In the fiercely competitive tech industry, Apple’s latest claim about the new MacBook Air has certainly turned heads. The tech giant asserts that the MacBook Air, equipped with its M4 chip, is up to 23 times faster than its predecessor, the last Intel-based model. However, as always, the devil is in the details.
Analyzing Apple’s Performance Claims
The announcement came with specific comparisons: the 2025 MacBook Air featuring a 10-core M4 processor and 32GB of RAM versus the 2020 MacBook Air with a quad-core Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM. Both models sport a 2TB SSD, representing the pinnacle of what each generation can offer.
Apple’s bold performance metrics stem from a singular, highly specialized test—using the Super Resolution feature in Pixelmator Pro, an image editing application now under Apple’s umbrella. This feature, reliant on machine learning, enhances image resolution while preserving details, and it’s here that the new MacBook Air flexes its capabilities, purportedly being 23x faster than its Intel counterpart.
Yet, the fine print reveals more than just this headline-grabbing figure. Apple’s internal testing included a variety of tasks, showing considerable, albeit less sensational, speed improvements:
- Spreadsheet Management: Up to 4.7x faster using Microsoft Excel.
- Video Editing: Achievements of up to 8x faster in iMovie.
- Photo Editing: Up to 3.6x faster in Adobe Photoshop.
- Web Browsing: Enhanced by up to 60% compared to comparable Intel-powered PCs.
These figures paint a more nuanced picture of the MacBook Air’s capabilities across a spectrum of common applications, suggesting that while the 23x figure might capture attention, other performance enhancements are equally worthy of consideration.
What Does This Mean for Apple Users?
For longtime Apple enthusiasts or those considering an upgrade, the new MacBook Air promises a substantial performance boost, especially for those upgrading from older Intel-based models. Whether it’s routine tasks like web browsing or more demanding projects involving video and photo editing, users are likely to notice significant improvements.
The transition from Intel to Apple’s in-house chips, which began with the M1, continues to set new benchmarks for speed and efficiency, reinforcing Apple’s commitment to leading-edge technology. With the M4 chip, even more demanding tasks are handled with apparent ease, promising a smooth, responsive experience.
Pre-orders for the MacBook Air have already begun, with delivery dates starting Wednesday, March 12. This launch not only underscores Apple’s innovative edge but also its strategy to keep consumers within its ecosystem, thanks to proprietary software enhancements and continual hardware upgrades.
While the claim of being 23x faster might be tied to a specific task under ideal conditions, the broader performance gains across various applications are undeniable. The new MacBook Air stands as a testament to Apple’s ongoing pursuit of excellence and innovation in personal computing. Whether these enhancements justify an upgrade will depend on individual needs and the specific demands of the software they run. However, for those whose workflows align with Apple’s enhancements, the new MacBook Air represents a formidable upgrade.
