Apple’s MacBook Air lineup just got a major refresh—and it’s not just faster, it’s smarter. The new M4 MacBook Air, available in 13- and 15-inch versions, is the company’s first laptop “built for Apple Intelligence,” positioning it as the mainstream gateway to Apple’s upcoming suite of on-device AI features. But even without AI, this is easily the best-value MacBook Air yet.
Performance & Hardware: What the M4 Brings to the Table
At the heart of the new MacBook Air is Apple’s M4 chip, the same silicon expected to power the next wave of AI-native MacBooks. Built on second-generation 3nm architecture, the M4 delivers substantial gains over the M1 and M2 chips.
- 10-core CPU (4 performance, 6 efficiency) offers smoother multitasking and faster rendering for creative workflows.
- Up to 10-core GPU supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading, pushing graphics performance into MacBook Pro territory.
- 16-core Neural Engine is now up to 3x faster than the M1, accelerating AI-powered tasks like background removal in photos, voice isolation, and real-time image enhancements.
- Faster unified memory bandwidth and SSD performance make app launches and file transfers feel near-instant.
Benchmarks show the M4 MacBook Air scoring nearly double the performance of the M1 in multi-core tasks and graphics-intensive applications. While it’s fanless and ultra-thin, it can still handle light-to-moderate video editing, 3D modeling, and software development.
Display & Connectivity: Dual Monitors Without Compromise
One of the biggest upgrades is support for dual external displays, even with the laptop lid open—finally addressing a long-standing limitation of the Air lineup.
- 13.6″ or 15.3″ Liquid Retina Display
- 500 nits brightness
- 1 billion colors
- True Tone & P3 Wide Color
- Resolution
- 2560 x 1664 (13-inch)
- 2880 x 1864 (15-inch)
- Ports
- 2x Thunderbolt 4
- 1x MagSafe 3
- 1x 3.5mm headphone jack
Whether you’re working in Final Cut Pro, running spreadsheets across two monitors, or coding with Xcode and a browser side-by-side, the M4 handles it with ease.
Battery Life & Portability
Despite the power boost, battery life remains a highlight:
- Up to 18 hours video playback
- Up to 15 hours wireless web browsing
Combined with its lightweight, fanless aluminum build, this makes the M4 MacBook Air perfect for travel, students, or remote workers who don’t want to lug around a charger all day.
- Weight
- 2.7 lbs (13-inch)
- 3.3 lbs (15-inch)
- Dimensions (13-inch)
- 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches
Design & Color Options
No major design overhaul this generation, but Apple introduced a new Sky Blue finish to complement Midnight, Starlight, and Silver.
The Midnight option now features a new anodization seal that dramatically reduces fingerprints, solving a major complaint from M2 and M3 buyers.
Camera, Audio, and Apple Intelligence Readiness
- 12MP Center Stage Camera
- Better low-light performance
- Keeps you centered on video calls
- Supports Desk View and Studio Light
- Speakers
- 4-speaker setup on 13-inch
- 6-speaker system on 15-inch with spatial audio
And when Apple Intelligence rolls out later this year with macOS 15, this MacBook will be ready. That includes features like Genmoji, real-time image creation, enhanced Siri, and on-device writing tools—all handled locally thanks to the Neural Engine.
Pricing, Configurations & Deals
Apple’s base model pricing makes the M4 Air even more attractive:
| Model | Starting Price | RAM | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13-inch | $999 | 16GB unified | 256GB SSD |
| 15-inch | $1,199 | 16GB unified | 256GB SSD |
Upgrades include up to 32GB RAM and 2TB of SSD. If you act quickly, Amazon and other retailers are already discounting base models to $849, making this the most affordable AI-ready Mac you can buy in 2025.
Final Verdict From Early Reviewers
Two months in, the consensus is clear: the M4 MacBook Air is more than just a spec bump. It’s the most compelling Air yet for the average consumer, creative professional, or power user who doesn’t need a Pro machine.
With huge gains in AI performance, better multitasking, long battery life, and a starting price under $1,000, Apple has set the new standard for ultraportable laptops in 2025.
M4 MacBook Air vs M3 MacBook Pro: Which One Should You Buy in 2025?
Apple’s MacBook lineup has never been more crowded—or more confusing. With the launch of the M4 MacBook Air in March 2025 and the M3 MacBook Pro still fresh from late 2023, many buyers are wondering: do you really need a Pro, or is the new Air powerful enough?
Let’s break it down by category.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | M4 MacBook Air | M3 MacBook Pro (14-inch) |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | M4 (10-core CPU, up to 10-core GPU) | M3 (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU) |
| Performance | Up to 2x M1, 23x faster than Intel Air | 20% faster than M2, optimized for Xcode, Pro apps |
| Neural Engine | 16-core (faster, AI-optimized) | 16-core (slightly slower than M4) |
| Memory | 16GB base, up to 32GB unified | 8GB base, up to 24GB unified |
| Storage | 256GB to 2TB SSD | 512GB to 2TB SSD |
| Display | 13.6” / 15.3” Liquid Retina (500 nits) | 14.2” Liquid Retina XDR (1000 nits, HDR) |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe, headphone jack | 2x Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe, HDMI, SDXC |
| Fan | Fanless (silent) | Active cooling (better thermal throttling) |
| Weight | 2.7 lbs (13″) / 3.3 lbs (15″) | 3.5 lbs |
| Colors | Midnight, Silver, Starlight, Sky Blue | Silver, Space Gray |
| Price | Starts at $999 | Starts at $1,599 |
Performance
The M4 chip outpaces the M3 in raw efficiency and AI readiness. It’s built using a second-gen 3nm process and includes architectural enhancements that make multitasking and AI features noticeably faster. While the M3 MacBook Pro still holds its own in sustained performance thanks to active cooling, most day-to-day users will notice little difference unless running intensive workloads like 4K video editing or compiling large codebases.
Verdict:
M4 Air wins for general and AI-focused use.
M3 Pro wins for pros using Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, or Blender regularly.
Display
This is where the M3 MacBook Pro pulls ahead. The Pro features a Liquid Retina XDR display with 1000 nits of sustained brightness, 1600 nits peak for HDR content, and better contrast thanks to Mini-LED backlighting. The M4 Air’s display is crisp and colorful but doesn’t offer HDR or that level of brightness.
Verdict:
M3 Pro wins for media professionals or HDR content lovers.
Battery Life
Surprisingly, both laptops offer up to 18 hours of battery life, despite the performance differences. The M4’s efficiency-focused design gives it a slight edge in light workloads like web browsing or watching videos.
Verdict:
Draw, with a slight edge to M4 Air for casual usage.
Apple Intelligence & AI Readiness
Apple has branded the M4 as “built for Apple Intelligence,” which suggests it’s more optimized for upcoming on-device AI features expected in macOS 15 and beyond. While the M3 can handle many of these tasks, the M4’s neural engine is faster and more efficient for local AI workloads.
Verdict:
M4 MacBook Air is more future-proof for AI tasks.
Ports & Expandability
The M3 Pro offers more I/O options, including HDMI and an SD card slot, which are crucial for creators and photographers. The M4 Air is more minimalist, with just 2 Thunderbolt ports and MagSafe charging.
Verdict:
M3 Pro wins for professionals needing more I/O.
Value & Pricing
- M4 MacBook Air 13-inch starts at $999
- M3 MacBook Pro 14-inch starts at $1,599
For most users, the M4 Air offers exceptional value—more RAM by default, better AI capability, and enough performance for everything but heavy pro workflows.
Final Take
- Choose M4 MacBook Air if you want:
- The best value MacBook in 2025
- Long battery life and portability
- An AI-ready machine for future Apple Intelligence features
- Choose M3 MacBook Pro if you need:
- A better display with HDR and XDR support
- More I/O (HDMI, SD card, etc.)
- Sustained high performance for pro-level workloads
A Look Back At The MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2019)
The MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2019) brings a fresh update to Apple’s popular lightweight laptop line. This model offers a stunning Retina display, improved keyboard, and Touch ID for enhanced security and convenience. You’ll find a sleek, portable design that’s perfect for on-the-go use.
Apple’s 2019 MacBook Air packs powerful features into a slim frame. The 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor handles everyday tasks with ease. With 8GB of RAM and fast SSD storage, you can expect smooth performance for most applications.
The 13.3-inch Retina display delivers crisp, vibrant visuals that make working and watching content a joy. Touch ID lets you quickly unlock your Mac and make secure purchases. The improved keyboard aims to provide a better typing experience than previous models.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 13.3-inch Retina |
| Processor | 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 |
| Memory | 8GB RAM |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB SSD |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours wireless web |
Design and Build Quality
The MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2019) features a sleek and durable design. It balances premium materials with portability and style. The device offers multiple color options to suit different tastes.
Materials and Sustainability
Apple crafted the 2019 MacBook Air using 100% recycled aluminum. This choice reflects the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The aluminum enclosure provides durability without adding excess weight.
The use of recycled materials doesn’t compromise quality. You’ll find the build feels solid and premium. The laptop resists scratches and dents well. This makes it suitable for daily use and travel.
Apple’s manufacturing process reduces carbon emissions. It also conserves resources. You can feel good about choosing a device with a lower environmental impact.
Color Options and Finish
You can choose from three elegant colors for your MacBook Air:
- Space Gray
- Gold
- Silver
Each finish has a matte appearance. This resists fingerprints and smudges. The colors complement the sleek design.
Space Gray offers a modern, professional look. Gold adds a touch of luxury. Silver provides a classic Apple aesthetic.
The anodized aluminum finish feels smooth to the touch. It maintains its appearance over time with proper care.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The MacBook Air lives up to its name with its slim profile and light weight. Here’s a breakdown of its dimensions:
| Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 0.16–0.61 inches (0.41–1.56 cm) |
| Width | 11.97 inches (30.41 cm) |
| Depth | 8.36 inches (21.24 cm) |
| Weight | 2.75 pounds (1.25 kg) |
Its wedge-shaped design tapers from back to front. This gives you a comfortable typing angle.
The compact size allows it to fit easily in most bags and backpacks. You can carry it all day without strain. The portable design makes it ideal for students and professionals on the go.
Display and Graphics
The MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2019) offers a high-quality visual experience with its advanced display technology and integrated graphics. You’ll find crisp visuals, accurate colors, and smooth performance for everyday tasks.
Screen Technology and Resolution
The Retina display on this MacBook Air features a 13.3-inch LED-backlit panel with IPS technology. It boasts a native resolution of 2560 by 1600 pixels, delivering a sharp 227 pixels per inch. This high pixel density ensures text and images appear incredibly crisp and detailed.
The display supports millions of colors, providing vibrant and lifelike visuals. You’ll appreciate the wide viewing angles offered by IPS technology, allowing you to see clear images even when viewing the screen from off-center positions.
True Tone and Color Fidelity
Apple’s True Tone technology automatically adjusts the display’s white balance to match the ambient light around you. This feature helps reduce eye strain and provides a more natural viewing experience across different lighting conditions.
The display offers excellent color accuracy, making it suitable for tasks that require precise color representation. Whether you’re editing photos, working on graphic design projects, or simply browsing the web, you’ll enjoy true-to-life colors.
Graphics Performance
The MacBook Air (2019) comes equipped with Intel UHD Graphics 617. This integrated graphics solution handles everyday tasks with ease. You can expect smooth performance for web browsing, document editing, and light photo editing.
While not designed for intensive gaming or professional 3D rendering, the graphics capabilities are more than adequate for most users’ needs. You’ll be able to enjoy casual games and stream high-definition video content without issues.
| Graphics Capabilities | Performance |
|---|---|
| Web Browsing | Excellent |
| Video Streaming | Very Good |
| Photo Editing | Good |
| Casual Gaming | Fair |
| 3D Rendering | Limited |
The MacBook Air’s display and graphics combination offers a balanced mix of visual quality and performance for everyday computing tasks.
Performance and Storage
The MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2019) offers a balance of power and efficiency. It combines a capable processor with ample storage and memory to handle everyday tasks smoothly.
Processor and Speed
The 2019 MacBook Air features an Intel Core i5 processor with a base clock speed of 1.6 GHz. This dual-core chip can boost up to 3.6 GHz with Turbo Boost technology. The processor handles most daily tasks well, including web browsing, document editing, and light photo editing.
For basic productivity, you’ll find the performance satisfactory. However, it may struggle with more demanding applications or heavy multitasking.
| Task Type | Performance |
|---|---|
| Web Browsing | Excellent |
| Document Editing | Very Good |
| Photo Editing | Good |
| Video Editing | Fair |
Storage Capabilities
The 2019 MacBook Air comes with solid-state drive (SSD) options of 128GB or 256GB. SSDs provide faster data access and improved system responsiveness compared to traditional hard drives.
The 256GB option offers more flexibility for storing files, applications, and media. It’s a good choice if you work with larger files or need extra space for your digital life.
Keep in mind that cloud storage solutions can supplement your local storage if needed.
Memory and Resource Management
The 2019 MacBook Air includes 8GB of 2133 MHz LPDDR3 RAM. This amount of memory is suitable for most users’ needs. It allows you to run multiple applications simultaneously without significant slowdowns.
macOS Catalina, the operating system that shipped with this model, manages resources efficiently. It includes features like App Nap and compressed memory to optimize performance and battery life.
For smoother multitasking, close unnecessary background apps and browser tabs. This practice helps maintain responsive performance even with limited RAM.
Connectivity and Accessories
The MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2019) offers a range of connectivity options and accessories to enhance your computing experience. You’ll find versatile ports, wireless technologies, and audio features that cater to various needs.
Ports and Expansion
The 2019 MacBook Air features two Thunderbolt 3 ports with USB-C connectors. These ports are versatile and support charging, data transfer, and video output. You can connect external displays, storage devices, and other peripherals.
The USB-C ports support:
- Charging
- DisplayPort
- Thunderbolt (up to 40 Gbps)
- USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gbps)
You’ll need adapters or hubs to connect older USB-A devices or other display types. Apple sells various USB-C adapters for HDMI, VGA, and other connections.
The laptop also includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack for audio output.
Wireless Technologies
The MacBook Air (2019) comes equipped with modern wireless technologies for seamless connectivity.
Wi-Fi: 802.11ac Wi-Fi wireless networking
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.2 wireless technology
These wireless capabilities allow you to:
- Connect to high-speed internet networks
- Use wireless peripherals like mice, keyboards, and headphones
- Transfer files between devices
The Wi-Fi supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands for flexible network connections.
Audio and Input Devices
Your MacBook Air includes built-in audio features and input devices for a complete user experience.
Audio:
- Stereo speakers
- Three-mic array with directional beamforming
- 3.5 mm headphone jack
Input devices:
- Force Touch trackpad
- Backlit Magic Keyboard
The speakers deliver clear, room-filling sound. The three-mic array ensures high-quality audio input for voice calls and recordings.
The Force Touch trackpad offers precise cursor control and supports various gestures. The backlit Magic Keyboard provides comfortable typing even in low-light conditions.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Thunderbolt 3 ports | 2 |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 |
| Audio out | 3.5 mm jack |
| Keyboard | Backlit Magic Keyboard |
| Trackpad | Force Touch |
These features combine to offer a well-rounded connectivity and accessory experience for your 2019 MacBook Air.
Frequently Asked Questions
The MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2019) offers notable features and specifications. Users often have questions about its processor, display, and how it compares to other models.
What are the specifications of the 13-inch MacBook Air with Retina display released in 2019?
The MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2019) comes with a 13.3-inch Retina display. It has 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD in the base model. The laptop weighs about 2.75 pounds and measures 0.61 inches at its thickest point.
Its battery life is impressive. You can expect up to 12 hours of wireless web browsing on a single charge.
How does the 13-inch MacBook Air 2019 model differ from its 2018 predecessor?
The 2019 model is very similar to the 2018 version. Both use the same design and have nearly identical specs. The main difference is a slight update to the keyboard mechanism.
Apple made small changes to the butterfly keyboard to improve reliability. This addresses some issues users had with the 2018 model’s keyboard.
What is the price range for the MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2019) in various markets?
Prices for the MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2019) varied by location and configuration. In the US, the base model started at $1,099 at launch. Higher-end configurations with more storage or RAM cost more.
Prices in other countries were typically higher due to taxes and import fees. Always check with local retailers or Apple’s website for current pricing in your area.
Which processor is used in the MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2019)?
The MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2019) uses Intel Core i5 processors. The base model features a 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor. This can Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz for more demanding tasks.
You could also configure the laptop with a faster 1.8GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor at purchase.
How can I identify the MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2019) model number?
You can identify the MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2019) by its model number A1932. This number is shared with the 2018 model, as they use the same chassis design.
To find the exact year, check “About This Mac” in the Apple menu. It will show the release year of your MacBook Air.
What are the comparative differences between the MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch) models from 2019 and 2020?
The 2020 model brought some significant changes compared to the 2019 version. It introduced the Magic Keyboard, replacing the butterfly mechanism. This improved typing comfort and reliability.
The 2020 model also offered newer 10th-generation Intel processors. These provided better performance and efficiency. Storage options were expanded, with up to 2TB available in the 2020 model.
| Feature | 2019 Model | 2020 Model |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard | Butterfly | Magic Keyboard |
| Processor | 8th-gen Intel | 10th-gen Intel |
| Max Storage | 1TB | 2TB |
| Starting Price | $1,099 | $999 |
The 2020 model offered better value with its improved specs and lower starting price.
