Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4, 16GB, 256GB)

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4, 16GB, 256GB)

By Apple · Laptops · Phones & Computers

  • Apple M4 chip, 10-core CPU / 8-core GPU
  • 13.6-inch Liquid Retina, 2560x1664, 224 ppi, 500 nits
  • Up to 18 h video / 15 h wireless web (53.8 Wh)
  • 16GB RAM + 256GB SSD

Lowest price seen
~$999.00 (approx.)
from $999.00 at Amazon

Prices are snapshots. Check the current price with the store.

Summary

A fanless, lightweight laptop with Apple’s M4 chip, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, and up to 18 hours of battery life. Check the base model’s 8-core GPU and single-NAND SSD before buying if you need graphics performance or fast storage.

Strengths

  • Fanless design runs silent, with no moving parts to fail.
  • Up to 18 hours of video streaming or 15 hours of wireless web on a single charge.
  • At 2.7 lb (1.24 kg), it is highly portable for everyday carry.
  • MagSafe 3 charging frees up both Thunderbolt 4 ports for accessories.
  • 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View is new for the M4 generation.
  • Supports two external displays with the lid open, an improvement over the M3 model.

Weaknesses

  • Base 256GB SSD uses a single NAND chip, which can result in slower read/write speeds than the 512GB model.
  • 8-core GPU in the base model may limit graphics-intensive workloads.
  • No nano-texture display option to reduce glare.
  • No Wi-Fi 7 support, which arrived with the M5 generation.
  • All ports are on the left side, which can be inconvenient for right-handed users.
  • 256GB storage may be insufficient for professional use with large media libraries.

Verified specifications

ChipApple M4, 10-core CPU (4 performance + 6 efficiency cores), 8-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine.
Memory16GB unified memory.
Storage256GB SSD.
Display13.6-inch Liquid Retina, 2560x1664, 224 ppi, 500 nits brightness, P3 wide color, True Tone.
Battery53.8 Wh lithium-polymer, up to 18 hours video streaming, up to 15 hours wireless web.
Weight2.7 lb (1.24 kg).
PortsTwo Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), MagSafe 3, 3.5 mm headphone jack.
Camera12MP Center Stage with Desk View, 1080p HD video.
AudioFour-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio, three-mic array.
WirelessWi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3.
KeyboardBacklit Magic Keyboard with Touch ID.
TrackpadForce Touch trackpad.
In the boxMacBook Air, 30W USB-C power adapter (or 35W dual USB-C), USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable (2 m).
Dimensions11.97 × 8.46 × 0.44 in (30.41 × 21.5 × 1.13 cm); 2.7 lb (1.24 kg).
WarrantyOne year standard limited warranty; AppleCare+ extends coverage to three years.
Full research notes and sources

Performance and everyday use

The M4 chip delivers solid performance for web browsing, office work, and light creative tasks. Geekbench 6 scores are 3,818 single-core and 15,049 multicore; Cinebench 2024 CPU scores are 169 single-core and 824 multicore. CNET describes the M4 as “an improvement on the M3’s” but “not a big leap.” The fanless design means the laptop heats up under sustained load, though it remains silent.

Battery life and display

Apple rates the 53.8 Wh battery for up to 18 hours of video streaming or 15 hours of wireless web browsing. CNET’s streaming video rundown test achieved approximately 15 hours. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display is rated at 500 nits brightness; Tom’s Guide measured 470 nits in HDR, slightly lower than the M3 model’s 494 nits. The display supports P3 wide color and True Tone.

Storage and connectivity

The base 256GB SSD uses a single NAND chip, which can result in slower SSD speeds compared to the 512GB model with two NAND chips. Tom’s Guide noted they “wish the SSD were a bit faster.” The laptop includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, MagSafe 3, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. All ports are on the left side. The M4 supports two external displays with the lid open, an improvement over the M3 model which supported only one.

Is it worth it?

At launch, the base model was priced at $999, a $100 reduction from the M3 model. Tom’s Guide listed the 256GB model at $1,099, likely a higher configuration or price fluctuation. TechRadar reported the MacBook Air M4 as their “laptop of the year” and noted it returned to a record-low price of $799 at Best Buy during a sale. At the $999 launch price, it offers strong value for users needing a portable, long-lasting laptop for productivity and light creative work. At sale prices around $799, the value proposition is excellent.

Which model this is

This page covers the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch with M4 chip, 16GB unified memory, and 256GB SSD. Apple released the M4 MacBook Air on March 12, 2025, alongside a 15-inch variant. The M4 model shares the same chassis, display, and port layout as the M3 and M2 generations. The Amazon listing for the Midnight color is ASIN B0DZDC3WW5. Do not merge with MacBook Air M3, M5, or MacBook Pro models.

Sources

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