New MacBook Air Leak Reveals Apple's M4 Upgrade
Apple is expected to launch a new MacBook Air featuring the M4 chipset in early 2025. Benchmark results suggest significant performance improvements over the current M3 models.
MacBook Air M4 Benchmark Results
Benchmark data from Geekbench indicates that two new MacBook Air models, identified as "Mac 16,2" and "Mac 16,3," are in testing. The "Mac 16,2" is believed to be the 13-inch model, while the "Mac 16,3" is expected to be the 15-inch version.
The results show that the M4-powered MacBook Air outperforms its M3 predecessor. The tested hardware features a 10-core M4 chipset, though 8-core and 9-core versions are also available. Apple may offer lower-core variants at a reduced price to maintain the MacBook Air’s entry-level pricing, which has traditionally started at USD 999.
Thermal Performance and GPU Gains
The M4 MacBook Air is expected to deliver better performance than the M3 models but will likely be outpaced by the M4 MacBook Pro. This follows Apple's pattern of equipping MacBook Pro models with cooling fans, allowing for sustained high performance.
Benchmark results indicate a GPU performance boost of over 30% in Metal and OpenCL tests. However, it remains unclear whether this improvement can be sustained over long periods or if thermal limitations will lead to performance throttling.
MacBook Air’s Place in Apple's Lineup
Apple introduced the M4 chipset in May 2024, first appearing in the iPad Pro. The M4 Pro and M4 Max followed in November 2024, powering the MacBook Pro and Mac Mini. The MacBook Air is among the last Apple devices to receive the M4 upgrade.
With Apple’s annual chip cycle, the MacBook Air M4 may only remain the latest model for a few months before an M5 launch, possibly around the Worldwide Developers Conference in mid-2025.
Despite this, the MacBook Air remains a popular choice for consumers who do not require the high-end power of the MacBook Pro. Its balance of performance and affordability continues to make it a strong option for everyday users.
Apple is expected to launch the MacBook Air M4 in early 2025.
Benchmark results show a significant performance boost over the M3 model.
The M4 MacBook Air may come in 8-core, 9-core, and 10-core variants.
Source: FORBES