Is the M4 MacBook Air coming next year? Here you can find out what the leaks reveal

Looking for a new MacBook? Let's see if the latest model is up to your everyday tasks or if it's wise to wait for the M4!

Apple plans to announce updates for many of its computers soon, but the M4 MacBook Air may not be among them. They are upgrading their entire Mac lineup to the M4 chip, which promises faster performance and better handling of AI tasks.

For people who need a lot of processing power, a high-end laptop might be a must, but for everyone else, the lighter, cheaper MacBook Air is still a great option. It is Apple's most popular model because it is perfect for everyday tasks. With an M4 model expected for 2025, you may be wondering if you should wait. Let's dive in!

M4 MacBook Air release date

Apple is preparing to launch new MacBook Air models with M4 chips, expected to launch in early 2025. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, we can look forward to a release between January and March, following a software update in December. The Cupertino giant will soon start producing new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Airs, codenamed J713 and J715.

Gurman previously mentioned in April that Apple plans to launch more M4-powered Macs throughout 2025, including updated versions of the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air by spring.

So it looks like the M4 MacBook Airs won't be included in Apple's announcements next week. Instead, Apple will introduce new MacBook Pros, Mac Minis and iMacs.

When the new MacBook Airs launch in early 2025, Apple will also refresh the iPhone SE, iPad Air and budget iPad. They will also introduce a new keyboard for the iPad Air. And let's not forget: a new home hub device with a small, square screen will also be released in 2025!

outlook

Apple is making good progress with the MacBook Air, but has hit pause with the launch of a new high-end Mac Studio. This desktop is intended for professionals and does not have a display. Internally called J575, it should appear alongside the MacBook Air. Now it will probably drop after a software update in March, probably between March and June. They're also working on an M4 version of the Mac Pro, their most expensive model.

The M4 chip will be the fourth generation of the M series in the MacBook Air. But it won't be a new design for the current Air. The M1 MacBook Air came out in 2020 with an older design designed for Intel chips. We only saw the new design when the M2 was launched in July 2022. There will be no major changes for the M4 version.

Should you wait?

The last update for the MacBook Air was in March with the M3 chip. In June 2023 they then introduced a 15-inch model with the M2 chip. For most people, the 13-inch MacBook Air with the M2 processor is the right choice. It's great for web browsing, document editing, coding, and even light photo and video editing. If you want a larger screen, better sound, and improved thermal performance, the 15-inch MacBook Air with the M3 chip is a fantastic option!

Just a warning: the M4 Pro and M4 Max are probably a little too much for the average user. While the M4 MacBook Pro seems like the top choice, it's a bit strange. All MacBook Pros with the standard M-series chips are based on the same chassis as the MacBook Air. Basically, they just added a fan to squeeze out a little more power. So it feels like it's stuck between two worlds.

If you often multitask with YouTube or use heavy apps like PowerPoint, Keynote, Canva, or Photoshop, it might be worth waiting for the M4 as it significantly boosts GPU performance. But if you just do everyday tasks, the M3 is for you! Thanks to Apple Silicon, the entry-level MacBook Air offers enough power and flexibility for aspiring content creators, developers and artists while meeting the needs of IT departments around the world.

Parting thoughts

In the end, it really comes down to what you need. Now, if you're good at handling everyday tasks, I'd say the current MacBook Air is a good choice. However, if you're after a little more power, it might be worth waiting for the M4.