Apple's M4 chip makes the MacBook Air 15 an almost flawless laptop.
Apple MacBook Air 15 M4
MSRP: $1,399.00
“The Apple MacBook Air M4 offers impressive speed and remarkable battery life while providing a large display within a compact design.”
Pros:
- Exceptional build quality
- Stunning design
- Swift productivity performance
- Impressive battery life
- Excellent keyboard and touchpad
Cons:
- Limited ports
- The lid is somewhat flexible
Sometimes, when you desire a larger display but do not want a bulkier laptop, thin-and-light 15-inch laptops are ideal, and Apple’s MacBook Air 15 is one of the top options in this category. Updated for 2025 with Apple’s M4 chipset, it brings notable enhancements. The M4 is significantly faster than the previous M3 model, and it seems like battery life has improved even more. The upgrade moves the MacBook Air 15 closer to being the ideal large-screen thin-and-light laptop. Although it didn't achieve a perfect score like the smaller MacBook Air 13, it comes very close.
Specifications and Pricing:
MacBook Air 15 (M4)
- Dimensions: 13.40 x 9.35 x 0.45 inches
- Weight: 3.3 pounds
- Processor: Apple M4 (10 core)
- Graphics: 10 core GPU
- RAM Options: 16GB, 24GB, 32GB unified memory
- Display: 15.3-inch 2880 x 1864 LED IPS at 60Hz
- Storage Options: 256GB SSD, 512GB SSD, 1TB SSD, 2TB SSD
- Touch: No
- Ports: 2 x USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, 1 x MagSafe 3, 1 x 3.5mm audio jack
- Wireless: Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3
- Webcam: 12MP Center Stage with Desk View
- Operating System: macOS Sequoia
- Battery: 66.5 watt-hour
- Price: Starting at $1,199
The base MacBook Air 15 M4 is priced at $1,199, featuring a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU M4 chipset (the sole option), 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. Upgrades include 24GB RAM for an additional $200 and 32GB for $400, while storage upgrades start at $200 for 512GB and go up to $800 for 2TB. The maximum configuration costs $2,399, including the M4, 32GB of RAM, and a 2TB SSD, which positions it above many competing laptops, similar to the Microsoft Surface Laptop 15.
Design:
The MacBook Air 15 is the slimmest 15-inch laptop available today, measuring just 0.45 inches thick, which is slightly thicker than the MacBook Air 13. It rivals the Surface Laptop 7 15, which is considerably bulkier at 0.72 inches. Weighing 3.3 pounds, it is lighter than the Surface Laptop 7 at 3.67 pounds. This makes the MacBook Air 15 feel like a uniquely portable device, offering a larger screen that is beneficial for both work and media streaming.
It is also remarkably well-constructed, made from CNC-machined aluminum. The keyboard deck and chassis bottom are extremely sturdy, although the lid has some slight flexibility noted in earlier generations. This minor issue, along with limited connectivity (discussed further below), prevents the 15-inch MacBook Air from receiving the perfect score awarded to its 13-inch counterpart. However, the hinge operates smoothly with one hand, enhancing the overall quality feel.
From an aesthetic perspective, the MacBook Air 15 is nearly flawless. I reviewed it in the new Sky Blue option, alongside traditional colors like Silver, Starlight, and Midnight, and it looks fantastic. I would probably choose the Midnight version, but this color is also appealing. The MacBook Air 15 resembles a larger version of the MacBook Air 13 and a sleek MacBook Pro 14 intentionally. The entire MacBook range maintains the same sophisticated, minimalist design that distinguishes it from others. It is a beautifully crafted laptop.
Keyboard and Touchpad:
If you’ve seen my previous reviews, you’ll know I highly appreciate Apple’s Magic Keyboard. After some setbacks with the butterfly switches, the latest iteration has rectified those issues. The keyboard on the MacBook Air 15 features a fantastic layout with ample key spacing and large keycaps, providing precise and consistent feedback across the board. It’s unmatched in enabling quick, extended typing without fatigue.
The Force Touch trackpad is also excellent. It is notably spacious, providing natural and rapid haptic feedback. The Force Click feature, which allows for pressing a bit
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Apple's M4 chip makes the MacBook Air 15 an almost flawless laptop.
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