The newly announced 2025 MacBook Air models featuring Apple’s M4 chip are demonstrating impressive performance gains over their predecessors. Early benchmark results reveal significant speed improvements that highlight the continued evolution of Apple’s custom silicon.
M4 Chip Brings Substantial Speed Boost
Apple’s latest M4 processor, which powers the new MacBook Air lineup, is delivering a considerable performance uplift compared to the previous M3 chip. According to Geekbench 6 scores, the M4 MacBook Air achieves:
- Up to 53% faster multi-core performance
- Around 42% better single-core speeds
These gains stem from both architectural improvements in the M4 chip as well as an increase in CPU cores - the M4 features 10 cores versus 8 in the M3.
For users upgrading from older models like the 2020 M1 MacBook Air, the performance jump is even more dramatic, with nearly 80% faster speeds in some tests.
Breaking Down the Benchmark Results
A closer look at the Geekbench 6 scores reveals:
Multi-core performance:
- M4 MacBook Air: 14,924
- M3 MacBook Air: 9,728
Single-core performance:
- M4 MacBook Air: 3,680
- M3 MacBook Air: 2,596
These numbers indicate substantial improvements in both raw processing power and efficiency. The M4 chip’s enhanced architecture allows it to handle complex tasks and multitasking scenarios more capably than its predecessor.
Real-World Benefits of the M4 Upgrade
The performance boost provided by the M4 chip translates to tangible benefits for MacBook Air users:
- Faster app launches and system responsiveness
- Improved multitasking capabilities
- Smoother performance in demanding applications like video editing or 3D rendering
- Better energy efficiency, potentially leading to longer battery life
Additionally, the M4 chip enables new features previously unavailable on MacBook Air models, such as support for multiple external displays. The 2025 MacBook Air can now drive two external monitors while simultaneously using the built-in display - a significant upgrade for users who require expanded screen real estate.
Comparing M4 to Other Apple Silicon
The M4 chip’s performance in the MacBook Air aligns with results seen in other recent Apple devices:
- The M4 Mac mini and iMac released in late 2024 show similar speed improvements
- The M4 chip closes the performance gap with some M3 Pro configurations found in MacBook Pro models
This consistency across the M4 lineup demonstrates Apple’s ability to scale its chip designs effectively across different device categories.
What This Means for Consumers
The substantial performance gains of the M4 MacBook Air present an attractive upgrade option for many users:
- Those with Intel-based Macs or early M1 models will see dramatic improvements
- Even M3 MacBook Air owners may find the speed boost and new features compelling
- The unchanged design means familiar form factor with significantly enhanced capabilities
However, users should consider their specific needs:
- For basic tasks like web browsing and document editing, an M3 MacBook Air may still be sufficient
- Power users and professionals working with demanding applications will benefit most from the M4’s improvements
Looking Ahead: The Future of Apple Silicon
The impressive leap from M3 to M4 suggests Apple’s chip development is progressing rapidly. As the company continues to refine its silicon designs, we can expect:
- Further performance and efficiency gains in future iterations
- Expanded capabilities that enable new features across Apple’s product lineup
- Continued differentiation from Intel-based competitors in the PC market
The M4 MacBook Air’s benchmark results showcase Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance in its consumer-level devices. With significant speed improvements and new capabilities, the latest MacBook Air models offer a compelling package for both upgraders and new Mac users alike.