredible battery life with amazing performance, so you can power through a full day of classes without worrying about plugging in.
- A BRILLIANT 13.6-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Air supports 1 billion colors, making photos and videos pop with rich contrast and sharp detail, and text appears supercrisp. So everything — from class presentations to movies to games — looks truly stunning.
How long does the M4 MacBook Air battery last?
Apple lists up to 18 hours of video streaming and up to 15 hours of wireless web use for both M4 sizes. These are Apple’s test estimates, not guaranteed runtimes for everyday use; actual battery life varies with workload and conditions. 13-inch specifications · 15-inch specifications
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the MacBook Air M4 worth buying now?
It can be, if a retailer is offering the specific memory and storage configuration you need at a price that makes sense next to the M5. The M4’s main practical strengths are its 16GB standard memory, two-external-display support, and a choice of screen sizes. Its main comparison points are the M5’s newer chip, 512GB standard storage, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 6.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- BUILT FOR COLLEGE. AND BEYOND — MacBook Air with the M5 chip packs blazing speed and powerful AI capabilities into an incredibly portable design. And with up to 18 hours of battery life,* this thin and light powerhouse is ready to take on almost any major, just about anywhere.
- TEAR THROUGH TOUGH ASSIGNMENTS — With its faster CPU and unified memory, the M5 chip delivers even more performance and fluidity across apps, making multitasking and creative workflows smooth and responsive. A powerful Neural Engine and next-generation GPU with Neural Accelerators give you a powerful platform for AI.
- MAKE QUICK WORK OF YOUR TO-DO LIST — Apple Intelligence helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly — whether it’s for school or everyday life. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple.*
- UP TO 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Air delivers incredible battery life with amazing performance, so you can power through a full day of classes without worrying about plugging in.
- A BRILLIANT 13.6-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Air supports 1 billion colors, making photos and videos pop with rich contrast and sharp detail, and text appears supercrisp. So everything — from class presentations to movies to games — looks truly stunning.
- Choose the 13-inch M4 if portability matters more than a larger built-in screen.
- Choose the 15-inch M4 if you want more display area and the listed 10-core GPU configuration.
- Check storage carefully: the M4 starts at 256GB, with 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB options; the M5 starts at 512GB.
- Compare current retailer prices and stock before deciding. Current M4 pricing and availability are not established here, and Apple’s launch prices are historical rather than current offers.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
