Apple’s M4 MacBook Air is coming sooner than you think. Based on the most recent leaks and rumors—including a brand new benchmark—this review provides an in-depth look at five key updates, a technical analysis of the device, and what to expect in the coming months.
1. Introduction
Recent leaks suggest that the new M4 MacBook Air is set to offer performance nearly on par with the M4 iPad Pro and very close to the M4 MacBook Pro. Despite its fanless design—a signature trait of the MacBook Air line—the device promises impressive benchmarks, making it a strong contender in the thin and light laptop market.
2. Leaked Benchmark and Performance
- Benchmark Score:
The latest leak from Geekbench 6 shows a metal GPU benchmark score of approximately 55,516 points. This is very competitive compared to the M4 iPad Pro, and only slightly lower than the M4 MacBook Pro, which scored up to 57,000 points. - Performance Insights:
The M4 MacBook Air is expected to perform excellently in short, intensive tasks. However, its fanless design may lead to thermal throttling during extended workloads such as prolonged gaming or graphics-intensive operations.
3. Comparison with Competitors
When compared to recent Windows PC chips used in thin and light laptops:
- Lunar Lake 258V achieved around 30.1 FPS, which is significantly lower than the performance indicated by the M4 MacBook Pro’s benchmark.
- Best X Elite recorded only about 17.5 FPS in the Steel Nomad Lite test.
While these scores position the M4 MacBook Air favorably, it’s worth noting that AMD’s previous 890M graphics—and the upcoming Ryzen AI Max Plus Pro—currently hold a performance lead in the graphics department.
4. Inventory Update and Release Date
Recent market observations indicate dwindling inventory levels for current M3 MacBook Air models. Analyst Mark Gurman noted that inventories for products like the iPhone SE3, iPhone 14 models, iPads, and MacBook Airs are decreasing—a common signal of an imminent new product launch.
Moreover, leaks confirm that the M4 MacBook Air is already in mass production. With beta software tests showing the device sporting the new M4 chip, Gurman confidently predicts a debut before the end of March. Updates may come as early as next week, so keep an eye out for official press releases. For further updates, check out the Apple official site or follow industry news on MacRumors.
5. Design and Feature Updates
Although the overall design has remained consistent since the M2 MacBook Air, several enhancements are anticipated with the M4 model:
- Camera:
Expect the addition of a 12-megapixel center-stage camera—similar to what is found in the M4 MacBook Pro. - Connectivity:
The device will upgrade from USB 4 with Thunderbolt 3 support to genuine Thunderbolt 4 ports. (Thunderbolt 5 will remain exclusive to the M4 Pro and higher models.) - Aesthetic Options:
There might be a reduction in available color choices, potentially aiding in better production margins.
6. Future Prospects: M5 Chip and Additional Features
- M5 Chip Rumors:
There are emerging rumors that some users might prefer to wait for the M5 chip, expected to debut later this year in a new MacBook Pro. The M5 chip is reportedly already in mass production as of February 5th and is set to introduce a new server-grade SOIC packaging method—essentially a 2.5D design—that improves yields and enhances thermal performance with a separated CPU and GPU architecture. - Integrated Modems and 5G:
Preliminary leaks indicate that Apple is testing a C2 modem, with plans to eventually integrate modem functionality into Apple Silicon. This would be a breakthrough by bringing 5G cellular connectivity to MacBooks, though such features may not be available until 2026 or later. - OLED Displays:
Despite high expectations, OLED displays are not planned for the MacBook Air. Instead, they are more likely to appear on future MacBook Pro models.
7. Technical Analysis and Specifications
Below is a summary of the technical characteristics of the upcoming M4 MacBook Air:
- Performance Benchmarks:
- Geekbench 6 (Metal GPU): ~55,516 points
- Comparison: Nearly on par with the M4 iPad Pro; slightly lower than the M4 MacBook Pro (57,000 points)
- Cooling System:
- Design: Fanless
- Implication: Potential thermal throttling during prolonged heavy tasks
- CPU and Task Performance:
- Short Tasks: Expected to perform similarly to the M4 MacBook Pro in quick benchmarks
- Extended Tasks: Significant performance drop in sustained benchmarks (e.g., Cinebench 2024 over 10 minutes)
- Camera:
- Upgrade: Likely inclusion of a 12-megapixel center-stage camera
- Connectivity:
- Ports: Genuine Thunderbolt 4 (upgraded from USB 4 with Thunderbolt 3 support)
- Future Integration:
- Modems: Potential future inclusion of integrated 5G connectivity via built-in modems
- Chip Evolution: Transition towards the upcoming M5 series with improved manufacturing and thermal performance
8. Conclusion
The upcoming M4 MacBook Air is shaping up to be a robust and efficient device for everyday use. While its fanless design may result in thermal challenges during heavy workloads, its competitive benchmarks and feature upgrades make it a compelling option for many users. For those seeking even more performance, the upcoming M5 MacBook Pro with its innovative chip architecture could be worth the wait.