Apple MacBook Air with M4 chip could launch even before iPhone SE 4

Apple's M4-powered MacBook Air may launch sooner than expected. In fact, a report suggests it could be even sooner than the iPhone SE 4 launch.

In Short

• Apple's M4 MacBook Air launch date is unconfirmed
• Gurman hints at an early M4 MacBook Air release
• iPhone SE 4, iPad 11, iPad Air expected in Spring 2025

Apple’s M4 chips are undeniably powerful, as demonstrated by the MacBook Pro and Mac Mini launches. However, the M4-powered MacBook Air is yet to make its debut. So far, there is no official communication from Apple regarding when the M4 MacBook Air will be launched. However, according to Apple analyst Mark Gurman, who writes for Bloomberg, the MacBook Air with M4 chip may launch sooner than we expect.

In a post shared on X, Gurman has once again confirmed that the iPhone SE 4, iPad 11, and the next-generation iPad Air will be launched in Spring 2025. This means, around May or June 2025 –– closer to Apple’s annual WWDC or may be at the event –– the three devices could be expected. However, for the MacBook Air M4, Gurman suggests that it could launch even earlier than the iPhone SE 4, iPad 11, and the upgraded iPad Air.

Considering, the timeline Gurman is hinting at isn’t Apple’s usual launch event timeline –– WWDC in June, iPhone hardware event in September, and a Mac event later in the year –– the MacBook Air M4 could be announced in a press announcement.

Apple is expected to release a 13-inch and a 15-inch MacBook Air, powered by an M4 chip. The launch of the MacBook Air was recently also revealed by Apple accidentally. In the macOS 15.2 release, the company had accidentally confirmed that new MacBook Air models are coming in 2025.

A recent report also suggests that Apple is “deep” in manufacturing the new MacBook Air. Based on this report, Apple could possibly start selling the laptop in the first quarter of 2025.

As for what to expect from the new MacBook Air, it is unlikely to see significant design updates, with most rumours pointing to the inclusion of the M4 chip and a few minor enhancements. Potential upgrades might feature a Center Stage camera for improved video calls and a shift from Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 4 ports.

Apple has already refreshed the MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini with M4 chip options earlier this year. According to Geekbench results, the M4 chip delivers approximately a 25 per cent boost in multi-core CPU performance compared to the M3 chip.