Apple’s latest MacBook Air, featuring the new M4 chip, has made an early appearance on the Geekbench benchmarking platform, offering a tantalizing preview of its capabilities. With Apple expected to launch this device in the coming months, these scores give us a solid foundation to evaluate its potential. Let’s break down the performance metrics and explore what they mean for different users.

CPU Performance: Punching Above Its Weight

The M4 MacBook Air posted impressive CPU scores in Geekbench 6.4, achieving 3,680 points in single-core performance and 14,924 points in multi-core performance. According to results reported by Notebookcheck, these figures align closely with the average scores in their benchmark database—3,748 for single-core and 15,100 for multi-core. This suggests that the M4 chip delivers top-tier performance for an ultraportable laptop.

For everyday users, the single-core score promises lightning-fast responsiveness in tasks like web browsing, streaming, and document editing. The multi-core result, meanwhile, hints at serious muscle for more demanding activities, such as running virtual machines or editing high-resolution photos. Interestingly, the MacBook Air’s performance mirrors that of the MacBook Pro for tasks that don’t require sustained high output, making it a compelling option for those who prioritize portability without sacrificing power.

GPU Performance: Solid, but Not Top-Tier

In the graphics department, the M4 MacBook Air scored 54,864 points in Geekbench’s Metal benchmark, falling slightly below the database average of 57,948 points. This discrepancy suggests that the tested unit might be a base model, possibly equipped with an 8-core GPU rather than a more robust configuration. While exact GPU details remain under wraps, this score still reflects respectable graphics performance for a fanless device.

For casual users and light creatives—think photo editing in apps like Lightroom or basic video cuts in iMovie—this GPU should suffice. However, professionals handling intensive tasks like 3D modeling or 4K video rendering might find it lacking compared to higher-end options. For a deeper dive into Metal scores and what they measure, Geekbench’s documentation is a great resource.

RAM: A Sweet Spot for Most

The tested M4 MacBook Air comes with 16 GB of RAM, a capacity that strikes a balance for modern computing needs. Whether you’re a student juggling research tabs, a professional managing spreadsheets, or a casual user streaming 4K content, this amount of memory should keep things smooth. For more on how RAM impacts performance, check out this TechRadar guide.

That said, heavy multitaskers or those working with massive datasets might crave more—something future configurations could address. For now, 16 GB positions the MacBook Air as a versatile workhorse for the majority.

What This Means for Users

The M4 MacBook Air’s Geekbench results highlight its strengths: exceptional CPU performance, decent graphics, and sufficient RAM, all packed into Apple’s sleek, fanless design. As The Verge has noted, Apple’s custom silicon consistently excels in power efficiency, and the M4 appears to continue that trend. This efficiency is key for a device without active cooling, ensuring strong performance without thermal throttling.

  • Students and Casual Users: The M4 Air should handle schoolwork, streaming, and light multitasking with ease, all while offering stellar battery life and portability.
  • Creative Professionals: For lighter creative tasks—like photo editing or short video projects—it’s a capable companion. Those with heavier workloads might lean toward the Pro line for extra GPU power and thermal headroom.
  • Tech Enthusiasts: Compared to other ultraportables, the M4 Air stands out for its performance-per-watt and tight integration with macOS, giving it an edge over many Windows competitors.

Top FAQs About the MacBook Air

Here are answers to the most common questions about the MacBook Air, tailored to include insights from the M4 model where applicable:

  • Is the MacBook Air like a laptop? Yes, the MacBook Air is a type of laptop—a portable computer designed for mobility and everyday use. It’s slimmer and lighter than most traditional laptops, like the Dell XPS 13.
  • What does MacBook Air mean? “MacBook Air” is Apple’s branding for its ultraportable laptop line, emphasizing a thin, lightweight design paired with powerful performance. It’s part of the broader MacBook family.
  • What is the difference between a normal MacBook and a MacBook Air? There’s no “normal” MacBook currently—Apple discontinued the standalone MacBook in 2019. The Air is lighter and fanless compared to the MacBook Pro, which offers more power and cooling for intensive tasks.
  • Why is MacBook Air expensive? Its price reflects premium build quality, Apple’s custom M-series chips (like the M4), and tight macOS integration. Per Forbes, the ecosystem and longevity justify the cost.
  • Is the MacBook Air touch screen? No, the MacBook Air doesn’t have a touchscreen. Apple reserves touch input for iPads, as explained in their macOS design philosophy.
  • What is the difference between a laptop and a MacBook Air? A laptop is a general category of portable computers; the MacBook Air is a specific Apple model within that category, known for its slim design and macOS operating system.
  • How long does a MacBook Air last? With proper care, a MacBook Air can last 5-7 years or more. Its lifespan depends on usage, updates, and battery health—typically 1,000 charge cycles, per Apple Support.
  • What are the disadvantages of MacBook Air? Limited GPU power (e.g., the M4’s 54,864 Metal score), no fan for sustained heavy loads, and fewer ports are drawbacks. It’s less upgradeable than some PCs, like the Lenovo ThinkPad.
  • Can I use Excel on my MacBook? Yes, Microsoft Excel runs natively on macOS via Microsoft 365 or as a one-time purchase.
  • What is the advantage of MacBook Air? Its lightweight design, long battery life, and M4 performance (e.g., 14,924 multi-core score) make it ideal for portability and efficiency.
  • Which laptop is better than MacBook? “Better” depends on needs. The Dell XPS 13 excels in display and ports, while gaming laptops like the Asus ROG Zephyrus outpace it in GPU power.
  • What is MacBook Air mostly used for? It’s popular for schoolwork, browsing, coding, and light creative tasks—perfect for students, writers, and casual users.
  • Which Mac is best? The “best” Mac varies: the M4 Air suits portability, while the MacBook Pro M4 Max excels for pros needing top performance.
  • Is a MacBook Air a computer? Yes, it’s a personal computer—specifically, a laptop running macOS, designed for both work and leisure.

Final Thoughts

The M4-powered MacBook Air is shaping up to be a standout in the ultraportable category. Its Geekbench scores suggest a device that delivers near-Pro-level CPU performance, respectable graphics, and ample memory for most users—all in a package that’s thin, light, and silent. While we await hands-on testing and official specs, these early results position the M4 MacBook Air as a strong contender. Stay tuned for its launch to see how it performs in the real world!