Apple’s fresh M5 chip may have debuted this month in the latest iPad Pro and higher-end MacBook Pro models, but the newly discounted MacBook Air M4 still wears the everyday-laptop crown. Don’t expect it to join the M5 party until Apple’s typical spring refresh next year.
Launched in spring 2025, the M4 Air refined everything that made previous Airs so beloved: a featherweight chassis, vibrant display, and a keyboard that’s just… right. This year’s tweak? A lower starting price—$100 less than last year’s model—and a tasteful new Sky Blue finish. It’s the same minimalist machine that disappears into your bag and your workflow, which is exactly why our reviewer dubbed it “the best boring laptop” he’s ever used—meant as high praise for a device that simply does the job without fuss.
After a week of testing, Casey’s full review sums it up: the M4 Air is the default recommendation for students, travelers, and anyone who values battery life and silence over fans and RGB. Performance is more than ample for mainstream tasks (and then some), the display is gorgeous for bingeing and photo edits, and build quality remains top-tier.
Yes, the M5 chips promise another bump in speed and AI throughput, especially for pro-class workflows. But for most people right now, the MacBook Air M4’s blend of price, polish, and portability keeps it at the top of our best-laptop shortlist.
