Is any of it true? Rumoured MacBook Air M4 and its release date

What we know about the MacBook Air M4 so far

Apple is gearing up to launch the MacBook Air featuring the M4 chip, with reports indicating a Spring release between April and June 2025. The upcoming models are expected to keep the sleek design of their predecessors while introducing significant internal improvements. 

The M4 chip, built on improved nano-technology, promises substantial performance improvements. You can anticipate faster processing speeds, improved graphics capabilities and additional machine learning performance. The M4 chip's efficiency may also lead to extended battery life, potentially surpassing the already impressive endurance of the M3 models.

Pros and cons of the new MacBook Air M4

The upcoming MacBook Air M4 is expected to bring notable upgrades in performance, efficiency and display support. While it builds on the strengths of the M3 model, some trade-offs may influence potential buyers.

Apple is preparing to launch updated MacBook Air models featuring the M4 chip, anticipated between April and June 2025. These updates are expected to focus on internal enhancements, with no significant external design changes.

Rumoured specifications

• Processor: The new MacBook Air models are expected to be equipped with Apple's M4 chip, which has a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU. 

• Memory: Apple recently increased the minimum RAM included in all MacBook Air models from 8 GB to 16 GB, so expect 16 GB of RAM for base 2025 configurations. 

• Camera: Following in the footsteps of the MacBook Pro, the next MacBook Air models will likely have an upgraded 12-megapixel camera with support for Center Stage, a feature that automatically keeps you centred on video as you move around. 

• Ports: The new MacBook Air models will likely be equipped with three Thunderbolt 4 ports, whereas the current models have two Thunderbolt 3 ports. 

• Display Support: The new models will likely support up to two external displays, even when the lid is open. 

These upgrades are there to give you better connectivity and performance, and to improve your video capabilities.

How does the M4 compare to previous models

Apple's M4 chip introduces several improvements over its predecessors, focusing on performance, efficiency and memory capabilities. Here is a comparison highlighting key differences between the M4 and earlier models:

Rumoured price and availability

As of February 2025, industry insiders suggest Apple’s MacBook Air M4 could debut by late Q2 or early Q3, aligning with a potential spring/summer launch event. Reliable leakers like Mark Gurman, industry leader in technology news, hint at an April unveiling, with pre-orders starting immediately and shipments by May. Pricing remains contentious: analysts predict a base model between £1,300 to £1,500 (up from £1,249 for the M3), citing advanced 3 nm M4 chip efficiency, a rumoured OLED display upgrade and AI-driven macOS features. However, others argue Apple may retain the £1,249 tag to counter competitive pressure from Snapdragon X Elite-powered laptops.

According to this article, there are signs of an imminent release of the MacBook Air with an M4 chip, with an X user sharing new identifiers, and reliable leakers like Mark Gurman hinting at a “relatively soon” release. Higher-tier configurations (16 GB RAM/1 TB SSD) may hit £1,700. While inflation and component costs tend to fuel price hike theories, Apple’s history of edu/mass-market pricing could temper increases. Official confirmation is expected by March, with broader retail availability by June 2025.

Why choose a refurbished MacBook Air M4 from Back Market?

With the guarantees and pricing on Back Market, buying a refurbished MacBook could be just what you need: 

• Cost-effective: save up to 30% compared to buying new

• Rigorous testing: every device undergoes 70+ quality checks

• Warranty included: 12-month coverage for peace of mind

• Planet-positive: cutting e-waste by extending device lifecycles

Final thoughts on the MacBook Air M4

The MacBook Air M4 release date can’t come soon enough for Apple fans. If you need a laptop today, a refurbished M1 or M2 is still a stellar choice. But if you crave cutting-edge tech, waiting for the M4 might pay off. Before making your decision, let us walk you through the most important points of buying a refurbished MacBook. 

And if you decide to go with a refurbished option, we have some great picks for you: