MacBook Air laptops are seen displayed during the WWDC22 at Apple Park (Photo by Justin … [+]
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Apple’s product launch calendar for the first quarter of 2025 is already shaping up to be eventful. With the iPhone 16e launch announcement having just completed, the tech industry’s attention is now转向 the Mac lineup. Fans and analysts await the introduction of a new MacBook Air, expected to feature the latest Apple Silicon M4 chipset.
Benchmarking the MacBook Air M4
Data emerging from the popular benchmarking tool Geekbench provides insights into the performance of the upcoming MacBook Air models. The “Mac 16,2” is believed to be the 13-inch MacBook Air, and early benchmarks show it excels over the current M3-equipped model, even accounting for potential software optimizations still underway.
The “Mac 16,3” is identified as the 15-inch variant. Both models are powered by a 10-core M4 chipset, with lesser core configurations (8-core and 9-core) likely to be included at different price points. Apple traditionally keeps the MacBook Air’s starting price at $999, suggesting it may equip entry-level models with lower-specced chipsets.
Thermal Performance of the MacBook Air M4
The challenges related to thermal management have historically impacted the performance of Apple Silicon-powered Macs. The M1 and M2 chipsets were notably constrained by cooling limitations in the MacBook Air compared to their more robust cooling solutions in the MacBook Pro.
Despite this, benchmarks reveal that the M4 chipset offers significant improvements, particularly in GPU performance, with Metal and OpenCL showing gains of over 30 percent. However, sustained performance may be affected by thermal throttling as seen with previous models.
The Delay in MacBook Air M4 Release
While the M4 chipset was unveiled in May 2024, the MacBook Air is one of the last products receiving the update. TheiPad Pro and MacBook Pro already utilize the M4 and M4 Pro/Max variants, respectively. Given Apple’s typical product cycles, the MacBook Air will likely remain current for only a few weeks before the potential introduction of the M5 around Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference in May or June.
This rapid succession of chipsets poses a challenge for consumers who seek the latest technology. However, the M4 chipset remains a powerful option, offering sufficient performance for most day-to-day tasks, from coding to content creation.
Value and Performance Balance
As a daily driver, the MacBook Air strikes a balance between performance and affordability. Apple Silicon has consistently delivered robust power since its introduction, satisfying consumer needs without necessitating a premium price.
For those requiring maximum performance for prolonged periods, the MacBook Pro series remains the preferred choice. These models benefit from advanced cooling solutions, ensuring that users do not experience thermal throttling that can limit performance.
The MacBook Air is well-suited for the majority of users who value portability and a substantial yet efficient suite of features at a competitive price point.
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What to Expect
As the industry eagerly awaits the official launch, the MacBook Air M4 is poised to offer improved performance and features compared to its predecessors. Whether it meets or exceeds expectations remains to be seen, but early benchmarks suggest it is a promising upgrade.
Your Turn
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