Apple has made a significant marketing claim regarding the new MacBook Air equipped with the powerful M4 chip. According to the tech giant, this latest model is touted to be up to 23 times faster than its predecessor, the last Intel-based MacBook Air. However, there are important details in the fine print that potential buyers should consider before making a decision.
Apple’s comparison involves a 2025 MacBook Air featuring a 10-core M4 chip and 32GB of RAM, juxtaposed with a 2020 MacBook Air that is powered by a quad-core Intel Core i7 processor and has 16GB of RAM. Both models were configured with a robust 2TB SSD, representing the best specifications available for each version. This context is crucial for understanding the performance claims made by Apple.
The remarkable claim of being up to 23 times faster is specifically linked to a single task: using the Super Resolution feature in the image editing application Pixelmator Pro, which Apple now owns. This feature utilizes advanced machine learning algorithms to enhance the resolution of images while maintaining sharpness and detail. It’s important to note that such performance improvements are not broadly applicable across all uses.
Here’s a detailed summary of Apple's fine print regarding the testing: "Testing conducted by Apple in January 2025 using preproduction 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air systems with Apple M4, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and 32GB of RAM, as well as production 1.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i7-based MacBook Air systems with Intel Iris Plus Graphics and 16GB of RAM, all configured with 2TB SSD. Tested using Super Resolution with Pixelmator Pro 3.6.14 and a 4.4MB image. Performance tests are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the approximate performance of MacBook Air."
Beyond the impressive Super Resolution performance, Apple has provided additional comparisons that may resonate more with everyday users. For instance, the new MacBook Air demonstrates:
Spreadsheet calculation performance in Microsoft Excel is up to 4.7 times faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air and up to 1.6 times faster than the 13-inch MacBook Air with M1. Video editing in iMovie is up to 8 times faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air and up to 2 times faster than the 13-inch MacBook Air with M1. Photo editing in Adobe Photoshop shows a performance increase of up to 3.6 times compared to the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air and up to 2 times faster than the 13-inch MacBook Air with M1. Web browsing speeds are up to 60 percent faster when compared to a PC laptop with an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, with more demanding tasks yielding up to 2 times faster performance.These additional benchmarks appear to present a more realistic perspective on the performance capabilities of the new MacBook Air, making it suitable for a wider range of users.
While the claim of being 23 times faster may be somewhat exaggerated, it is undeniable that any MacBook Air model featuring the M1 chip or newer represents a significant performance leap over its Intel-based counterparts. For users who have been hesitant to upgrade, the enhancements in speed and efficiency are truly exciting. Pre-orders for the new MacBook Air are now available on Apple’s online store, with deliveries scheduled to begin on Wednesday, March 12.
For those seeking a powerful, efficient, and innovative laptop, the new MacBook Air with M4 chip is certainly a strong contender worth considering.
